Haley Bougher is the Director of Education & Advocacy at Women4Change Indiana, a local nonprofit dedicated to educating, equipping, and mobilizing Hoosiers to create positive change for women. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in religion and political science from Butler University. Haley was born and raised in Beech Grove, IN and currently resides in Garfield Park where she serves on the board of the neighborhood association. She has two pups, Chance and Scout.
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. Haley is a part of 1828’s Class XI . 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. We’re ready to listen.
As the Director of Education & Advocacy for Women4Change Indiana, I work with an amazing team to advocate for Hoosier women. In my free time, I coach boy’s and girl’s high school tennis at the International School of Indiana (year six!). I play in USTA tennis leagues a couple of times a week and just played in my first soccer league! Check out Indy City Futbol if you haven’t heard of it! I end my days with long walks with my pups around Garfield Park.
You’re off the clock, there are no expectations. What are you doing?
After hours, I’m probably grabbing a drink with the pals at one of my favorite spots: Garfield Brewing, Guggman House, Metazoa, or Hotel Tango. If I have more downtime, I try to spend it hiking/camping/canoeing.
When thinking about the future of Indianapolis, what are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years and why?
I feel like I’m telling folks on a weekly basis that Indy is having a glow-up. Even since graduating college, I’ve seen such impactful improvements in the city. The improvements are especially exciting for young professionals trying to establish roots. Indy’s new food halls, The Garage, and The Amp are such cool places to take friends and family that are passing through. For me, the Red Line and future transit opportunities play a big part in my excitement. I’m a big fan of the Red Line.
Are there any local causes that you support? What are they and how might others learn more or get involved?
I would be remiss if I didn’t first say Women4Change. We advocate for women, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation to achieve equity in employment and earnings; in healthcare; and in political and civic spaces. Hoosiers Organized People Energized (HOPE) is a new organization formed to expand the voting electorate to create a better Indiana. And it’s needed because Indiana regularly ranks at the bottom of the list for voter turnout in the nation. You can learn more by visiting their websites (or connect w/ me on LinkedIn and we can chat). Donations of time are always appreciated but if you are limited on time and would like to support, donations of treasure are always welcome.
You’re hosting an Indy-themed dinner party. What three guests are you inviting?
Kristin Kohn – Founder of Silver in the City Kathy Davis – the 48th lieutenant governor of Indiana, and the first woman to serve in that office. Rima Shahid – our fearless leader at Women4CHangeBecause why not have a group of visionary women at a dinner party?!
Indianapolis is a sprawling county, what’s your favorite part about our city?
Indy has the amenities of a large city with the connectedness of a small community. It’s easy to find connections and meet people with similar interests and goals. It’s hard to take a meeting at a local coffee spot without running into someone that you already know or should get to know if you don’t already.
How do you define success?
I define success as being able to achieve my goals while remaining authentic, passionate, and purposeful.
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
Netflix & No ChillI intentionally stay busy. My schedule is full with community gigs, catching up with friends, family dinners, and so on, but when I have to be home I have Netflix on in the background and am working on some kind of new project around the house. My ‘no chill’ has allowed me to take on a little more and for that I’m thankful.
