Gisele founded the Vote Nelas movement, the first advocacy group aimed at increasing women's political presence in Brazil. The project was formed in 2018, organized by ten women in a non-partisan manner but with a common goal: to fight for more women in politics....

Kacey Blundell, an almost 20 year resident of Indiana and Vigo County, resides in Terre Haute with her husband, two sons, and three rescue dogs. Kacey has worked in civil service for the majority of her adult career. She is currently a social worker for Vigo County...

Rochelle L. Brown is a lifelong resident of South Bend and graduate of Clay High School. During her years of service, she became a Certified Probation Officer, Court Substance Abuse Management Specialist, Executive Director and Correctional Officer in various...

Michelle Carr has been a lifelong resident of Columbus, Indiana. Michelle has worked in the customer service industry for the majority of her career.  She took this passion in serving others and in 2014 she ventured into pre-k education, eventually focusing on helping...

Samantha Douglas is a woman of God, wife, and mother of four boys. Besides family life, she is a community organizer, advocate and freelance graphic designer. She prides herself on being from a family of entrepreneurs and believes it has contributed greatly to her own...

Lauren Hall Riggins has worked in education, non-profit leadership, and policy and advocacy research for over a decade. She has earned three masters degrees in education, public affairs, and arts administration and she is currently working on completing her PhD. She...

Karla is a is an attorney, a legislative strategist and a community advocate. Originally from Mexico, she has worked to elevate the voices of the working-class and Latino communities for the last 13 years. Currently, Karla serves as the Director of Community Outreach...

With many years of experience in the healthcare field and as a servant leader, Donielle Martin, has worked with organizations to provide value added solutions for Physicians and Patients. Donielle, being in healthcare has been able to influence change with providers...

Emily Masengale is the Assistant Executive Director of Christel House Indianapolis, a local innovative charter school network that has been serving the Indianapolis community for 20 years. She helps support long term strategic planning for the network, supports the...

Katie McHugh, MD is a queer OB/GYN, chronic pelvic pain specialist, and abortion provider who prioritizes compassion and advocacy in the care of her patients. She is the co-owner of Indiana Pelvic Pain Specialists and joins the faculty of the University of Cincinnati...

A dedicated public servant, Morgan started her career in the environmental non-profit field and now contributes to the common good through her work in local government. She is an advocate for climate justice and works to increase awareness on the interconnectedness of...

Monisha Mitchell is a lifelong Hoosier. She grew up on the north side of Indianapolis. She graduated from Pike High School. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and a Graduate Certificate in Public Management from the Indiana...

Crystal Neumann is a Latina, first generation American, with a passion to make a difference and become a role model for others. Given her personal experiences and listening to the experiences others have shared, she understands the responsibility she has in being a...

Kymberli Roberts is the General Manager of the Hammond Sportsplex and has been involved in the youth sports industry for more than 13 years. In 2018, she founded Hammond’s first travel volleyball club, Velocity 219, after 4 seasons the club has grown into 13...

Gina Robinson Ungar became a Hoosier in 2005, when she left her family dairy farm in Central Massachusetts and drove assorted cattle, chickens and cats to begin a new farming adventure and, ultimately, a marriage adventure in Boonville, Warrick County. She established...

Alexandra is a recent transplant to Indiana, having become a resident of the Hoosier state in August of 2016. In that short time, she has found her place affecting change all over Indiana on behalf of Hoosiers and Americans in general. While Alexandra may not be in...

Dr. Maggie Stevens anchors her work and community involvement in opportunities that allow her to directly and indirectly support individuals in achieving their goals. From advising and teaching college students to supporting individuals through community-based...

Rachel Tomas Morgan serves as Council Member At-Large with the City of South Bend. Born in the Philippines and raised in central Illinois, Rachel came to South Bend to earn a B.A. in Religious Studies and Psychology from St. Mary’s College. After gaining a Masters in...

Charmaine Samaraweera Torma believes that the cycle of poverty can be stopped through education. Every child deserves access to quality learning experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. As a passionate public education ambassador, she is committed to...

Dr. Sara Trovinger was born in Auburn, Indiana in 1983. She was in show choir and academic clubs in high school and graduated from DeKalb High School in 2002. She was also actively involved in youth group activities throughout her childhood at the First Church of...

Teryna L. Van Cleave is the Change Management Lead at AES Indiana and has been a part of the team for 13 years. Prior to her new role, she was a Team Leader in Customer Care. She is a dedicated community advocate and servant leader. Born and raised in Indianapolis,...

Jo Yocum (she/her) is the national Vice President for Playworks, a nonprofit organization with a mission to increase the health and wellbeing of kids through play. There she oversees operations in the midwest, including Indiana. She also manages the national...

Dr. Treva Bostic is a community leader and educator who is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for members of Madison County.

As city engineer, Kara oversees the development, design, construction and inspection of all public works and capital improvement projects.

Kyla Cox Deckard serves as the director of communications for the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement, where she collaborates with the campus, rural communities, and the media to support rural resilience and innovation.

Michelle is a vocal champion for racial and social justice and equity, and runs Michelle’s Little Free Pantry, a free food pantry at her home.

Brienne is a lifelong Hoosier, a proud wife and mother, an experienced lawyer, and a fierce advocate for voting rights, equity, and the City of Indianapolis.

Belinda previously served as 7th District Chair for Indiana Young Democrats from 2018-2020 and is a former candidate for Indiana State Senate.

Angela currently serves on the leadership team of the Johnson County Democratic Party as Treasurer and also was a candidate for State Representative HD93 during the 2020 election cycle.

Jennifer Fredericks is Director of Business Development – Public Finance at Ice Miller.

Victoria Garcia Wilburn is Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy in the School of Health and Human Sciences at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Stephanie currently sits on the board of ANEW, and the Warrick County Women’s Fund. She is also a member of the ISBA’s legislative committee.

Sara is a graduate student at IUPUI pursuing a Masters of Public Affairs and serving as a Graduate Assistant in the Center for Service and Learning.

Grace is committed to becoming a resource and a voice for Columbus Indiana by volunteering, serving on boards, and engaging with local organizations.

Stacey is excited to be a voice for students, parents, teachers, and community members in Vigo County.

Servant leader and community organizer are the roles Freedom Kolb cherishes and has built a career around.

After graduating from Tennessee State University with a BA in Political Science and Loyola University Chicago with an MA in Social Justice, Lori went on to serve as the Founder and Director of the Central District Organizing Project (CDOP)

Christine served as the Treasurer and Finance Director for Fady Qaddoura’s successful campaign for Indiana State Senate in District 30 and is the Third Vice President for the Indiana Federation of Democratic Women and volunteers for the National Federation of Democratic Women.

Dawn has participated in Advancing Voices of Women (AVOW); Leadership Fort Wayne: Mayor Ethics Committee Fort Wayne, IN and former President of Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Melissa sits on the Board of Directors for Legal Aid Society, Evansville, ARG, CAPE, EVSC Foundation. She is also the Secretary for the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party.

An active member in within the Fort Wayne community, Maria is involved with her neighborhood association, her church, and is on the event planning committee for the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.

Veronica serves as Secretary for the Putnam County Democratic Party, and on the board of the Indiana Stonewall Democrats LGBTQ constituency caucus. Veronica was one of 35 trans/gender-nonconforming delegates to the 2020 Democratic National Convention, where she opened the Pledge of Allegiance for the 2nd evening’s program.

In 2019, Ashley served as Chair for Jean Capler for City Council, and, in 2020, she was on the Executive Team for Shelli Yoder for Senate as well as Campaign Chair for April Hennessey for Monroe County School Board.

Shruti Rana is an international lawyer with a broad range of leadership and other experience in human rights, legal practice, and community and non-profit organizations.

Through the years, Deborah has pioneered and sustained significant efforts and programs that have impacted and benefitted many people.

A Hoosier by choice, Hiba Alalami is currently the Executive Director of Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network. In this role, she is responsible for amplifying the political voice of Indiana Muslims and advancing the organization’s policy positions at the state level. She...

Born and raised in Lake County Indiana, Amy Blaker is a proud life-long resident of the Region. As far back as she can remember, Amy has always had a strong interest in politics and government. She previously worked for the Indiana State Democratic Party and as a...

Linda Broadfoot comes to her role as Director of Indy Parks naturally. A born connector and a lover of all things Indianapolis, she is excited to advance the role of parks assets in our neighborhoods and to raise the positive profile of a crucial city agency. Prior to...

Caitlin is an attorney, community advocate, and proud resident of downtown Indianapolis. In her professional work, Caitlin works with clients around the country to create, protect, and enforce their most valuable brand assets and creative works. She is a member of her...

Often called an “Attorney By Day and Planner Pusher” by night – Tanisha enjoys marrying her legal career as an attorney practicing criminal defense and family law with her passion for women as the Strategic Director of HerSpace Co. widely known for its signature...

Dayna Colbert-Dershem is the County Chair for the Hamilton County Democratic Party, making her one of the youngest and one of a handful of Black women chairs in Indiana. In this volunteer role, she recruits and supports candidates for elected office; engages and...

Jennifer Crossley currently serves as the Monroe County Councilor for District 4.  She made history with her appointment to the council in December 2021 as she is the first Black person to serve on the County Council. Prior to this, she served as chair for the...

NaTrina S. DeBow is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis and graduate of Thomas Carr Howe High School.  She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Marian University and a Master of Science in Accounting from Kaplan University.  She currently serves as Chief...

Pam Dechert is a businesswoman, nonprofit fundraiser, community leader, and candidate for Indiana House of Representatives, District 88. She is a lifelong Hoosier who grew up in Northwest Indiana as the oldest of five children – her parents are both retired public...

As a Registered Nurse, Sally Dixon has spent her career caring and advocating for women and infants. In her current role as the Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Coordinator at the St. Joseph County Department of Health, Sally facilitates community action to...

Natalia Galvan is originally from Chicago, but now considers herself very much a Hoosier, having lived in Indiana now for most of her life. After leaving Bloomington after undergrad, she returned in August 2017 to volunteer in Liz Watson’s IN9 Congressional race,...

Ruth Hook, was born in Indiana but grew up on the West Coast. She attended the University of Arizona and graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental Science in 2012. Her Hoosier roots called her home to Indiana where she continued her higher education and obtained a...

Dawn M. Jones was sworn in as City Clerk on August 15, 2019. She is a community activist and is recognized for her contribution to the South Bend Community for the past 25 years serving in various capacities, including working 7 years for United States Congressman,...

Melissa Rinehart is a Fort Wayne native and honors what fellow cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”  Melissa believes...

Lauren Suriel is a Regional Director at the Israel on Campus Coalition, a national organization based in Washington, DC that provides strategic support and expertise to strengthen support for Israel on American college campuses. Lauren is an experienced community...

Jennifer Todd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received a Bachelor in Social Work from Indiana State University in 1996; a Master of Social Work from the University of Cincinnati in 1997; and a Doctorate of Health Sciences from Indiana State University in...

Kimberly Townsend is an Anderson, IN native and has served in various capacities in her community for over 30 years.  Kim began her career at the City of Anderson Community Development Department and after 20 years, was appointed executive director for the Anderson...

Dr. Sarah E. Vitale is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Ball State University. She received her PhD in Philosophy from Villanova University in May 2014. Her research focuses on Marx and post-Marxism, as well as contemporary feminist theory and the scholarship of...

Destiny Scott Wells has served in government at the local, state, federal, and multi-national level. Previously she was Associate Corporation Counsel for the City of Indianapolis and Marion County, and Deputy Attorney General for the State of Indiana. Currently she is...

Amy Word, owner of Lamasco Bar, Amy’s on Franklin, and founder of the Franklin Street Events Association is the force behind the development of the West Franklin Street district. Amy was a science teacher when she had a dream that changed her life. She was returning...

Cara Berg-Raunick is a doctorally-prepared women’s health nurse practitioner and a lifelong advocate for women’s and sexual health. She is the Director of Clinical Quality and Advancement at Health Care Education & Training, a non-profit focused on improving...

Nicole Bolden, the Bloomington City Clerk, has been actively involved in the Bloomington community for over 20 years. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Community Kitchen, the Community Advisory Board for WTIU, and is a member of the local Elks Lodge....

A native Hoosier and born leader, Arielle Brandy has always been motivated by three beliefs: education is empowerment, diverse leadership builds a strong future, and inclusive policy brings out the best in every community. A proud Afro-Latina voting rights advocate...

A native of Fort Wayne, Michelle Chambers is a business owner, community leader and urban fellow who holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Her public service career spans two decades, working with various cities and overseeing programs that assist...

Katherin Chi is the senior director of development and operations at RISE INDY. Previously she served as the communications director at Kiwanis International where she focused on helping its members improve the lives of children in more than 80 nations around the...

Stephanie Crandall has served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Fort Wayne since 2013. As a member of the Mayor’s cabinet, she provides strategic counsel on matters related to all levels of government—local, state and federal—to achieve...

Katie Culp is president of KSM Location Advisors, and partner at Katz, Sapper & Miller. Prior to joining KSM Location Advisors in 2015, Katie led Cassidy Turley’s (now Cushman & Wakefield) national Location Advisory and Incentives Practice. She has also led...

Molly Dodge serves as the Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College campus in Madison, Indiana, part of the state’s largest public post secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly-accredited statewide community college system. Prior to this role, Molly served...

Leigh Riley Evans is a community development executive who has served the Mid North area since December 2011. In her role, Leigh is responsible for the overall direction and management of the Mapleton Fall Creek Development Corporation’s operation, including...

Heather N. Garay is the Controller for the City of Hammond, Indiana. As Controller, Heather serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the City and is responsible for preparing annual budgets, investing City funds, compiling accounting data to prepare the annual...

Mackenzie Higgins serves as the Manager of Local and Community Affairs for Elanco. In that role, Mackenzie is responsible for leading local public affairs, stakeholder relations, and local corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagements in the Indianapolis area for...

Emily Hodson has been teaching for Washington Township Schools since 2000. For the past decade, she has been on faculty at Allisonville Elementary School.  Utilizing the High-Ability license she earned from Ball State University, she now teaches high-ability fifth...

Cynthia Johnson is currently the Fifth District Congressional Chair for the Indiana Democratic Party. Most recently, she was the Political Director for the fifth district Congressional candidate, Christina Hale. In 2019, Cynthia was Campaign Manager for Miles Nelson’s...

LaMicra Martin has been working in health administration since 1998. Her 20-year career has focused on instilling a patient focus by improving patient experience, patient safety and quality care. Her career is not the only place LaMicra strives to effect positive...

Thonja (although “unconventionally” spelled, her name is pronounced Tonya) Nicholson is currently the Manager of Facilities and Administration with a business focused on innovation and incubation of new business, assisting in the growth of businesses and leading in...

Laura O’Sullivan served as the South Bend Political Director for the Pete for America Presidential campaign, and previously worked as Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s Chief of Staff. In this role, Laura advanced the Mayor’s vision for the future and works to make South Bend...

Courtney Roberts is the Country Director, Global Health, Eli Lilly and Company. In this role, she oversees a portion of the company’s philanthropic portfolio. She has partnered with local organizations to lead the development and implementation of Lilly’s first-ever...

Kristen Schunk Moreland is currently the Vice President of Change Management & Strategic Initiatives at Ivy Tech Community College, where she has been employed for the past seven years.  She has 18 years of experience working in the public sector, as well as many...

Allyson Shelby is an attorney with Berry Global, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Evansville, Indiana. At Berry, Allyson manages litigation and regulatory issues and is a founding committee member of the Women’s Employee Resource Group. She currently sits...

Shaunestte Terrell is an attorney on the Sexual Abuse Litigation Team at Cohen & Malad, LLP. Shaunestte brings years of experience prosecuting crimes of rape, child molest, human trafficking, and other crimes against protected persons. As the sole Deputy...

Julie L. Thomas currently serves as a Monroe County Commissioner, a position she has held since 2012. The Board of Commissioners serves as the Legislative and Executive branch of County Government. Prior to this, Julie  was elected to the Monroe County Council...