Ariah Leary is a dedicated servant leader committed to bridging the gap between policy and people. As the Community Affairs & Special Projects Director for Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, she leads programs like Traveling City Hall and Block‑By‑Block cleanups that bring city services, resources, and engagement directly to underserved neighborhoods. She works closely with community partners to address neighborhood concerns, improve public health and safety, and create meaningful opportunities for residents to connect with local government.
A first-generation college graduate and former Division I hurdler at Indiana State University, Ariah’s passion for mentorship and mental health is rooted in her experience growing up in a single‑parent household and overcoming anxiety. She channels that passion through leadership roles on multiple community boards, as Assistant Treasurer of the Evansville Branch NAACP, and as a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She also advocates for rat mitigation and blight removal to improve quality of life in Evansville neighborhoods.
Proudly raised in Evansville, Ariah is committed to proving that leadership is not reserved for the loudest voice in the room. Outside of work, she enjoys competing in pageants, graphic design, running, and spending time as a proud aunt.