A young mom wanting to get playgrounds in her neighborhood fixed led to a career in political activity and community service. Sheila Brillson Matias, mayor of Michigan City from 1996 to 2003, is back home guiding the Leadership Institute at Purdue University Northwest and the Society of Innovators. She talks about bringing common sense to government 20-plus years ago, the importance of effective communications and more. The current initiatives at Purdue Northwest combine some longstanding programs (for emerging leaders and high school students) with additional efforts to further connect the university and the surrounding community.

Learn more:
Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest (https://www.pnw.edu/leadership-institute)
Society of Innovators (http://www.nwisoi.org)