Women of Influence

Julie Armstrong has been executive director of the Indianapolis Bar Association and Foundation for 27 years.

In 2020, Carlotta Berry worked with colleagues around the world to start two not-for-profits—Black in Engineering and Black in Robotics—to raise awareness of systemic racism and inequity in STEM; build community; advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice; and connect with allies and sponsors.

Rebecca Bormann said she’s blessed that tech found her. She intended to pursue a career in pharmacy.

Tina Cloer has been with the Children’s Bureau, renamed Firefly Children and Family Alliance after it merged in April with Families First, for nine years, during which the organization’s annual budget has grown from $15 million to more than $40 million.

Deborah Curtis has been involved in public education her entire career. She started as a K-12 music teacher and coached high school volleyball and softball.

In July, Brandi Davis-Handy was promoted to chief customer officer for AES after serving as chief public relations officer, a role in which she oversaw communications and community relations efforts in Indiana and Ohio.

Claire Fiddian-Green has been president and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation for seven years.

Sue Finkam started Fire Starter LLC in 2010 to be an outsourced marketing firm for clients who, as she describes it, are driven by missions and visions that make the world a better place. She’s also a Carmel city councilor.

Monica Foster leads Indiana Federal Community Defenders, which provides legal representation to indigent persons charged with federal crimes in the southern half of Indiana.

Barbara Glass has been on the Indianapolis Airport Authority board for seven years, six of which she’s served as president.

Marcela Kirberger, who was born and educated in Argentina, has been general counsel and corporate secretary at Elanco Animal Health for 15 months.

Erin Lewis develops and leads corporate legal strategy and directs the corporate compliance program, privacy program and enterprise risk management for Indiana University Health.

Lucia Mar is senior vice president and market executive for Bank of America, responsible for developing the company’s commercial banking presence in Indiana.

Lawren Mills is chair of Ice Miller’s public affairs group, in which she oversees public affairs operations and leads a team of 25 across multiple states and Washington, D.C.

Sarah Fisher O’Gara is best known for her achievements in IndyCar.

Melody Park is overseeing the ongoing $360 million Gainbridge Fieldhouse renovation, the second-largest renovation project in the history of the NBA.

Dr. Kimberly Roop is responsible for oversight of all Anthem Indiana Medicaid health plan functions, including member quality and outreach, access to and coordination of medical services, strategic planning and overall plan performance.

Robin Shackleford is chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, a caucus of Black lawmakers that works to develop policies and pass laws that will positively impact minority communities throughout the state.

In 2020, Victoria Spartz ran to represent Indiana’s 5th District in the U.S. House and won first a Republican primary and then the general election.

Kaye Vitug is responsible for leading the finance and operations (credit and collections, supply chain and order fulfillment) organizations and is accountable for delivering business and financial results.