An assistant field hockey coach at Indiana University is shaping more than athletes: She’s helping redefine what leadership looks like in sports.

Dani Castro, a Pacific Islander and assistant coach at IU, is breaking barriers in her field, and also paving the way for future leaders.

Castro has spent years building up IU’s field hockey program, first as a player, and now as an assistant coach.

Since returning to her alma mater in 2019, the 2009 graduate helped lead IU to record-setting success. That includes seven shutout victories in one season (a program best) and back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in nearly a decade.

But the journey hasn’t always been smooth. Early in her coaching career, Castro was often mistaken for head coach Kayla Bashore, who is also of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage.

Despite being overlooked, Castro has become a visible and vocal leader. She recently shared her story on a university panel called Redefining the Game, focusing on representation, microaggressions, and the importance of inclusion in sports leadership.

She hopes her presence sends a clear message to the next generation.

Through her role, Castro is paving the way for others, on and off the field

Castro’s message is clear: Representation isn’t just important, it’s necessary, and it starts with being seen and having a sense of belonging.

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The Burmese population in Indianapolis brings with it rich tradition, strong community ties, and flavorful cuisine.

Tucked inside the south side of Indianapolis is Chin Brothers Restaurant and Grocery, a small space known for its authentic Burmese and Southeast Asian cuisine.

For it’s owner, it’s more than business: It’s a cultural bridge.

From mohinga, a traditional fish noodle soup, to tea leaf salad and spicy curries, Chin Brothers Restaurant and Grocery has many traditional dishes.

It was 15 years ago, when Hre, who’s from Burma (now known as Myanmar) opened up his grocery store. A year later, he opened up the restaurant next door to provide a one-shop stop for his customers.

Indianapolis has one of the largest Burmese populations in the country, with many in Perry Township. Hre’s goal is to expose more people in the Hoosier state to Burmese food. He says that the popular dishes he serves are filled with foods you could get anywhere in Burma, such as kyay oh, teas, and rice dishes.

Hre is proud to own his business in a diverse part of the city, where he and other cultures can grow and celebrate one another.

Whether you’re looking for an authentic taste of Myanmar or just a new spot to try something different, Chin Brothers Restaurant and Grocery offers more than a meal: It offers connection.

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This year marks 60 years since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 legislation changed who could come to America.

Now, local leaders gathered in Indianapolis to celebrate its impact, especially on Indiana’s growing Asian American and Pacific Islander population.

Before 1965, immigration from Asia was almost entirely banned, but during the civil rights era, the new Act replaced a quota system and opened the door for families to build their lives in Indiana.

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A community market boasts that it’s bringing Hoosiers together to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month through culture, creativity and connection.

Dozens gathered Sunday at The Stutz building in downtown Indianapolis for the launch of the AANHPI Community Market, aimed at uplifting Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander voices with a safe space to shop, share and build community.

Six Asian-owned businesses and six sponsors, two of them Asian-owned, helped bring the event to life.

With a shared vision for a more inclusive Indiana, organizers say this is just the beginning.

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May is a time to recognize the rich history, culture and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Thursday was the start Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Dr. Albert Chen is not only a successful entrepreneur, he’s also a community builder. “You just have a determination and passion, and don’t be afraid to fail. During that period of 20 to 30 years, I probably failed several times. Fail just to get back up,” he told News 8.

Chen founded Carmel-based Telamon Corp., a provider of solutions for telecommunications networks, in 1985. At the time, Asian American leadership in Indiana’s corporate space was rare. That’s something he set out to change by just giving entrepreneurship a try.

Chen also founded Indiana’s Asian American Alliance Inc. in 1999. Since then, he’s seen the Asian population grow, especially in suburban neighborhoods like Carmel. “You don’t see any leadership for Asian Americans, so I thought there should be an organization that trains Asian American’s how to be a leader in this community.”

The nonprofit alliance offers leadership development programs and events designed to develop those skills, promote cultural heritage, and build a more cohesive community. He’s excited to see how the organization grows in the future and hopes to expand on volunteer services. “Train the younger generation to have the ambition to become a leader, particularly in public service.”

Nowadays, Chen is focused on the future. He has written a book hoping to inspire young Asian American leaders to build their own foundations. “I want them to become financially independent, and maybe this is a good route to become an entrepreneur, and establish your long-term reward.”

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Known for hosting Final Fours and legendary auto races, Indianapolis continues to solidify its status as a national sports hub.

But as the city gears up for a packed 2025 calendar, including the WNBA All-Star Game, leaders say the sports scene is doing more than drawing crowds. It’s also paving new paths for young women.

WISH-TV contributor and former NFL player Emil Ekiyor joined News 8 at 5 p.m. Wednesday for a conversation, speaking about an initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of female leaders through sports.

Ekiyor said the timing aligns perfectly with broader national conversations about women’s sports and representation in leadership roles.

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As Indiana’s legislative session nears its end, environmental advocates are taking stock of the impact new policies may have on the state’s air, land, and water. With Earth Month underway, the focus is shifting to how state lawmakers’ decisions will affect Hoosiers and the environment in the years to come.

Sam Carpenter, executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council, joined News 8’s Wednesday Midday newscast for a conversation, and to weigh in on the legislature’s performance.

An executive order from Gov. Mike Braun aims to recover rare earth elements from coal, a move Braun said was driven by a desire to reduce dependence on China for these critical materials used in smartphones, electric vehicles, and other technologies.

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An urgent situation is unfolding across Marion County as thousands of high school seniors prepare to graduate in just two months, raising questions about what comes next for the Class of 2025, and for the broader community, as a result. WISH-TV contributor Emil Ekiyor, who is also the CEO of InnoPower, noted that many students are at a crossroads, unsure of their next steps after graduation.

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