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.
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Indianapolis Propylaeum hosts IBJ Women of Influence photo shoot
The Indianapolis Propylaeum, in a historic 1890s mansion on the near-north side, hosted the two-day Women of Influence photo shoot.
Founded in 1888 by suffragist May Wright Sewall, The Indianapolis Propylaeum was established to provide a dedicated space for women to pursue their interests in the arts, science, education and civic life. The organization — its name derived from the Greek propylaion, meaning “gateway” — was incorporated with capital stock of $15,000, allowed to be purchased, acquired and held only by women. The Propylaeum first met in a building the organization constructed at 17 E. North St., before moving in 1923 to the group’s current home at 1410 N. Delaware St.
The Victorian mansion was built by brewer and businessman John W. Schmidt and was briefly home to the Indiana College of Music and Fine Arts before hous-ing The Propylaeum. The three-floor, 16,000-square-foot mansion boasts six bed-rooms, 13 bathrooms, a dining room and tea room, club and music parlor, and several original, beautifully restored fireplaces. Both the mansion and its accom-panying carriage house are on the National Register of Historic Places. The space is also a popular wedding and event venue.
The Propylaeum continues to celebrate women through programs and events, leadership initiatives and community events. For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit thepropylaeum.org.•
—Holly Hays
EXTRAS
We asked the Women of Influence:
What instantly de-stresses you and why?
“My Yorkie, Vinny, video games and building LEGOs. Vinny is probably No. 1 because it’s impossible to stay stressed when he’s around. Video games and LEGOs are completely different from what I do all day, which is exactly why I love them. They force my brain to focus on something else and sometimes I just need to build something where the instructions actually tell me exactly what to do.”
Kara Riggle, 92c Partners LLC owner and president
“When I became an empty-nester, I also became a spin instructor — twice a week, just for fun — and a pretty decent pickleball player. Exercising and staying active are the best ways for me to de-stress.”
Kelly Young, Baise Collective president
“Traveling, dancing, and cooking instantly de-stress me because they allow me to step away from the pressures of everyday life and simply enjoy the moment. Traveling gives me a chance to reset and experience something new, dancing makes me feel free and happy, and cooking allows me to be creative while bringing the people I love together.”
Jannett Keesling, Keys2Work CEO
“I love being at the lake, particularly with my family (husband, daughters, sister, nieces and nephew — the whole extended noisy group). Throw in a good book and that’s a great day.”
Sarah Hempstead, Schmidt Associates, Inc. CEO and principal
“My nightly walk with my kiddos helps me to slow down, reconnect with the people who matter most and keep the problems of the day in perspective.”
Jessica Benson Cox, Faegre Drinker partner
