Carla Simon is a union-certified TIG welder in the aerospace and defense industry, labor advocate, and community leader with nearly two decades of experience at Rolls-Royce North America. Throughout her career, she has held positions in manufacturing, human resources, talent acquisition, and quality assurance, including serving as a NAS-410 Level II Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) nondestructive testing professional in a NADCAP-accredited aerospace manufacturing environment before recently beginning her career as a union-certified TIG welder, continuing her commitment to lifelong learning and skilled trades.
Carla currently serves as the elected Democratic Precinct Committeeperson for Wayne Township Precinct 14 and is the founder and President of the Dandy Trail Community Association. She founded the association from the ground up to strengthen communication between residents and local government, improve neighborhood safety, and encourage civic engagement. Since entering public service, she has won election to public office, organized voter registration and education initiatives, built community partnerships, and taken on leadership roles within both her union and the broader community.
A dedicated labor and community advocate, Carla serves on UAW Local 933’s Civil and Human Rights, Community Action Program (CAP), and Organizing Committees. She is an active member of the NAACP Greater Indianapolis Branch and the United Wayne Township Democratic Club and volunteers with organizations focused on civic engagement, workforce development, and community service throughout Central Indiana. As a proud union member, Carla believes strongly in protecting workers’ rights, expanding opportunities through the skilled trades, and ensuring every worker is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Carla earned associate degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources Management and believes leadership is rooted in service. Her childhood experiences navigating foster care and other challenges instilled in her a deep belief that every person deserves opportunity, dignity, and someone willing to advocate for them. She and her husband, Mark Simon, Ed.D., a principal, live on Indianapolis’s west side. Through Mark’s lifelong commitment to public education and educational leadership, Carla has developed an even deeper appreciation for the vital role public education plays in strengthening communities and creating opportunity for future generations. Together they enjoy traveling, hiking, exploring history, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Whether in the workplace, her union, or her community, Carla is committed to building stronger communities by empowering others to find their voice and creating opportunities for the next generation.