ENNIS ADAMS JR.
NONPROFIT LEADER | ARTS ADVOCATE | COMMUNITY STRATEGIST
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Innovative nonprofit leader with 15 years in youth and workforce development, arts education, and community engagement. Expertise in formulating strategic plans, creating impactful programs, and developing business opportunities. Proven success in leading teams to achieve organizational goals and drive community impact.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Founder & Owner
Script to Skillet LLC
01.2026 - Current
- Secured a partnership contract with Aspire House to facilitate two culinary workforce development programs serving youth and young adults ages 15–20.
- Manage operations of the Ryze Commercial Kitchen.
- Lead strategic planning, business development, partnerships, budgeting, and marketing.
Teaching Artist
Sapphire Theatre Company
09.2024 - Current
- Design and facilitate theatre-based learning experiences promoting creativity, leadership, communication, and artistic growth.
Director of After School Programming
Mother Theodore Catholic Academies
01.2020 - 01.2026
- Directed a four-year, $1.2 million grant-funded initiative serving more than 400 students across three Catholic school campuses.
- Supervised a staff of 30 educators and enrichment professionals.
- Managed compliance, budgeting, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and program evaluation.
- Designed and implemented innovative after-school programs that enhanced student engagement and participation.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to expand resources and opportunities for students.
- Led a team of educators in creating tailored curricula that addressed diverse student needs.
- Monitored program effectiveness through regular assessments, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
Teaching Artist, Prep4Life Instructor & Communications Specialist
Asante Arts Institute
01.2016 - 01.2026
- Developed marketing campaigns contributing to annual holiday concert sellouts for four consecutive years.
- Maintained a 5-star organizational reputation through communications and branding.
- Delivered arts education, leadership development, workforce readiness, and enrichment programming.
- Developed and implemented engaging arts education programs, enhancing student participation and creativity.
- Facilitated community workshops, fostering collaboration and artistic expression among diverse populations.
- Utilized digital communication platforms to promote programs, increasing outreach and community engagement.
- Mentored aspiring artists in skill development, contributing to their professional growth and confidence.
Holy Cross After School Site Director
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
01.2013 - 01.2020
- Established operational procedures and staff leadership systems.
- Expanded STEM and STEAM programming through community partnerships.
- Served as Interim 3rd and 5th Grade Teacher.
- Directed daily operations of after-school programs, ensuring student safety and engagement.
- Trained and mentored staff in program implementation and effective classroom management strategies.
Technical Director
IndyFringe
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Coordinated technical crews for the IndyFringe Festival.
- Managed staffing, scheduling, and deployment of technicians supporting dozens of productions.
- Programmed lighting and sound systems for 50+ theatrical productions.
Medicare Part D Representative
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Selected for a specialized troubleshooting team and maintained a 94% success rate.
Director of Youth Services
Christamore House Community Center
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Oversaw $50,000+ annual budget for grant-funded youth programs, ensuring effective resource allocation.
- Developed anti-gang and anti-bullying curriculum.
- Created anti-gang and anti-bullying curriculum to promote safe, supportive environments for youth.
Education
Telecommunications, Communication Studies, Journalism, Media Studies
Ball State University
Muncie, IndianaSkills
- Program Development
- Program management
- Strategic Planning
- Creative Program Design
- Youth programs
Fundraising Strategies
Budgeting
- Community engagement
- Stakeholder relations
- Marketing communications
- Publicity management
- Team Leadership
- Publicity management
Event planning
Certification
CPR/First Aid – American Red Cross
Timeline
Founder & Owner
Script to Skillet LLC
01.2026 - Current
Teaching Artist
Sapphire Theatre Company
09.2024 - Current
Director of After School Programming
Mother Theodore Catholic Academies
01.2020 - 01.2026
Technical Director
IndyFringe
01.2018 - 01.2019
Teaching Artist, Prep4Life Instructor & Communications Specialist
Asante Arts Institute
01.2016 - 01.2026
Holy Cross After School Site Director
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
01.2013 - 01.2020
Medicare Part D Representative
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
01.2012 - 01.2013
Director of Youth Services
Christamore House Community Center
01.2009 - 01.2011
Telecommunications, Communication Studies, Journalism, Media Studies
Ball State University
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Aspire House, Volunteer & Community Partner, 2016, Present, Supported youth development, entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and community engagement initiatives for more than a decade.
LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Directed a 4-year, $1.2 million grant-funded initiative
- Supervised 30 educators and program professionals
- Served 400+ students across three campuses
- Achieved a 100% graduation rate among participating youth
- Sold out Asante's holiday concert four consecutive years
- Secured Aspire House workforce development contracts
- Managed Ryze Commercial Kitchen operations
- 8-Year Collegiate Advisor at Ball State University
- 10+ Years of Aspire House volunteer service