Summit Agenda
- Welcome & Opening Remarks from Mayor Joe Hogsett
- Session 1: Indianapolis Identity
Featuring Chris Gahl, Kelli Jones, and Joe Pellman
Moderated by Anthony Murdock II - Audience Input on City Identity & Branding
- Session 2: Inclusive leadership throughout Indy
Featuring Camille Blunt, Gloria Jiménez and Jimmie McMillian
Moderated by Clark Collier - Audience Input on Inclusive Leadership
- Session 3: Policies that shape Indy’s workforce
Featuring Inez Evans, Rima Shahid and Jeremy Kranowitz
Moderated by Sara Hindi - Closing Remarks from Blake Johnson, President of IndyHub
Thank you event sponsors
Meet the Panelists
Session 1: Indianapolis Identity
Our city’s young professionals struggle to define who we are as a city, relying on common tropes like “Hoosier hospitality” and “Circle City”, but time and time again, our data suggests that even our most devoted Indy residents worry that we don’t have a clear brand or identity. At the 2020 Shape Our City Summit, participants indicated that Indy needs to do far more to promote ourselves as a vibrant city. In the months since then, efforts are underway to do just that. We’ll explore how organizations are coming together to address this challenge and the role young people can play in attracting new talent to our community.
Featuring
Chris Gahl serves as senior vice president of Visit Indy, the non-profit charged with driving tourism to Indy and enhancing the brand of the city. He has been at Visit Indy since 2005, overseeing marketing, communications, and community relations. Prior to Visit Indy, he owned a marketing firm in Honolulu, helping Hawaii tourism. Chris has been named a “40 Under 40” business leader by the Indianapolis Business Journal and participated in the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership program. He holds a degree in communications from Butler University, where he also sits on the University’s Board of Trustees. His community service also includes serving on the Indiana Humanities Board of Directors, Newfields’ Board, and the King Kennedy Memorial Initiative Board.
Kelli N. Jones is Program Manager for Allos Ventures and Managing Partner for Sixty8 Capital, a pre-seed/seed stage fund for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. For the last 4 years, Kelli has led the transformation of a more diverse tech ecosystem in Indiana, through her organization Be Nimble Foundation. Since starting Be Nimble, she has trained 40+ Black and LatinX founders through her accelerator, and has invested nearly $500k in capital and start-up resources. Before moving back to Indianapolis, IN, she lived in NY and LA and worked at organizations like Techstars, Givelify, Blavity, and HipHopDX. She is on the board of Employ Indy, Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis, Indiana Technology & Innovation Association, and The Venture Club’s NextGen group.
Moderated By
Murdock is a purpose-driven, action-oriented, servant-leader and proud product of Indianapolis, Indiana. I’m a juris doctorate candidate at the IU McKinney School of Law and owner of three small businesses. Ultimately, I’m in the business of becoming the greatest “Powerpreneur” Indianapolis has ever seen.
Session 2: Inclusive leadership throughout Indy
The last year has shined a powerful light on issues of racial and social justice and the importance of cities, states and other major institutions to do far more on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. But this issue isn’t new to Millennials and Gen Zs who are the most diverse generations in American history. Harnessing the current momentum, this generation wants to know how our city is making change and what we intend to do long-term to ensure we are a welcoming and inclusive community for future generations.
Featuring
Camille has over 15 years of legislative lobbying experience at the local, state, and federal levels. She represents clients in a wide range of policy matters before state legislative and executive agencies and is regularly called upon to advocate the interest of clients on government contracts, grant and incentive programs, and legislative and regulatory matters. In addition, Camille is experienced in advising and certifying businesses as women, minority, disabled, and veteran-owned enterprises.
Prior to joining Taft, Camille served as director of the Office of Minority and Women Business Development in the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office promoting a culture of inclusiveness in business opportunities and economic growth, and furthered the sustainability of business enterprises owned by minorities, women, veterans, and people living with disabilities. In addition, she served as legislative director for the City of Indianapolis, a role she began in January 2016. In this role, Camille was a liaison to the City-County Council and oversaw the execution of the City’s legislative strategy on the state and federal level. During her tenure as legislative director, the administration garnered bipartisan support on most legislation agenda items including the city budget.
Prior to joining the City, she served as vice president of government affairs at a local law firm. Camille met the needs of legislative clients through grassroots lobbying, political action committee management, state and local legislative lobbying, and relationship development. Camille has been recognized as a “Forty Under 40” honoree by the Indianapolis Business Journal.
Gloria Jimenez is originally from Peru. She moved to the United States in 2002 and lived in Los Angeles for 10 years where she worked as the Director of Marketing at LA Center. Gloria moved to Indianapolis in 2013 and worked at the City of Indianapolis where she planned several events such as the Mayors Celebration of Diversity Awards, bike rides and other events. In May 2018, Gloria joined the Indiana Latino Expo as the Executive Director. Gloria is founder of Axis Leadership program in partnership with the City of Indianapolis. Gloria serves in several boards, the Indiana 4H Foundation, WFYI, NPR and PBS, Yo Vito, LISC, and different health, education and racial equity committees. She is also a multicultural contributor and has a small segment on Community Link at WISH-TV. Gloria also host the Indiana Latino Expo show and De Todo Un Poco on Telemundo Indy Channel 19. Gloria has a 16 year old daughter Andrea, and a Jack Russell “Boró”. Gloria enjoys spending time with family and friends, and loves fashion, beauty and makeup.
Jimmie McMillian proudly serves as Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Corporate Counsel for Penske Entertainment Corp. The company is comprised of INDYCAR, IMS Productions and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. As Chief Diversity Officer, Jimmie leads diversity and inclusion efforts across Penske Entertainment Corp. He’s also charged with implementing key pillars of Race for Equality & Change, an initiative to provide opportunities for underrepresented women and men in the the motorsports industry and open wheel racing. As Senior Corporate Counsel, Jimmie’s work comprises a variety of legal matters including managing litigation and legal risks, drafting new event and facility contracts, vendor and sponsorship agreements. Jimmie proudly serves as a board member for Marion County Public Defender’s Agency, the United Way of Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Urban League, the Robert McKinney School of Law Board of Visitors, and the Miracle Ride. More than a simple hobby, Jimmie also serves as President of 317 Ryders Motorcycle Club. Jimmie is a graduate of Indiana University - Bloomington and the Robert McKinney Indiana University School of Law. Upon graduation from college, Jimmie served as an Indiana Supreme Court law clerk for the Honorable Justice Frank Sullivan and went on to become a Partner in the Litigation Department of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. He has served as a leader in local, state and national bar associations and has served as the Chair of The Racing Attorneys Conference. He is also Criminal Law Professor at Martin University. In 2021, Jimmie will serve as the President of the Indianapolis Bar Association. Jimmie has shown a tireless commitment to improve the lives of young people and motivate them to succeed despite life’s various obstacles through his outstanding leadership and mentorship of others. As a passionate motorcycle, sports car and racing enthusiast, Jimmie truly enjoys the ability to live his dream of working at the “World’s Greatest Racetrack.” Jimmie lives in Indianapolis with his wife Lisa, their four children and three grandchildren.
Moderated By
Clark serves as a Senior Donor Engagement Officer at Central Indiana Community Foundation, where he provides philanthropic advising, strategic planning and technical support services to a portfolio of corporate and family foundations. He previously served on the development staff at Kiwanis International, where he cultivated investments and managed volunteers in the western USA, Canada and the Caribbean to support the Kiwanis Children’s Fund and two global health campaigns with UNICEF USA. Before entering the philanthropic sector, Clark worked on several political campaigns across Indiana, and he continues to serve as a trusted advisor to local candidates and causes. Clark is a graduate of Butler University, earned the Certificate in Fundraising Management at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and is a 21/64 Certified Advisor in Family Philanthropy. Clark serves on the board of the McCaw Family Foundation and his civic engagement includes IndyHub’s 1828 Project, the capital campaign committee for Trinity Haven, and multiple leadership roles at First Congregational Church - a vibrant community with a rich history and commitment to social and racial justice.
Session 3: Policies that shape Indy’s workforce
Millenials and Gen-Z represent more than half of the workforce. They are a critical component of our city’s vitality, growth, and long-term success. At the 2020 Shape Our City Summit, participants indicated that in order to attract, retain and develop top global talent, the city must offer effective and reliable transit, value environment and sustainable practices, and provide quality parental leave for both men and women. We’ll explore how civic leaders and community organizations are coming together to address these areas and how 20-and 30-somethings can stay informed and advocate for policies that impact their day-to-day lifestyles.
Featuring
Inez Evans was selected as IndyGo’s President and CEO in summer 2019. Evans began her transit career as a Customer Service Call Center Representative in the early 90’s and most recently served as a Chief Operating Officer for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) where she was responsible for leading 1,600 employees, maintaining nearly 700 vehicles and ensuring exceptional customer service for the VTA’s 43 million customers. Evans has held positions of increasing scope and responsibility with Austin-based Star Tran, San Jose-based Veolia Transportation and MV Transportation in Fairfield, California before becoming Director of Transportation for the Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transportation Authority (MARTA) and then Chief Operations Officer for the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA). She has diligently focused on operational efficiencies and building programs that support public transit employees’ growth and development. She has led several successful transportation initiatives across the country, including installation of bus rapid transit service (BRT) and master planning for 100% fleet electrification. Evans has an MBA in Management from Western International University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Evans is a mother of four boys and a native of Texas.
Rima Shahid has served as the first Executive Director of Women4Change since 2017. Before Women4Change, Rima served as the Executive Director of the Muslim Alliance of Indiana, and spent more than a decade working as the Trade Development Officer & Cultural Attaché at the Pakistan Embassy in Bahrain. With a passion for advocacy and a collaborative philosophy, Rima brings a unique perspective to community outreach objectives. She lives in Central Indiana with her husband, Muneeb, and their three children.
Jeremy Kranowitz is CEO and President of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, working to make Indy a more vibrant and beautiful place to live, work and play. Jeremy is a passionate sustainability nonprofit executive with 25 years of experience launching multi-stakeholder coalitions to address climate change, food loss and waste, clean air and water, and sustainable forestry. He was Executive Director of Sustainable America, a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable food and fuel systems. He founded the Further With Food coalition to combat wasted food and hunger. He conceived the Youth Policy Summit, a student negotiation training program at The Keystone Center. He also managed the launch of Forest Trends, a sustainable forestry nonprofit. He has a M.S. and a B.A. from Johns Hopkins, and a MPA from New York University. He just recently moved to a new house in Herron-Morton.
Moderated By
Sara Hindi is the Community Engagement Coordinator at Exodus Refugee Immigration, a local nonprofit in Indianapolis dedicated to the protection of human rights by serving the resettlement needs of refugees and other displaced people fleeing persecution, injustice, and war by welcoming them to Indiana. She has served the refugee community in Indianapolis for 7 years. Sara is also a member of IndyHub's 1828 Leadership Project Class X and is on the Board of Directors for the ACLU of Indiana and serves on the Legislation and Advocacy Committee. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs and is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Affairs at IUPUI.
About IndyHub’s Shape Our City Summit presented by Ice Miller
For fifteen years, IndyHub has been laser-focused on cultivating an environment that attracts, retains and develops top global talent for Indianapolis. We know this work is critical to our city’s long-term success, as our generation represents more than half of the workforce and a critical component of our city’s vitality and growth.
This past year, Indianapolis and her people have experienced our world and city under staggering and uncertain circumstances. And yet, we have rallied together like never before, as doers and changemakers, to become an even more connected, involved and empowered community. But, there’s still more work to be done. And our city needs your voice to continue to make Indy a great place to live, work, play and make a difference.
On April 16, IndyHub will convene our city’s young leaders and cross-company networks for the second annual Shape Our City Summit presented by Ice Miller, a virtual webinar to engage in intentional conversations that will help shape our city’s approach to critical challenges and ensure our generation has a seat at the table and opportunity to impact outcomes.
IndyHub’s Shape Our City Summit presented by Ice Miller will provide hands-on virtual experiences, intentional conversations, and community resources addressing issue-based topics of city identity and brand; education; sustainability; transit; and diversity, equity and inclusion.