Indiana Youth Institute announces 2026 D. Susan Wisely Youth Worker of the Year
Humberto Delgado, La Casa de Amistad Director of Arts and Culture, recognized at annual IYI KIDS COUNT Conference
Indianapolis, IN (November 3, 2026) – Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) is proud to announce Humberto “Beto” Delgado, Director of Arts and Culture at La Casa de Amistad, as the recipient of IYI’s 2026 D. Susan Wisely Youth Worker of the Year award. Presented annually, the award honors D. Susan Wisely’s legacy by recognizing the outstanding contributions of youth workers across Indiana.
For more than 15 years, Delgado has served Latino children, teens, and families in St. Joseph County. He began at La Casa de Amistad as a youth program assistant and advanced into leadership while staying closely connected to young people and daily programming. Whether he is guiding a high school student toward a future goal, supporting elementary students, or stepping in during a staffing transition, Delgado centers youth and families in every decision.
“Direct youth services is always a priority for this award, and the selection committee also examines the depth and sustained impact of that work,” said Tami Silverman, Indiana Youth Institute President and CEO. “Humberto stood out for his years of direct service, the progression of his leadership, and his continued connection to programming, young people, and families throughout that time.”
Delgado’s own experience as an immigrant Latino youth shapes his work. After moving to South Bend, he often felt isolated as he learned a new language, navigated unfamiliar educational systems, and worked to stay connected to his Mexican identity. His parents supported him, but language barriers limited their ability to help him navigate school, college, and other opportunities. Those experiences inspired Delgado to become the leader he needed as a young person and to help today’s youth see their culture as a source of strength.
Under Delgado’s leadership, La Casa de Amistad expanded its afterschool program capacity from serving 45 students to 150 children and teens in kindergarten through 12th grade. The organization also grew its preschool program from 10 children to 32 students and built a youth services team that includes full-time youth workers, directors, interns, and assistants. Delgado also helped create culturally responsive summer programming that closes educational gaps while celebrating Latino identity, history, language, traditions, and arts.
Silverman added, “The program growth under his leadership, the lasting relationships that bring former participants back as volunteers, and his candid reflection on the challenges of youth work all demonstrated the sustained, ‘in the trenches’ commitment this award was created to honor.”
“Youth programming is not just about academics or activities; it is about helping young people believe that who they are matters and that their voices, stories, and dreams deserve to be celebrated,” said Delgado. “Every day, I wake up hopeful that through this work we are helping change the world one child and one teen at a time.”
This award pays tribute to D. Susan Wisely, whose visionary leadership at Lilly Endowment, Inc. inspired the creation of many youth service programs, including the distinguished Lilly Fellows. Learn more about her enduring legacy here.
IYI is also honored to recognize finalist Emily Compton, Urban Artisans Manager and Teaching Artist at ArtMix in Indianapolis, who has empowered young people with disabilities to build skills, gain paid work experience, and achieve greater independence through ArtMix’s Urban Artisans program. Her leadership has expanded opportunities and challenged perceptions of what youth with disabilities can accomplish.
Delgado and Compton were celebrated at IYI’s annual KIDS COUNT® Conference on November 3, 2026, at the Marriott hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
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About Indiana Youth Institute
Indiana Youth Institute’s mission is to improve the lives of all Indiana children by strengthening and connecting the people, organizations, and communities that are focused on kids and youth. IYI is Indiana’s premier source for high-quality data on child well-being and data-informed action to address challenges Hoosier children face. It leads the FIVE by 50 vision as a connector and convenor to ensure that every child will have a network of five caring, supportive adults in their life by the year 2050. Visit iyi.org to learn more.
