YPB Spotlight December 2021

Hi! My name is: Ellen Rodkey
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I work at: Indiana University Foundation
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My job title is: Director of Development, Principal Gifts

What this really means is that: I wake up every day and think about the incredibly generous donors who give transformational gifts to Indiana University.

The best part of my job is: my fellow IUF peeps and the impact these gifts have on student scholarships and research.

I have lived in Bloomington since: 2007

How did you land in Bloomington and what has kept you here? I came here for graduate school and began a full time job at Oliver Winery that I held for close to 8 years after graduation. In 2013, I met my husband, a native Hoosier, and plan to stay forever! It’s one of the best places on the planet!

I joined YPB because: I wanted to get more involved with fellow young professionals and have a part in how we keep our community one of the best!

My favorite thing about YPB: I’ve loved the growth I’ve seen over many years with the organization – to see new members come in and really fall in love with our town and its people and the passion they have for sharing that with others!

The coolest new thing (or new to me) in town is: In these pandemic times, I’ve been so happy to have Soma right down the street at its newest location at Henderson/Hillside. I also love Feta and it looks like there might be more new places coming in soon!

My favorite restaurant/local shop in Bloomington is: Hard to choose just one restaurant but my absolute favorite store is Goods for Cooks!

On the weekends you’ll find me: Riding mountain bikes in world-class Brown County State Park, Yellowwood State Forest, and the Hoosier National Forest – so lucky to have such this outdoor mecca in our backyard!

I can’t get enough of ______, on Netflix/Hulu/Prime/Spotify. I’ve been loving the Office Ladies podcast this past year!

The thing I’m most excited for in 2021 is: As a native Texan, I try to embrace winter as best I can, but I’m most alive in the summer! Bring on June!

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Thank You, Ellen!

After many years of leadership, Ellen Rodkey will be stepping down from the YPB Steering Committee next month. Ellen joined the YPB Steering Committee in 2014. During her time on the committee, Ellen has helped plan and execute a variety of events and programs and even served as the YPB Steering Committee Chairperson for the 2019-2020 term. Thank you, Ellen, for sharing your leadership and insights over the years.