Happy Women’s History Month, Indy. We love highlighting women like Madam C.J. Walker and Mari Evans, who made history in the past — but we also want to spotlight the women making an impact in Indianapolis now that will last well into the future.
Do you know a woman who’s making waves in Indy that are sure to be felt for years to come? Nominate them here for a chance to be recognized in our newsletter. We’ll also update this article as we receive nominations.
Here are some women who’ve been shouted out by their families, friends, and colleagues:
Lillian Barkes is the co-founder and CEO of Listen to Our Future, a nonprofit that offers tutoring, project-based learning programs, work-based learning programs, and more to Indianapolis youth.
Photo by Listen to Our Future
Lillian Barkes
Nominated by Paula C.
“Lillian has been giving pack to the inner city community for several years. Lillian is CEO and cofounder of Listen To Our Future, which services youth ages 5-24 through its programs. We saw a need for a youth-centered program to grow with young people from childhood to adolescence to young adulthood. Our programs and services are rooted in our core values of quality, community, and respect. Lillian along with her team are definitely making a difference in Indianapolis.”
Alyssa Eichholtz
Nominated by Aaron A.
“Pennsy Run Club exists because Alyssa Eichholtz built it from the ground up. What began as her idea that running could bring people together has grown into a thriving, joyful community because she poured her full energy, creativity, and heart into making it real. Alyssa is an exuberant force. Her enthusiasm pulls people in, her encouragement lifts them up, and her presence makes even the most hesitant runner feel like they belong. She celebrates every pace and every milestone, and the routes, events, partnerships, and traditions that define Pennsy all trace back to her vision and her work. One of the most meaningful things she has created is intentional space for women. Her women‑only runs have become a powerful part of the club, giving women a place to show up confidently, connect deeply, and run without pressure or comparison. Those mornings are filled with laughter, honesty, and the kind of support that only exists when someone cares enough to create it. Alyssa didn’t inherit a role. She created a community. She continues to shape it with joy, purpose, and a belief that people are better when they move together. Featuring her for Women’s History Month would honor a woman who built something from nothing and made space where women feel strong, supported, and truly seen.”
Oseye Boyd leads Mirror Indy, a community-driven nonprofit newsroom.
Photo by Mirror Indy
Oseye Boyd
Nominated by Anonymous
“Oseye is a legend in local journalism. Now the editor in chief at Mirror Indy, she’s leading the newsroom with strength, empathy, wisdom — and a whole lot of style.”
Elle Kolb
Nominated by Hamed S.
“As the founder of Kolb Creative, a woman-owned digital marketing agency, Elle has consistently focused on helping purpose driven businesses grow and share their stories. Over the past several years, she has worked with businesses from healthcare to automotive and small businesses, helping organizations connect with their communities through strategic storytelling and authentic marketing. As a young woman entrepreneur, she has built her agency from the ground up and is proud to contribute to Indianapolis’s growing ecosystem of women-led businesses while creating meaningful work. She volunteers on Goodwill Young Leaders Board, and gives back to SCORE through various marketing presentations, and community events. Her goal is to impact her local community by elevating their voices, and sharing their mission because Elle believes that every business matters, and no matter how large or small it is, it has a story to share.”
Shana Nissenbaum
Nominated by Shauna Y.
“Shana created Woman’s Workshop Richmond in Richmond, IN. They are a local non-profit that teaches women of all ages how to properly use power tools. While Shana’s primary job is that of a third grade teacher, she decided teaching women that yes, you can do it yourself was right where she needed to be. I took my first class last March and I have not missed one yet. Shana is patient, she makes sure everything is understandable and lets you know that no matter how it goes, no matter how you might make a mistake, that you can indeed fix it and move on. She works tirelessly to find grant money for tools and scholarships so that cost is not a factor for anyone. I am a tool boss because of her.”
Angela Poindexter
Nominated by Marqushia and Myanah
“Due to her volunteering without hesitation, helping in and out of her community.”
Dr. Hummer serves patients in Indy, Greenfield, and Anderson.
Photo by Eye Surgeons of Indiana
Dr. Janet Hummer
Nominated by Anonymous
“Dr. Hummer has been a staple in the Indianapolis healthcare community for more than 25 years. Both a Doctor of Optometry and a Doctor of Medicine, Dr. Hummer practices as a retinal specialist at Eye Surgeons of Indiana where she has performed over 100,000 (yes, you read that right!) sight saving injections for patients suffering from vision stealing degenerative retinal diseases. She has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to serving her patients — rearranging schedules, leaving family events, and working outside of normal hours in order to serve her patients. During COVID, when the rest of clinical and surgical operations were shuttered, Dr. Hummer was meeting patients in the parking lot of the facility and doing injections through the windows of their car — because without these injections, patients would be at risk of losing their sight. Admired by her staff and colleagues, Dr. Hummer is a revered part of the Eye Surgeons of Indiana team and more importantly, as part of the Indianapolis community.”
Kalen Jackson
Nominated by Destinee J. and Michelle L.
“Kalen Jackson as a woman making history in Indy is warranted due to her role as a pioneering female owner of the Indianapolis Colts, her leadership in championing mental health through the $31M+ “Kicking The Stigma” initiative, and her work in fostering women’s inclusion in the NFL.”
“Kalen Irsay. Just a badass and a nice person.”
