Shalise Truxler’s path to Ivy Tech Community College was not a straight line, but a series of events that led her to discover her purpose in social work. Now, the 22-year-old alumna is using her lived experience and education to shape state policy and empower youth across the country.
Truxler’s journey began in Indiana’s foster care system, which she entered at age 12. After moving to Georgia for high school, a house fire during her senior year brought her family back to Indiana, upending college application plans for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Faced with high costs and on-campus housing requirements at other Indiana schools, Truxler discovered Ivy Tech Indianapolis.
“I hadn’t heard much about Ivy Tech, even though I went to elementary, middle school here,” Truxler said. “But I'm super proud to have studied at Ivy Tech. It’s one of the largest community colleges in the nation. They have so many good statistics, and I think other institutions need to model after it.”
Truxler started in software development, fueled by a Pepsi Scholarship and a Pell Grant, but soon realized her passion lay elsewhere. A pivotal moment came when she reflected on the positive relationships with adults she had met through the foster system.
“Social work isn’t just someone coming to take your kids away,” Truxler said of common misconceptions of the career path. “It’s being in the youth centers and teaching them things. It’s being there for someone. It could be advocating on a macro level.”
Switching her major to human services and social work was a decision that “illuminated opportunity after opportunity,” she said. One of those opportunities was a federal work-study position in the Career Link office, where she was described as a “star” student employee.
It was there she met her supervisor, Katrina Jones, executive director of Career Link Student Programs, and others who made a significant impact.
“Katrina was like the big boss, so I used to be a little nervous,” Truxler said, chuckling. “But she was great, very open, and always gave me an opportunity.”
Truxler found great support in the career coaches and front desk specialists, as well.
“It was great speaking with them almost every time I came into the building and for them to be interested in what I was doing and where I was going,” Truxler shared.
Her newfound path quickly led to remarkable achievements. While still a student, Truxler secured a $5,000 internship with the Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition to host a focus group. She organized and led the event on Ivy Tech Indy’s campus in August 2024, which drew dozens of attendees, including representatives from the Office of Public Health and Safety, the Coroner’s Office, and various community organizations.
The event was so impactful that it attracted three local news stations. The focus group centered on youth opportunities, mental health, wellness, and gun safety.
WATCH: Indianapolis community gathers for conversation about youth violence prevention
“Having everyone there was critical because the solutions are clear,” Truxler said. “It’s about creating opportunities, prioritizing mental wellness, and facing the issue of gun education directly. Because they’re getting guns easily, it’s on us to teach them safety.”
Her leadership was recognized at the 2025 Green and White Gala, where she was named Outstanding Leader of the Year.
Since graduating with her associate degree, Truxler has transferred to Ball State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work. Her influence, however, extends far beyond the classroom. She currently serves on three foster youth boards: Indiana Foster Youth Alliance (IFYIA) through Foster Success, Foster Clubs Youth Board, and Sankofa Knowledge Exchange.
Her work with IFYIA has already led to tangible change. She helped advocate for Indiana House Bill 1441, which was signed into law and allows foster, emancipated, and justice-involved youth to open their own bank accounts at age 16.
“That was just one barrier knocked down for foster youth,” Truxler said.
Through these boards, she travels nationally to conferences, paid to present on authentic youth engagement and data collection. She recently presented at the Daniel Memorial Conference in Orlando and is preparing for a summit in San Francisco.
Looking ahead, Truxler aims to earn a master’s degree from an HBCU like Howard University and ultimately pursue a career in policy and public office.
“My goal is to write laws that empower social workers to help people more effectively,” Truxler said. “I plan to run for office and bring my peers with me so that, together, we can build the world we want to see.”
Reflecting on her time at Ivy Tech, Truxler summarizes it as a “hidden treasure.”
“You think about community colleges and have bad stigmas about it,” she said. “I can confidently say it’s nothing like that. Go get your education affordably. Go join a club, get those scholarships. There are so many hidden treasures at Ivy Tech.”
Her advice to others, especially foster youth, is to face fears head-on.
“Don’t let anxiety stop you,” Truxler said. “If you’re afraid to speak on panels, sign up for a panel. Just do it anyway until you’re not afraid anymore … With experience, you become less and less afraid, and you become more confident.”
For more information on Ivy Tech Indianapolis’ Human Services program, visit ivytech.edu.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
