BCforward Founder and CEO Justin Christian has been named to the prestigious Indiana 250 list for the third time.
The Indiana 250 list, compiled by IBJ Media, celebrates the state’s most influential and impactful business and community leaders. The list highlights leaders from various sectors, including public and private companies, law firms, universities, not-for-profits, government, and community organizations. Justin’s continued inclusion underscores his enduring contributions and leadership in Indiana’s business landscape.
Nate Feltman, CEO of IBJ Media, emphasized the challenge of selecting which individuals would make the list. “It’s hard to choose just 250 people from among the thousands who work every day to make Indiana a better place,” Feltman said. “But we believe the people on the Indiana 250 list are especially worthy of distinction. They are thinking big and driving change.”
Growing a business and giving back
Justin’s inclusion in the Indiana 250 for three consecutive years is a testament to his consistent leadership and impact.
Justin founded BCforward over twenty-five years ago and has since grown it into one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the nation. BCforward empowers organizations worldwide in the financial services, life sciences, healthcare, technology, and government sectors.
Beyond his achievements as a business owner, Justin has made significant philanthropic contributions, notably partnering with DePauw University to establish the Justin and Darrianne Christian Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI). The Center is dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging through education, engagement, and advocacy, with the primary goal of enhancing the experience of students and employees from historically marginalized and underrepresented groups, particularly those representing BIPOC communities.
Process of selection
The selection process for the Indiana 250 is rigorous and comprehensive. Executives, editors, and newsroom staff from IBJ Media’s three news brands—Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business, and Indiana Lawyer—conducted a thorough review of nominations, researched organizations across Indiana, and engaged with community leaders. This extensive process ensures that the list reflects the most impactful leaders in the state, highlighting those who are driving significant positive change and making notable contributions to their industries and communities.
Future prospects
IBJ Media plans to continue the tradition of updating the Indiana 250 list annually, ensuring that the most deserving and impactful leaders are recognized. Nate Feltman noted the inspiring nature of the list, highlighting the passion and dedication of those who make it. “Creating this list is always inspiring because the people on it have so much passion for our communities and our state,” Feltman said. “One of our goals with the list is to make sure that we recognize people from across Indiana and from diverse industries and then make connections among them for the betterment of all Hoosiers.”
Final thoughts
Justin Christian’s inclusion in the Indiana 250 list for the third consecutive year speaks to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to positively impacting Indiana. His achievements with BCforward and his contributions to the community exemplify the qualities the Indiana 250 list seeks to honor. As Indiana continues to grow and evolve, leaders like Christian will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s future.
Please join all of us at BCforward in congratulating Justin and all of the other honorees of this year’s Indiana 250.
