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!

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.

YPB is able to host events and connect with professionals in the community in thanks to our annual sponsors. Ivy Tech Bloomington is one of these greatly appreciated sponsors for YPB.

Serving over 10,000 students annually and in 8 different counties, Ivy Tech Bloomington has been able to fulfill the mission of providing accessible and affordable world-class education and adaptive learning that empowers students to achieve their careers and transfer aspirations. 

They certainly work towards their vision of economic transformation inspired by the education and earnings attainment of citizens, the vitality of Indiana's workforce, and the prosperity of unique and diverse communities through support for YPB and the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
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Currently, Ivy Tech Community College is offering free training as a way to support Hoosiers seeking their next-step job and career solutions. You can find more information about these courses here:  https://www.ivytech.edu/10kclasses/.  

Additionally, the Bloomington campus offers over 50 degree programs where you can earn an associate degree, a technical certificate, or a certificate.  You can find more details about all of their programs here: https://www.ivytech.edu/27420.html#bloomington. 
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Many of Ivy Tech's degree programs are available free through Indiana’s Next Level Jobs program that provides free state-wide training in high-paying, in-demand industries and also provides employers with reimbursements up to $10,000 per employee or $100,000 total to train employees in these high-growth fields. This program is based on workforce needs in fields where demand is high but the number of qualified candidates is low.  For eligibility requirements and detailed information on the types of training available can be found here: https://www.ivytech.edu/19511.html.

To find out more about how to apply, get enrolled, or learn about Financial Aid, please reach out by email to askBloomington@ivytech.edu or check out their website https://www.ivytech.edu/apply-now/index.html.  Ivy Tech has classes starting every 8 weeks.  Their next class session begins on August 24th!
 Additionally, Ivy Tech Bloomington holds virtual Next Level Jobs info sessions at 6 pm on the last Tuesday of every month.  For more information check out their site ivytech.edu/bloomington/NLJ. 

​Thank you Ivy Tech Bloomington for your support for Young Professionals Bloomington and for the Greater Bloomington community.