As we celebrate Women’s History Month and the theme Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations, we honor women whose leadership and vision have created lasting change in their communities and beyond. Few embody this spirit more than Betsy Delgado, Senior Vice President and Chief Mission and Education Officer at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. Through her dedication to expanding educational access and breaking down systemic barriers, Betsy has transformed thousands of lives, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

A Visionary for Adult Education

When Betsy joined Goodwill in 2011 as the Executive Director of The Excel Center®, a tuition-free high school for adults, it was a single school in Indianapolis with just four graduates. Today, thanks to Betsy’s vision and leadership, there are 47 Excel Center locations across nine states plus the District of Columbia — including 24 in Indiana — helping more than 14,000 graduates earn their high school diplomas. The Excel Center model, which provides free onsite childcare, flexible scheduling, industry certifications, and college readiness support, is a lifeline for adult learners, particularly women balancing education with caregiving and employment.

Betsy recognized that the 30 million Americans without a high school diploma needed more than just a second chance — they needed a school designed for them. She pioneered a wraparound approach, ensuring students receive not just education, but also career guidance, life coaching, transportation assistance, job placement services and more. These innovative strategies have enabled thousands to break the cycle of poverty, access higher-paying jobs, and inspire their children to pursue education.

Empowering Women and Families Through Health Care and Education

Betsy’s impact extends beyond the classroom. She also led the expansion of Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP), a program that pairs first-time parents experiencing overlapping barriers with registered nurses to provide crucial prenatal and early childhood support. Under her leadership, NFP has grown from serving one county to all 92 of Indiana’s counties, with Goodwill NFP being the largest implementing agency, reaching over 8,000 families since 2011. This initiative plays a vital role in addressing Indiana’s high infant mortality rate by equipping new mothers with the knowledge and resources to ensure their children thrive.

Through both The Excel Center and Goodwill NFP, Betsy has championed a two-generation approach to breaking cycles of poverty — helping parents succeed so their children can too. This demonstrates perfectly how women educating and inspiring others creates a ripple effect that transforms entire communities.

A Leader in Workforce and Policy Advocacy

Beyond education and health care, Betsy’s influence in workforce development and policy is unparalleled. She has worked tirelessly with lawmakers, business leaders, and nonprofit organizations to expand opportunities for adults re-entering the workforce. Her advocacy was instrumental in securing additional funding and legislative support for The Excel Center’s expansion, leading Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to highlight the program in his 2023 State of the State address as a key initiative in workforce development.

Her commitment to systemic change extends nationally. Through partnerships with institutions like Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University Global, and the University of Notre Dame, Betsy has ensured that Excel Center graduates have seamless pathways to higher education. Her work with the University of Notre Dame’s Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) has also provided critical research demonstrating the program’s long-term impact, including a 39% increase in graduates’ earnings within five years.

Mentorship and Community Leadership

As a mentor, Betsy has empowered countless individuals within Goodwill and beyond. Whether guiding young professionals through Goodwill’s Executive Development Program or mentoring students at The Excel Center, she embodies the spirit of servant leadership. Her dedication to fostering professional growth has earned her recognition as an Ascend Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a Pahara Fellow, highlighting her national impact in educational equity. She was also recently honored as a Woman of Influence by Indianapolis Business Journal. 

Betsy’s leadership is also evident in her service on multiple boards, including EmployIndy and the Indiana Early Learning Advisory Committee. Her ability to bridge education, workforce development, and community support makes her an invaluable force in the fight for economic mobility and social equity.

Creating a Legacy of Change

Through her unwavering commitment, Betsy Delgado exemplifies what it means to move forward together — uplifting individuals, families, and entire communities through education and opportunity. Her work ensures that women, particularly those who have faced systemic barriers, have the tools to succeed and inspire the next generation.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize leaders like Betsy, who not only envision a better future but take bold action to make it a reality. Her legacy at Goodwill will continue shaping lives for years to come, proving that when women lead with vision and determination, they truly do educate and inspire generations.

Visit goodwillindy.org to learn more about Goodwill's mission and programs.