Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) takes pride in the diverse, inspiring journeys of its graduates, and the IPS Alumni Spotlight seeks to celebrate those stories. Among the many graduates who have charted unique paths, Jewel Mosley, a 2004 Arsenal Technical High School alumna, stands out as a remarkable example of resilience, dedication, and community impact. From navigating personal hardships as a student to becoming a leader in social work, behavioral health, and civic engagement, Mosley’s story is one of determination and the transformative power of opportunity.
After graduating from Arsenal Technical, Mosley pursued her passion for social work, earning a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Indianapolis in 2009, followed by a Master of Social Work in 2010. She has since devoted her career to advancing student success, equity, and mentorship. Her professional roles include BSW Student Services Coordinator, associate faculty at the IU School of Social Work, and leadership positions in programs like the Nina Scholars Advisory Council and the Pre-Social Work Scholarship. Today, Mosley serves as President and CEO of Jewel’s Wellness Center, focusing on behavioral health equity in Black communities, while also leading Greg Draws Inc., a nonprofit organization that empowers communities through arts, education, and technology.
Mosley’s work extends into higher education, where she mentors future social work professionals at Indiana University and Ivy Tech, and into civic leadership as a Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation Fellow, Hoosier AI 1000 leader, minister, and mayoral board appointee influencing education policy in Indianapolis. Her contributions have been recognized widely, including her receipt of the 2025 Rising Star Award for her impact in education and leadership.
When asked about how IPS shaped her educational foundation, Mosley reflects on a journey marked by challenge and perseverance. “When I look back on my years in Indianapolis Public Schools, I see a story that could have ended very differently. I was a child impacted by incarceration, carrying burdens far heavier than my peers could see. Suspensions and the label of ‘teen mother’ shadowed my senior year in IPS. Too often, the question asked of me was, ‘What’s wrong with Jewel?’ when the more powerful question should have been, ‘What happened to Jewel?’”
Mosley recalls that, despite these barriers, IPS provided moments of guidance and hope. Her guidance counselor, Ms. Anderson, became a pivotal figure, supporting her through teen pregnancy, helping her complete high school early, and guiding her through the college application process. “Ms. Anderson didn’t just help me finish—she opened the door to my future. She sat with me to complete my college application to the University of Indianapolis and encouraged me to see possibilities I had never imagined. I was accepted into the Bridge Program, a pivotal opportunity that prepared me for higher education.”
From a student facing suspensions to a university graduate and Rising Star honoree, Mosley emphasizes that her story is a testament to resilience and the impact of supportive interventions. She states, “And it is why I now work to ensure that no student in K–20 education must endure the struggles I had to overcome.”
Discussing the influence of IPS on her personal and professional development, Mosley notes, “My education at Indianapolis Public Schools shaped not only how I saw myself, but how I saw possibility. IPS gave me both challenges and chances. As a student impacted by incarceration, suspensions, and the reality of becoming a teen mother, I could have been counted out. But IPS also gave me educators who lit a path forward.”
She highlights the lessons of resilience, grit, and the importance of support systems learned during her time at IPS, which guided her through higher education and continue to shape her work as a licensed social worker, educator, and nonprofit leader. “IPS influenced me to become the professional I am today—someone committed to breaking barriers, amplifying equity, and ensuring students are asked, ‘What happened to you?’ instead of ‘What’s wrong with you?’ Personally, it gave me the courage to turn my story of struggle into a story of service.”
When reflecting on specific skills gained at IPS, Mosley emphasizes self-advocacy. “The most valuable skill I gained at IPS was self-advocacy. In many ways, IPS forced me to find my own voice. When suspensions, stigma, and life circumstances seemed to define me, I had to learn how to speak up—not just for what I needed in the moment, but for the future I wanted to build.”
This skill has been foundational in her career. “As a social worker, I advocate for families and communities. As a CEO and educator, I help students and professionals find their own voice. And as a board appointee through the Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation, I use that same spirit of advocacy to influence policy and decision-making on behalf of others.”
Mosley maintains a strong connection to the IPS community, driven by a desire to give back. She volunteers with Dream Alive, mentoring students and guiding them as they explore their own gifts and ambitions. She also mentors seniors at Arsenal Technical, helping them envision a place for themselves in higher education. “Staying engaged with IPS is personal for me. I know firsthand what it feels like to face barriers, and I also know the difference it makes when someone shows up, listens, and reminds you that your story is still being written,” she explains.
Her advice to current IPS students is rooted in resilience and proactive engagement. “Advocate for yourself, lean into the support systems around you, and never let today’s challenges define tomorrow’s possibilities. The very obstacles you face can become the foundation of your strength. And just as important—find mentors, hold on to them, and let their wisdom guide you as you create your own path forward.”
Mosley also reflects on the challenges she faced as a student, particularly the lack of culturally responsive and trauma-informed care. “One of the greatest challenges I faced at IPS was the lack of culturally responsive and trauma-informed care. As a student impacted by incarceration and the realities of teen pregnancy, I often carried trauma into the classroom. But instead of being met with understanding, I was met with discipline—suspensions that pushed me further to the margins. That is the school-to-prison pipeline in action: when systems see behavior before they see the story behind it.”
A turning point in her life came through the intervention of caring adults. She cites Judge Geoffrey Gaither, who saw her potential and provided guidance that helped redirect her trajectory. “His belief in me became a turning point, proving that when students are surrounded by adults who are both firm and caring, their story can shift from punishment to possibility.”
Mosley’s dedication to improving educational outcomes for IPS students continues through initiatives like Dream Alive, where she mentors students in academic and career development. “For me, Dream Alive is not just a program—it is a bridge. It connects students to mentors, networks, and experiences that many of us didn’t have access to when we were their age. I know from my own story how powerful it is to have even one adult who believes in you and creates space for you to dream beyond your circumstances.”
Through her work, Mosley emphasizes the transformative power of opportunity. “Opportunity changes everything. When students are given access to resources, caring relationships, and pathways to thrive, they rise. And it’s not just about their success—it’s about breaking cycles and building stronger communities.”
From her challenging beginnings to her current roles in social work, education, civic engagement, and nonprofit leadership, Mosley embodies the principles of resilience, advocacy, and service. Her story is a vivid reminder of the importance of supportive adults, equitable opportunities, and the power of perseverance.
Jewel Mosley’s journey demonstrates the profound impact a school system can have when educators and mentors invest in students beyond academics. Her life and work serve as a model for current IPS students, illustrating that challenges can be transformed into opportunities, and that the right guidance at the right moment can change a trajectory and inspire a lifetime of service.
Through her leadership at Jewel’s Wellness Center, Greg Draws Inc., and in her teaching and civic roles, Mosley continues to ensure that her experiences inform the way she shapes opportunities for others. By emphasizing equity, mentorship, and resilience, she is creating pathways for future generations to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Her advice and example resonate as a call to action for all students and educators: advocacy, support, and belief in potential are transformative. Mosley’s journey from a student burdened by trauma to a Rising Star in her field highlights the enduring influence of IPS and the critical importance of nurturing every student’s potential.
In reflecting on her life, Mosley concludes, “Every time I mentor, I’m reminded that the seeds we plant in young people today will bear fruit for years to come. And every time I advocate for a student or community, I see that resilience paired with opportunity can redefine futures. IPS taught me to rise despite adversity, to speak despite obstacles, and to serve despite challenges—and that is a lesson I carry with me every day.”
Her story is not just one of personal triumph—it is a blueprint for how educational institutions, mentors, and communities can transform challenges into opportunities, shaping generations to come with intentional care, advocacy, and opportunity. IPS alumni like Jewel Mosley exemplify the profound potential of students when the right supports, mentorship, and opportunities converge, leaving an indelible mark on their lives and the communities they serve.
From her earliest days at Arsenal Technical to her leadership roles today, Mosley’s journey reflects a powerful narrative of resilience, advocacy, and transformation—a story that continues to inspire IPS students, educators, and the wider Indianapolis community.
