Indianapolis, Indiana – The Central Indiana Women’s Business Center (CIWBC) has announced the leadership of its 2026 Advisory Council, a move that highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs across the region. The council, made up of business, finance, education, and community leaders, will provide strategic guidance and support as the CIWBC continues to grow its programs and expand opportunities for women-owned businesses.
The CIWBC operates under the Business Ownership Initiative of Indiana (BOI) and is a program of the Indy Chamber. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the center is designed to empower women entrepreneurs to achieve economic self-sufficiency while providing resources, mentorship, and access to capital. The Advisory Council plays a key role in advancing this mission by helping shape program strategy, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the Center remains responsive to the evolving needs of its community.
“As CIWBC continues to grow its impact across the region, strong and engaged leadership is essential,” said Stephanie James, Director of CIWBC. “This council reflects the depth of talent and commitment needed to support women entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.”
The 2026 Advisory Council includes regional leaders from diverse industries who bring extensive professional experience and deep community connections. These leaders are expected to provide insight into strategic priorities, foster program innovation, and guide the center toward long-term sustainability. Their expertise will help ensure that CIWBC continues to serve as a trusted resource for women looking to start or grow their businesses in Central Indiana.
Leading the council is Rebekah Payne, CPA and partner at Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC, who will serve as Chair. Bette Smith, Director of the Center for Innovation & Collaboration at Ball State University, will serve as Vice-Chair. The council is composed of accomplished professionals including business owners, executives, and leaders from finance, education, and entrepreneurship. Members include Stacie Porter Bilger, President and Founder of Proof Digital; Christina Collins, Executive Director of Ivy + Career Link Hamilton County; Deana R. Haworth, APR, CEO of Hirons; Jennifer Knotts, CFO of IDO Incorporated; Virginia Lizano-Pina, owner of Amazing 360 Commercial Services; and Becca Lomax, Associate Relationship Manager and Assistant Vice President at KeyBank.
Other members include Victoria Petersen Elia, Associate Director of Career Services & External Relations and Founder’s College at Butler University; Patty Prosser, Co-Founder and Coaching Practice Leader at The Center for Leadership Excellence; Melanie Raney, Commercial Manager at AES Indiana; Christina Toler, Vice President of Business Development at Indiana Sports Corporation; and Kristin Weeden, Chief Talent Officer at Penske Entertainment / Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Throughout 2026, the council will convene regularly to work in partnership with CIWBC staff and the Indy Chamber. Their goal will be to strengthen programming, expand community engagement, and promote inclusive economic growth in the region. By combining their professional experience with a focus on women’s entrepreneurship, council members are expected to help CIWBC identify opportunities to improve access to resources, mentorship, and capital for women business owners.
The CIWBC Advisory Council has historically been instrumental in shaping the direction of the center’s initiatives. By providing guidance on program development and offering support for operational and strategic planning, the council ensures that CIWBC remains a dynamic and responsive resource for women entrepreneurs. Its members help connect business owners to the broader community and encourage partnerships that can drive growth, sustainability, and innovation.
For 2026, the newly appointed leadership and members bring a mix of expertise across finance, business management, nonprofit leadership, and education. Their combined experience positions the council to offer critical insights on market trends, entrepreneurial challenges, and opportunities for women to succeed in traditionally underrepresented areas of business.
The council’s work will also support CIWBC’s broader mission of fostering economic self-sufficiency for women entrepreneurs while promoting inclusive economic growth throughout Central Indiana. By leveraging the expertise of the Advisory Council, CIWBC hopes to provide women business owners with the tools, knowledge, and support networks necessary to build successful, sustainable enterprises.
Those interested in learning more about the Central Indiana Women’s Business Center and its programs, including Advisory Council initiatives, can visit the CIWBC website through the Indy Chamber for details on resources, services, and upcoming opportunities. The 2026 Advisory Council is poised to continue the center’s legacy of empowerment, innovation, and leadership in the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This council marks another step forward for CIWBC as it continues to help women business owners navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, strengthen their networks, and achieve meaningful economic impact in Central Indiana. With strategic guidance and committed leadership, the organization aims to empower a new generation of women leaders who will shape the future of business in the region.
