Who We Are
Adam Gross - Ivy Tech Community College, Bloomington
Tyler Grubb - Farm Bureau Insurance
Bob Magiera - Harrell Fish Inc. (HFI)
Tyler Grubb - Farm Bureau Insurance
Bob Magiera - Harrell Fish Inc. (HFI)
Ellen Rodkey - Committee Chair - IU Foundation
Ellen has served on the Steering Committee for Young Professionals Bloomington since 2014 and is honored to serve as Chair for 2019-20 along with serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors through 2022. A native Texan, Ellen has been proud to call Bloomington home for over 12 years and is passionate about fostering a community of young professionals who love where they live, work, and play. Ellen serves as director of the principal gifts program at the Indiana University Foundation, believing in the power of philanthropy and the increasingly important role private support has in higher education. Beyond her work for IU and the Chamber, Ellen also serves on the Bloomington Parks Foundation Board, Board of Trustees for Girls Inc. of Monroe County, and is an active member of Tri-Kappa women’s service sorority. She also enjoys neighboring Brown County for its world-class mountain biking and taking advantage of Bloomington’s delicious food and drink scene.
Ellen has served on the Steering Committee for Young Professionals Bloomington since 2014 and is honored to serve as Chair for 2019-20 along with serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors through 2022. A native Texan, Ellen has been proud to call Bloomington home for over 12 years and is passionate about fostering a community of young professionals who love where they live, work, and play. Ellen serves as director of the principal gifts program at the Indiana University Foundation, believing in the power of philanthropy and the increasingly important role private support has in higher education. Beyond her work for IU and the Chamber, Ellen also serves on the Bloomington Parks Foundation Board, Board of Trustees for Girls Inc. of Monroe County, and is an active member of Tri-Kappa women’s service sorority. She also enjoys neighboring Brown County for its world-class mountain biking and taking advantage of Bloomington’s delicious food and drink scene.
Yaz Rabadi - Stallsmith Rabadi Wealth Advisory Group at Baird
Yaz grew up in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and moved to the United States in 2013 to pursue a Masters degree in Finance. As he attended school in San Diego, CA, Yaz was able to earn his MBA in Finance with Honors, and graduated as the top student in the class. Afterwards Yaz moved to Key West, FL and worked there as a banker as a way to immerse himself in the American banking system. Yaz and his wife then decided to move to New York City because she was admitted to Columbia University Graduate School. While there, Yaz held a Director position at one of the largest venues located in the heart of Manhattan. After a year and a half, they relocated to Bloomington, IN where Yaz realized his long term goal of becoming a fully registered Financial Advisor with Hilliard Lyons (Baird), holding his Series 7, Series 66, as well as Health and Life Insurance License. Throughout his time with Hilliard Lyons (Baird), Yaz was fortunate enough to create a partnership with Senior Vice-President Financial Advisor JR Stallsmith, forming the Stallsmith Rabadi Wealth Advisory Group. Currently, Yaz is coaching soccer with the Cutters Soccer Club and serving as a member on their Board of Directors. He is also on the steering committee for the Chamber of Commerce -Young Professionals of Bloomington, am a member of the First United Methodist Church, and serve as a consultant to Indiana University Maurer School of Law's Center for Constitutional Democracy to help their ongoing project in Jordan.
Yaz grew up in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and moved to the United States in 2013 to pursue a Masters degree in Finance. As he attended school in San Diego, CA, Yaz was able to earn his MBA in Finance with Honors, and graduated as the top student in the class. Afterwards Yaz moved to Key West, FL and worked there as a banker as a way to immerse himself in the American banking system. Yaz and his wife then decided to move to New York City because she was admitted to Columbia University Graduate School. While there, Yaz held a Director position at one of the largest venues located in the heart of Manhattan. After a year and a half, they relocated to Bloomington, IN where Yaz realized his long term goal of becoming a fully registered Financial Advisor with Hilliard Lyons (Baird), holding his Series 7, Series 66, as well as Health and Life Insurance License. Throughout his time with Hilliard Lyons (Baird), Yaz was fortunate enough to create a partnership with Senior Vice-President Financial Advisor JR Stallsmith, forming the Stallsmith Rabadi Wealth Advisory Group. Currently, Yaz is coaching soccer with the Cutters Soccer Club and serving as a member on their Board of Directors. He is also on the steering committee for the Chamber of Commerce -Young Professionals of Bloomington, am a member of the First United Methodist Church, and serve as a consultant to Indiana University Maurer School of Law's Center for Constitutional Democracy to help their ongoing project in Jordan.
Lauren Travis - City of Bloomington
Lauren serves as the Assistant Director of Sustainability for the City of Bloomington and helps make Bloomington more economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. Prior to this role, Lauren served as the Regional Opportunity Fund Project Manager at Regional Opportunities Initiatives and is a graduate from the Indiana University O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
Lauren serves as the Assistant Director of Sustainability for the City of Bloomington and helps make Bloomington more economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. Prior to this role, Lauren served as the Regional Opportunity Fund Project Manager at Regional Opportunities Initiatives and is a graduate from the Indiana University O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
Molly Cunningham - Cook Medical
Molly is a recent IU Bloomington grad. She was a double major in Spanish and journalism. During her time at IU, she fell in love with Bloomington and decided to seek opportunities here. She started at Cook Medical during summer 2019 as an intern and then transitioned into a written content specialist role. She is from outside Chicago (Brookfield, IL) and enjoys spending time with her family and dachshund, Gracie, back home. She looks forward to being more involved in the Bloomington community as a townie.
Molly is a recent IU Bloomington grad. She was a double major in Spanish and journalism. During her time at IU, she fell in love with Bloomington and decided to seek opportunities here. She started at Cook Medical during summer 2019 as an intern and then transitioned into a written content specialist role. She is from outside Chicago (Brookfield, IL) and enjoys spending time with her family and dachshund, Gracie, back home. She looks forward to being more involved in the Bloomington community as a townie.
Alisha Taylor - German American Bank
Alisha is a 2013 Indiana University graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She is a Bloomington native and after spending several years in the medical field, she began working in the area of finance in 2016, now acting as a mortgage loan officer at German American. Alisha is an active participant in the Builders Association of South Central Indiana. She also sits on the Executive Board for PALS- a local non-profit the provides therapeutic horseback riding. Alisha enjoys volunteering for various organizations, as philanthropy is her passion. She enjoys outdoor activities such as boating and hiking with her golden lab pup, Remington. Alisha enjoys coordinating and planning events, traveling with friends, being the best auntie possible, and cheering on the Hoosiers.
Alisha is a 2013 Indiana University graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She is a Bloomington native and after spending several years in the medical field, she began working in the area of finance in 2016, now acting as a mortgage loan officer at German American. Alisha is an active participant in the Builders Association of South Central Indiana. She also sits on the Executive Board for PALS- a local non-profit the provides therapeutic horseback riding. Alisha enjoys volunteering for various organizations, as philanthropy is her passion. She enjoys outdoor activities such as boating and hiking with her golden lab pup, Remington. Alisha enjoys coordinating and planning events, traveling with friends, being the best auntie possible, and cheering on the Hoosiers.
Molly Nagy - Hanapin Marketing
Molly is proud to have served on the Steering Committee for Young Professionals Bloomington (YPB) since September 2017. She also played a part in launching the Chamber's Bloomington Women in Leadership (BWIL) group in 2019. Since 2014, Molly has worked at Hanapin Marketing, an industry leading digital marketing agency specializing in paid search, paid social, programmatic, and conversion rate optimization. Currently as Hanapin’s Associate Director of HR, Molly oversees all talent management and operations at the growing agency. During her time at Hanapin, the team has more than doubled in size and the company has simultaneously received numerous accolades for being a best place to work, both locally and nationally. Beyond her work at the Chamber and Hanapin, Molly serves as the President of the Board of Trustees for Girls Inc. of Monroe County. Girls Inc. of Monroe County is committed to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. You may also see Molly trying her best on the volleyball court at Twin Lakes or sweating through a workout at CrossFit Bloomington!
Molly is proud to have served on the Steering Committee for Young Professionals Bloomington (YPB) since September 2017. She also played a part in launching the Chamber's Bloomington Women in Leadership (BWIL) group in 2019. Since 2014, Molly has worked at Hanapin Marketing, an industry leading digital marketing agency specializing in paid search, paid social, programmatic, and conversion rate optimization. Currently as Hanapin’s Associate Director of HR, Molly oversees all talent management and operations at the growing agency. During her time at Hanapin, the team has more than doubled in size and the company has simultaneously received numerous accolades for being a best place to work, both locally and nationally. Beyond her work at the Chamber and Hanapin, Molly serves as the President of the Board of Trustees for Girls Inc. of Monroe County. Girls Inc. of Monroe County is committed to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. You may also see Molly trying her best on the volleyball court at Twin Lakes or sweating through a workout at CrossFit Bloomington!
Amanda Paikos - Oliver winery
Amanda has been a Bloomingtonian for over 22 years after moving from her hometown of Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Growing up in Bloomington, Amanda participated in many activities including dance, piano lessons, acting and singing lessons, cheerleading, serving on the National Honor Society and participating in nonprofit volunteering through her late teenage years. Currently, Amanda works in Human Resources at Oliver Winery and has been with the winery family since July of 2018, shortly before she got involved with YPB. She joined the YPB Steering Committee in September of 2019, and is also a dance teacher at Indiana Dance Company, a volunteer club leader for the local 4-H Chapter of Monroe County, and an enthusiastic cat-mom of 3! Amanda is passionate about the arts and culture that makes Bloomington such an amazing place to live, work, build a family and make a career.
Amanda has been a Bloomingtonian for over 22 years after moving from her hometown of Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Growing up in Bloomington, Amanda participated in many activities including dance, piano lessons, acting and singing lessons, cheerleading, serving on the National Honor Society and participating in nonprofit volunteering through her late teenage years. Currently, Amanda works in Human Resources at Oliver Winery and has been with the winery family since July of 2018, shortly before she got involved with YPB. She joined the YPB Steering Committee in September of 2019, and is also a dance teacher at Indiana Dance Company, a volunteer club leader for the local 4-H Chapter of Monroe County, and an enthusiastic cat-mom of 3! Amanda is passionate about the arts and culture that makes Bloomington such an amazing place to live, work, build a family and make a career.
Lawrence Hammer - Express Employment
Lawrence serves as the Marketing and Events Specialist at Express Employment Bloomington. He brings previous experience in Event Planning, Student Affairs, and Non-Profit Marketing with a Bachelors’ in Marketing, Psychology, and a Masters in Education. Originally from Peoria, Illinois, Lawrence has lived all over the place including, Iowa, Germany, Arizona, Chicago, and Washington before moving to Bloomington. Outside of work, Lawrence plays several musical instruments, is a lover of spicy food, rock climbing, board games, and is an avid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fan. Lawrence has always gravitated toward volunteer opportunities and is excited to be more involved as he makes his career in Bloomington.
Lawrence serves as the Marketing and Events Specialist at Express Employment Bloomington. He brings previous experience in Event Planning, Student Affairs, and Non-Profit Marketing with a Bachelors’ in Marketing, Psychology, and a Masters in Education. Originally from Peoria, Illinois, Lawrence has lived all over the place including, Iowa, Germany, Arizona, Chicago, and Washington before moving to Bloomington. Outside of work, Lawrence plays several musical instruments, is a lover of spicy food, rock climbing, board games, and is an avid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fan. Lawrence has always gravitated toward volunteer opportunities and is excited to be more involved as he makes his career in Bloomington.
Amber Riley - Singota Solutions
Amber came to Bloomington in 2010 to get her bachelor’s degree in marketing through the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. After graduating, she decided to stay and make beautiful Bloomington her home. Currently, Amber is the Associate Marketing Manager at Singota Solutions, a contract development and manufacturing organization for pharmaceutical companies. Amber has served on the YPB steering committee since 2016. In her free time, you can find Amber with her fiancé enjoying the amazing international cuisines Bloomington has to offer, brunching with her friends, or hiking around the lakes and trails with her dog Lacey.
Amber came to Bloomington in 2010 to get her bachelor’s degree in marketing through the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. After graduating, she decided to stay and make beautiful Bloomington her home. Currently, Amber is the Associate Marketing Manager at Singota Solutions, a contract development and manufacturing organization for pharmaceutical companies. Amber has served on the YPB steering committee since 2016. In her free time, you can find Amber with her fiancé enjoying the amazing international cuisines Bloomington has to offer, brunching with her friends, or hiking around the lakes and trails with her dog Lacey.
Want to be part of what makes YPB great?
Below is the application to join the YPB Steering Committee.
Below is the application to join the YPB Steering Committee.
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and its young professionals group, YPB, are accepting applications to be part of our Steering Committee. The Committee meets on the first Wednesday of every month. The duties include planning and implementing programming throughout the year. Plus, you will be expected to be an ambassador for the Chamber. This includes being the first contact with attendees at events, ensuring each person is comfortable and fully engaged.
There are 5 sub committees that you can choose to serve on. They are:
- Marketing/Partnerships
- Culture and the Arts
- Adulting
- Seasonal/Social
- Non-profit/Civic Engagement
Typically, we start the year with new Steering Committee members in September at our planning event. However, as members leave, openings do occur throughout the year.
You can download the application form here.
The overall Steering Committee responsibilities can be downloaded here.
There are 5 sub committees that you can choose to serve on. They are:
- Marketing/Partnerships
- Culture and the Arts
- Adulting
- Seasonal/Social
- Non-profit/Civic Engagement
Typically, we start the year with new Steering Committee members in September at our planning event. However, as members leave, openings do occur throughout the year.
You can download the application form here.
The overall Steering Committee responsibilities can be downloaded here.
