Class VII Outstanding Fellow | Anne Fuchs
When I moved from Germany to Indiana nearly a decade ago, I wasn’t sure what role my career as a professional opera singer would play in my next chapter. I was craving meaning beyond the stage; I longed for community, impact - a true home. What I found in Indiana was all that and more: a place that welcomed me with open arms and gave me the opportunity to build a vibrant dual life in public affairs and the arts.
Participating in the Mitch Daniels Leadership Fellowship has been one of the most joyful, meaningful experiences of my life. Each class, conversation, and connection deepened my understanding of the challenges Hoosiers face and ignited new ways to serve. With the overwhelming support of my Fellows, the Executive Committee, and the MDLF Board, I launched a capstone project that fuses my opera training with my work in public service: a leadership training program that uses the secrets of opera singers to strengthen the power of the human voice in civic engagement and advocacy.
As Director of Communications for the Court of Appeals, I’ve seen how the skills of a stage performer - timing, emotional intelligence, empathy, and vocal presence - translate directly into public leadership. Opera singers are trained to use their voice to inspire, connect, and transform. Through my capstone, I’m equipping leaders with those very tools to combat social disconnection and help communities thrive.
Being named the Outstanding Fellow is a profound honor and a reminder that even the most unconventional path can lead to extraordinary impact. I once feared that being an opera singer wasn’t “serious” enough to make a difference. But with the support and encouragement of my incredible Fellows, I’ve learned the opposite: my voice is not just an artistic instrument - it’s a force for change.
