Run Like a Girl

1972 Podcast Take Over

Cari Mabrey, Council President, Town of Francisco

On today’s episode, Aim Communications Director Erin Jamison-Koenig sits down with Cari Mabrey, Council President of Francisco. In her role, Cari plays a vital role in shaping the policies and decisions that guide Francisco’s growth and development. She is committed to improving the quality of life for residents, fostering community engagement, and ensuring the town’s resources are managed effectively.

Kathy Davis & Tonya Galbraith

On today’s episode, Aim COO Jennifer Simmons sits down with Kathy Davis and Tonya Galbraith. Kathy was Indiana’s first woman Lieutenant Governor, serving from late 2003 to early 2005. Kathy previously served as Deputy Commissioner in the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana’s State Budget Director, Secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Start-up Director for the 21st Century Research and Technology Fund, and Controller for the City of Indianapolis. Tonya Galbraith served as the Town Manager of McCordsville for 17 years, before retiring in 2022. Prior to becoming the town’s manager, Tonya worked with Aim as a lobbyist and the Director of Intergovernmental Relations with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Kristin Bean, Executive Director of the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water

On today’s episode, Aim COO Jennifer Simmons sits down with Kristin Bean, Executive Director of the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water. With a diverse career spanning local government, the hospitality industry, and the non-profit sector, Kristin leads strategic initiatives, oversees daily operations, and drives organizational growth at the Alliance. Kristin is a registered lobbyist and holds a Bachelor of Science in Resort & Hospitality Management from FGCU.

Mayor Deb Whitfield, City of Lawrence

On today’s episode, Aim COO Jennifer Simmons sits down with Mayor Deb Whitfield. Mayor Whitfield worked her entire career for Community Health Network, first as a respiratory therapist and then as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She has a record of expanding services and care to diverse populations across Marion County. Mayor Whitfield’s priorities include bringing more growth and economic opportunities to Lawrence, working with public safety officials to keep the city safe, and making spending more equitable so that the city can effectively serve all of Lawrence—no matter your neighborhood or income.

State Government Affairs Reporters

On today’s episode, Aim COO Jennifer Simmons is joined by three female state government affairs reporters. Niki Kelly is editor-in-chief of indianacapitalchronicle.com and has covered Indiana politics and the Indiana Statehouse since 1999. Kaitlin Lange is the IndyStar politics and government editor. She previously worked as a senior investigative reporter at State Affairs and before that as a Statehouse reporter for IndyStar and Evansville Courier & Press. Lesley Weidenbener is editor of the Indianapolis Business Journal, after more than 20 years covering politics and government for several news organizations.

Jennifer Sharkey, Council Member, City of Angola

On today’s episode, Aim COO Jennifer Simmons sits down with Jennifer Sharkey, an Angola Council Member and LTAP Lead Research Engineer. In January, Jennifer was sworn in a member of the Angola City Council. In her role at LTAP, Jennifer helps communities solve their engineering and technical programs. Jennifer holds a Master of Public Administration, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering.

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch

On today’s episode, Aim COO Jennifer Simmons sits down with Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch. Lt. Governor Crouch is a lifelong Hoosier and Indiana’s 52nd Lieutenant Governor. Throughout her years of public service, Lt. Gov. Crouch has been committed to programs and services for Hoosiers with disabilities or who are struggling with mental illness or addiction. Previously Lt. Governor Crouch served as Indiana’s State Auditor, Indiana House Representative, and Vanderburgh County Auditor.

Mayor Treva Hodges, City of Charlestown

On today's episode, Aim COO Jennifer Simmons is joined by Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges. Mayor Hodges is the city's first female mayor and the first female mayor in Clark County, one of the most southern counties. She has a Ph.D. in Humanities and Women and Gender Studies and taught Communication Studies, Argumentation, and Debate at the University of Alabama. Mayor Hodges was just elected to her second term in office.

Introducing Aim Run Like a Girl Podcast!

It takes strength, commitment, and guts to run for any political office. Aim’s new podcast Run Like a Girl seeks to destroy the notion of weakness that is historically associated with this phrase by showcasing the strong female leaders in different levels of Indiana government. Join us as we shatter the myths about female leaders, dig deep into their challenges and advantages, understand what resources are needed to attract more women to these roles, and take back the misconception that running like a girl is a bad thing.