Caroline Ellert hails from Evansville, IN and initially moved to Indianapolis to work on the small but mighty campaign staff for mayoral candidate Joe Hogsett. After graduating from IU Bloomington with degrees in political science and English, she joined Mayor Hogsett’s office full time as constituent services assistant and later director of constituent services. As executive director of the Marion County Democratic Party, Caroline worked on the mayor’s re-election campaign, which resulted in the highest vote margin for an Indianapolis mayor in decades as well as a record-breaking 20 Democratic City-County Councillors.
The 1828 Leadership Project, presented by Citizens Energy Group, is a civic leadership tract for Indy’s young leaders with the goal of fostering intentional relationships with a cross sector of Indianapolis’ thought leaders and decision makers. Caroline is a part of 1828’s Class X– learn more about her below!
How do you spend your days? For example, you can tell us about your career, side hustle or exercise routine whatever you want to share here we’re ready to listen.
For me, 2020 was spent engaging voters and activists ahead of the presidential election in my role as executive director for the Marion County Democratic Party. My work days are a whirlwind of meetings, phone calls, and emails to ensure the democratic process and local, state, and federal elections and candidates run smoothly. The pandemic drastically changed the way elections happen – and I’m really proud of the way I worked to ensure that everyone can access the ballot box easily and safely. Additionally, I’m able to involve volunteers in the political process, hopefully in a way that keeps them engaged for many elections to come.
Are you a native to Indianapolis?
No, I’m from Evansville, Indiana and have pretty much been making my way up through the state ever since. I went to school in Bloomington and then got a job with Mayor Hogsett’s administration after I graduated. Honestly, initially I didn’t think I would still be in Indianapolis. But I found a great support system and sense of community here, and now it feels like home. I’ve found that’s incredibly important to me. I used to resent where I’m from, but now I love it. I get unreasonably excited every time I meet someone else from Evansville.
You’re off the clock, there are no expectations. What are you doing?
Pre-pandemic, I’m probably going out to eat or grabbing drinks with friends – I love a good low-key dive bar. There are also so many incredible food places to try. This past summer when the weather was nice, I spent a lot of time in friends’ backyards, which I’ll probably keep doing as long as I can. I also love to cook. I’ve tried my hand at homemade pasta and haven’t quite jumped on the bread-making trend yet, but that seems like a good winter activity.
When thinking about the future of Indianapolis, what are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years and why?
I’m really looking forward to seeing how we continue to develop and move forward as a city while still honoring the communities that make us who we are. I think anytime you talk about development, you have to consider how gentrification harms communities. I also would like to see a bigger focus on sustainable practices and how we honor our city’s core – its character and its soul.
Are there any local causes that you support? What are they and how might others learn more or get involved?
I support many local political campaigns. You can get involved with your wallet, but also, one of the best ways you can support campaigns is through the not so glamorous work of phone calls, door knocking, and more. It’s so important to be involved in politics. During a presidential year, it’s easy to be reminded of this, but there are elections almost every year that have an impact on the future of our communities. There’s the line that even if you aren’t thinking about politics, politics is thinking about you. And that’s true–but it’s also impacting others in ways you aren’t even aware, and that’s just as important to consider.
Do you have a favorite local place in town (restaurant, bar, park, etc.) that you love going to? Where is it and why should other people try it out?
The best burger in Indianapolis is Workingman’s Friend. Period. But I’m always down to test out the competition. The sandwiches at Goose the Market are so good – I love stopping by there on a Saturday morning. Amelia’s also lately has had a sandwich of the week that is always simple with really great ingredients. For drinks, Tomlinson Tap in the City Market is one of the best spots, and Matt always knows my beer order.
Indianapolis is a sprawling county, what’s your favorite part about our city?
I’m a downtown gal for sure. I love being able to walk to the grocery or to a restaurant, and to have the cultural trail available for runs or bike rides.
If you were a superhero what would be your special trait? Why?
I would love to be able to teleport. I hate sitting in traffic.
You’re hosting your own music festival with three artists – Who’s performing?
Wife Patrol, a local band you should know about. Beach House is one of my favorite bands and has such a dream-like feeling. End with Vampire Weekend – I saw them in White River State Park last summer and it was such a fun concert.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?
In My Life by the Beatles is a beautiful song I’ve known since I was a kid. I don’t think I would ever get tired of it.
Mornings or evenings? And why?
Evenings. I am absolutely not a morning person. Which is funny considering I have to deal with so many absurdly early election day mornings.
How do you define success?
Success is doing as much as you can to alleviate others’ suffering, and doing as much good as you can. From a personal level, I always feel such satisfaction from putting all of myself into something and having it work out. Success is also surprising yourself and challenging yourself at every step.
What would you name the autobiography of your life? Feel free to give us context here.
One time in high school someone referred to me and my friend as “Greta and that other little girl.” I told my art teacher – shout out to Mr. Bosler – that it would be the name of my autobiography some day. I feel compelled to keep that promise.
To connect with Caroline, check out her LinkedIn.
