Summer Gladden is a fourth-generation union member, proudly raised in Terre Haute, Indiana, by her single father who instilled in her the union principles of democracy, solidarity, and caring for others. A lifelong Hoosier, Summer graduated from Terre Haute South Vigo High School as a National Honor Society member and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Public Relations from Indiana State University.
Following graduation, she spent several years working in Human Resources before joining the United Steelworkers labor union as a Senior Administrative Assistant. Now serving as a Union Steward and Woman of Steel, Summer was elected to represent her local union at the 2025 United Steelworkers Constitutional Convention; a testament to her commitment to workers’ rights.
Summer’s activism sharpened in 2022 when the overturning of Roe v. Wade galvanized her to take action. She began volunteering for Andre Carson for Congress and, in 2024, stepped into leadership roles with Valerie McCray’s U.S. Senate campaign and Karen Whitney’s run for Indiana House District 28.
Within Marion County, Summer is a dedicated community leader. She currently serves as Vice President of the Perry Township Democrat Club, a Precinct Chair in Perry Township, and an active member of Indivisible Central Indiana’s communications team. She is also a proud alumna of the Emerging Leaders Project.
When she’s not organizing, Summer enjoys traveling with her partner, Chad. Together, they’ve visited 23 of the 63 U.S. National Parks, with plans to explore several more soon. She’s also a devoted and admittedly over-the-top dog mom to her pups, Tyrion, Hank and her beloved Sir Charles.