Honoring a Legacy of Leadership and Impact:
Iris Yateman
We are proud to honor the remarkable legacy of Iris Yateman, an iconic trailblazer, fierce advocate, and community champion whose contributions inspire generations. A proud daughter of Indianapolis, Iris Yateman broke barriers in the real estate industry and beyond. In 1971, alongside Daisy Donavan of Detroit and Laura Seale of Brooklyn, she co-founded the Women’s Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). Her vision was clear: to elevate and empower women professionals within the industry, promote leadership, and create space for education, advocacy, and collaboration. Today, the Women's Council of NAREB stands strong as a national network because of her courageous leadership and unwavering determination.
But Iris’s impact didn’t stop at the national level—she was deeply invested in the local community here in Indianapolis. From celebrating young achievers to supporting economic growth in historically underserved neighborhoods, Iris dedicated her life to uplifting others. She believed in building not just homes but futures.
To carry her mission forward, the Women’s Council of CIRA established the Iris Yateman Scholarship in her honor. In our inaugural year, we awarded six $1,000 scholarships to exceptional high school seniors pursuing higher education, empowering them to take the next steps toward their dreams. These scholarships directly reflect Iris’s belief in investing in young minds and creating pathways to success.
We invite you to the Second Annual Iris Yateman Scholarship Luncheon on August 14, 2025, at the 502 Event Center. It will be a day of celebration, purpose, and promise as we honor Iris’s legacy and continue investing in the future of our youth—just as she would have.
Want to make an impact? We welcome your support through donations and sponsorship opportunities for the luncheon. Your contribution helps us provide even more scholarships and continue the work Iris began—building futures, one student at a time.
Together, we’re not just remembering a legacy but living it.
2026 Scholarship Winners
Camya and Desmond are receiving the Champion of Change award.
Camya Webster
Camya is a graduate of Carmel High school who is planning to study biology on a pre-med track at Alabama A&M University with the aspiration of becoming a neurologist. Camya is an AP Honor student and a member of Black student Union, ASL club and multiple dance teams. During her high school career Camya founded "Bins of Brilliance," a nonprofit for children with autism. She has participated in Miss Circle City Classic coordination, Indiana Fever Confidence Cohort, and completed a mobility tech internship at Ascension St. Vincent. Camya has over 100 volunteer hours with Innovative Hematology sickle cell research and is a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Desmond Brown
Desmond is a graduate of Warren Central who is planning to study Electrical Engineering at Rose-Holman Institute of Technology. Desmond is an AP student and played varsity Football. He holds membership in National Honor Society, Minority Engineering Program of Indianapolis ( MEPI), and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). He participated in Rose-Hulman summer camp and was a mentee in ACE
(architecture, construction, engineering).
Izria Goines
Izria is a graduate of Ben Davis High School who is planning to study Criminal Justice at Indiana University Indianapolis. During her high school career Izira participated in dance and theater as well as completed a Criminal Justice Course through Area 51 granting her college credit. Outside of school, Azria is employed at Hawthorn Community Center.
LeAnn Bradley
LeAnn is a graduate of Lawrence Central High school who is planning to study Mathematics Education at Delaware State University. LeeAnn has received numerous honors, including the Principal's Award for Academic Excellence and AP Scholar recognition. During her high school career LeeAnn participated in the National Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council and served as the president of the Black Heritage society. Outside of school LeeAnn works as a shift leader at Cold Stone Creamery.
Austin Stacey
Austin is a graduate of Lawrence North High School who is planning to study Animation and American Sign Language at Ball State University with the aspirations of being an art teacher. Austin graduated with academic and technical honors earning a Child Development Certificate (CDA). During her high school career, Austin participated in club volleyball serving as team captain, volunteered through Youth Corps, and served
as a teachers assistant.
Evan Williams
Evan is a graduate of Lawrence Central High School who is planning to study Graphic Design at Indiana University - Bloomington as well as compete in D1 track and field. Evans high school achievements include, earning a Bronze Medal in the 60M Hurdles at the 2026 New Balance Indoor Track Nationals, and being named the 2025 Athlete of the Year for Advance through Athletics (ATA) track club. Evan served as team captain for both Lawrence Central and ATA and the principal player for the Lawrence Central Wind Ensemble.
Daryl Cummings
Daryl is a graduate of Lawrence North High School who is planning to study Finance at the University of Cincinnati with the aspiration of managing a dental practice.Daryl's achievements include earning Distinguished Honor Roll and placing 1st in the 100 Black Men Dollars & Cents Financial Literacy Competition. During his high school career he
participated in football, track and field, the dive team, and High Five Choir. He also serves as a pool manager and has two years of experience as a lifeguard.
Jaidon Harper
JaiDon is a graduate of Lawrence Central High School who is planning to study Chemical Engineering at Howard University. During his high school career Jaidon was recognized as an Indianapolis Urban League student of the month. He is also a Distinguished Scholar and AP Capstone candidate. Jaidon is a member of National Honor and Technical Honors society as well as Black Student Union, and the Lawrence Township Student Foundation. Jaidon is a peer mentor for Teen council and Vice
president of Bring Change 2 Mind. Outside of school, he works at Kroger as well as a camp counselor at his Church.
Elyse Jones
Elyse is a graduate of Pike High School who is planning to study Political Science on a pre-law track at the University of Louisville with aspirations to pursue family law. Elyse graduated with academic honors and is a member of National Honor Society. During her high school career Elyse was a member of the show choir and served as president and dance captain, winning "best performer" multiple times. She also regularly volunteers in community events including Pike Farmers market and middle schools. Outside of school she holds employment at Buff City Soap and DSW.
2025 Scholarship Winners
