Women of Influence 2022

Introducing the class of 2022

IBJ’s Women of Influence program recognizes women who have risen to the highest levels of business, the arts, and community and public service in central Indiana. This year’s list includes small- and large-company executives, elected officials, attorneys and two university presidents.

Most influential book you’ve read

Deborah Curtis: “In the past, I have shared copies of Sheryl Sandberg’s ‘Lean In.’ It can be challenging to be the only woman in the room or to have others set expectations based upon your gender.”

Erin Lewis: “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”

Dr. Kimberly Roop: “Maid” by Stephanie Land. “It is a fantastic memoir about a woman’s undying determination, and a reminder to us all about the importance of treating each other with dignity and respect.”

Brandi Davis-Handy: “A good friend of mine gave me the book ‘The Miracle Morning’ by Hal Elrod which is an easy read and has excellent advice that is really transformational.”

Marcela Kirberger: “Multipliers” by Liz Wiseman and ‘Extreme Ownership’ by Jocko Willink. Both [are] great books that shaped my views on leadership and team development.”

Robin Shackleford: “Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change” by Stacey Abrams

Julie Armstrong: “The most influential writing I’ve ever read is a poem by Robert Frost, ‘The Road Not Taken.’ I first read it in the 8th grade, and it’s stuck with me ever since.”

Tina Cloer: ‘The Shack’ by William Paul Young gave me a different perspective on forgiveness and changed my view of God.”

Monica Foster: “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander. “It is no longer new, but it is still timely. It really exposes the inequities in our criminal justice system and helps one draw a straight line from slavery to mass incarceration.”

Claire Fiddian-Green: “From a career standpoint, the most influential book I have ever read is ‘The Innovator’s Dilemma,’ by former Harvard Business School Professor Clayton Christensen.”

Sue Finkam: “The Road Less Stupid” by Keith J. Cunningham. “There are a thousand business gems in that book.”

Barbara Glass: “Becoming” by Michelle Obama

Rebecca Bormann: “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended on It” by Chris Voss

U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz: “Democracy in America” by Alexis de Tocqueville

Lucia Mar: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”