HELLO
I am thrilled to be your District 2 Indianapolis City Councilor (starting January 2016). I am currently seeking my second term of service.
You should know that politics has never been my goal. Serving my community and being as engaged as possible in my city has been a priority throughout my life. Coming from the private sector, I have a record of connecting others, finding solutions, and ultimately creating a positive impact.
BACKGROUND
Here’s a little bit about my background. I was raised by a pharmacist mother and a rocket-scientist-turned-entrepreneur father. I graduated from Zionsville Community High School with Academic Honors and proceeded to Emory University with a B. A. in Linguistics and Educational Studies.
I was fortunate to have many life-changing opportunities during college. For instance, I worked as a teacher at the Emory Autism Resource Center, helping pre-K students on the Autism spectrum and their parents with cognitive language skills and training. While a high school ankle injury prevented me from pursuing a track and field career, I discovered a new sport, and eventually became President of our club collegiate water polo team (CWP). I experienced the third world as a Kennedy School (Harvard University) World Teach volunteer. During this program, I spent a summer in the Galapagos Islands piloting an all-ages learning center for English as a second language in a global ecotourism development effort.
CAREER
These broad experiences taught me one simple truth: life and action are the best teachers. I became the owner and Executive Director of the Brick Street Inn on Main Street in Zionsville at the age of 24. This is where I discovered a forever passion for small businesses and a commitment to moving the greater Indianapolis community forward. Since then, helping Indy become a world-class city has been a central focus in my life both personally and professionally.
My life certainly has not followed a predictable plan. When my dad lost his battle with cancer in 2009, I immediately went to work managing his company’s real estate portfolio in San Francisco. Enduring an economic crisis and real estate market collapse (2009-2011), I strategically positioned the company’s assets. Shortly thereafter, I accepted a position as Marketing & Communications Director for agricultural technology start-up AquaSpy. During my time there I moved their international headquarters from Adelaide, Australia to Indianapolis and spearheaded a global re-brand and product relaunch. From there I went on to start two small businesses, both of which are currently operational, Grey Market Wine and marketing consulting firm Ike & Fritz Ventures.
COMMUNITY
Continuing to learn and challenge myself is important, so I try to stay as involved as possible. Active in the Indy Chamber for a decade, I served as the President of the Indy Chamber Ambassadors in 2012, sitting on both the Indy Chamber Board of Directors and the Membership Marketing Committee. I attended the Leadership Exchange trip to Portland, Oregon with Mayor Ballard’s Indianapolis delegation in 2012. We focused on learning best practices in education, sustainability and mass transit. I was part of the United Way of Central Indiana’s Leadership United program in the inaugural Generation Now class under the profound tutelage of Mickey Mauer.
CURRENT SERVICE
I currently serve on four committees: Public Safety, Metropolitan & Economic Development, Parks & Recreation, and Education.
I was selected to attend a political exchange through the American Council
for Young Political Leaders (ACYPL). I spent three weeks in Japan (2018) with a national bipartisan delegation, learning best practices all over Japan. We had the somber honor of visiting Hiroshima, which was as impactful as you would expect (I highly recommend going if you are able).
Public service has changed my life in a big way. Instead of a full-time business, Grey Market Wine has become a fun side-gig. I was fortunate to be hired as the Executive Director of the Broad Ripple Village Association in April os 2018. This is a dream job for me, as it lets me spend my “part-time” Council hours in the rest of my dynamic district. It has truly made me a better Councilor. This stage of life is all about service; there will be time to grow the wine business again later.
PERSONAL
My personal life is a lot like my professional life: locally focused. I love the Indy Eleven, Colts and the Pacers. A member of St. Paul’s Episcopal church, I embrace a religious tradition that champions tolerance, critical thinking and spiritual diversity. With my husband of ten years, Dr. Jeff Bowman–and our two boisterous rescue pups, Wile E. Coyote and Colt–I live in the heart of Broad Ripple. Most of our free time is spent frequenting local establishments, entertaining friends and family in our home (and yard!), and soaking up all four beautiful Indianapolis seasons outdoors.
MY WHY
I endeavor to keep local government focused less on left-right politics and more on results. Running the city of Indianapolis (public safety, infrastructure, economic development) is not a partisan endeavor. Rather, it is a $1.18B enterprise that needs thoughtful, bold leaders. I have a track record of working successfully across the aisle and with a Mayor from the opposing party. I have one agenda: making this city the best place to live and work. I appreciate your support as I run to continue working for you!