Our mission is simple:
To empower our community
through education, advocacy,
and action.
ABOUT COMMUNITY ADVOCATES OF NORTHERN INDIANA
Community Advocates of Northern Indiana (CANI) began with a simple belief: that everyone deserves access to health, education, and opportunity. What started as a small team focused on outreach and awareness has grown into a leading voice for community health and advocacy across Northwest Indiana.
Our work is built on collaboration. We partner with residents, organizations, and leaders to tackle the barriers that impact health from maternal care and tobacco prevention to mental wellness and chronic disease. Every program we run, every story we share, and every partnership we build is rooted in one goal: creating a Region where all people can thrive.
CANI stands apart because we meet people where they are. We don’t just talk about change, we make it tangible through our evidence-based programing.
Together, we’re building a healthier Region, one connection at a time.
Our vision is bold:
a future where health equity
isn’t an ideal but a reality.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
Health equity means more than improving statistics — it means creating communities where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy and thriving life.
At CANI, our work is driven by the belief that lasting change happens when communities are informed, empowered, and supported.
Through partnerships, education, and community-driven programs, we are working to remove barriers to health and create systems that better serve families across Northern Indiana.
Meet the
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides leadership, guidance, and oversight to support CANI’s mission and community impact. We are proud to have a board comprised of Region natives, all sharing deep roots in the community we serve.
President
Rev. Thomas Fuller Jr.
Rev. Thomas Fuller Jr., pastor of Holy Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana, has served on CANI’s Board of Directors since the organization’s founding in 2016. He brings strong community leadership and a commitment to advancing health equity across Northwest Indiana.
Vice President
Dr. Sharon Liggins
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Dr. Sharon Liggins, a Gary native and one of CANI’s founding board members, has an extensive background in community health and public service. She also serves on the board of the Indiana Minority Health Coalition and continues to advocate for improved health outcomes across Northwest Indiana.
Treasurer
Ludeen B. Kilgore
Ludeen B. Kilgore, a Gary native, studied Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Northwest. Known for her work with the Gary Black International Film Festival and her international professional experience, she brings a global perspective and strong community leadership to the CANI board.
Recording Secretary
Tracy D. Lewis
Tracy D. Lewis has served on CANI’s Board of Directors since the organization’s founding in 2016 and currently serves as Recording Secretary. She supports board governance and documentation while helping guide the organization’s mission to improve community health across Northern Indiana.
Meet our Team
Our team is rooted in the very communities we serve—many of us were born and raised right here in Northern Indiana. That connection shapes how we show up: with understanding, trust, and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes. We combine lived experience with professional training to provide care, education, and support that truly meets people where they are.
Tracy Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Nicole Otis
Outreach Director
Kirsten Robinson
Marketing Director
Penny Cochran
Field Supervisor
Valerie Lowry
Field Team
Deniese Garlin
Doula Team
Gnaun Haymon
Doula Team
Velma Sellars
Doula Team
Janine Tribble
Field Team
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DeMarion Newell
Marketing Team
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Jacqueline Otis
Intern
Our Team Certifications
Our team brings more than passion to this work — they bring credentials.
Every member of the CANI team is trained, certified, and committed to delivering the highest standard of care and service to our community.
Certified Health Worker Instructor
A CHW Instructor is trained to teach and certify the next generation of Community Health Workers. CANI's CHW Instructors bring hands-on field experience into the classroom, building community health capacity across Northwest Indiana.
Certified Health Worker
Community Health Workers are the backbone of our outreach. Our certified CHWs connect community members to health education, screenings, referrals, and resources — meeting people where they are, in language they understand.
Mental Health First Aid Trained
Mental Health First Aid certification equips our team to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. We show up for the whole person — not just the physical.
Certified Doula
Our certified doulas are trained to provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. They are the heart of our Luv Mom program.
First Aid Certified
The First Aid certification, ensuring we're prepared to respond safely and effectively in any community setting.
