Women Who Lead: Shelbyville's Women Movers and Shakers

We love all of the community events and businesses led by women movers and shakers in Shelby County. That's why during Women's History Month Macaroni KID Shelbyville IN is showcasing WEEK TWO of a few of our county's talented women that have invested their time, talent, and treasure into creating a family environment in our community!

This week we are kicking off our series with four women making moves in politics, health and wellness, resources for our youth, and spearheading events in our county seat's historic downtown!  Read our short introduction to these amazing women and click their links to learn more about their stories!

Know of a Shelby County rockstar woman that should be featured here? Reach out to me at mackidshelbyvillein@macaronikid.com and let me know by Monday of each week! * designates business is a member of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Kerri Coffey, Director of Operations Girls Inc. of Shelbyville/Shelby County* kmuldoon@girlsincshelbycounty.org Born and raised in Shelby County, Kerri Coffey has deepened her roots by starting her own family and professionally giving back to the community through her employment at a local non-profit, Girls Inc. of Shelbyville/Shelby County. As a mom of one, Kerri has learned a lot of lessons along the way being a working mom in our community. The advice she gives new moms is NOT to compare themselves to others. She says, "just because someone does something different, it doesn't mean one way is wrong there are simply different approaches. When asked about why Shelby County is a great place to raise a family, she states it's because [Shelby County is a] small community and safe. It is 100% a small-town feel all across the county which she believes is why so many people live here. There is a lot to do as a family but also, Shelby County is a great location to travel from. It is close distance to several cities that it makes it super convenient if you need to go elsewhere. Her favorite family-friendly place in Shelby County: The Grover Museum and Shelby County Public Library! "They often host fun events and programs for kids!"

Brittany Zimny, Director of Marketing coreVISION Financial Group* Graduating from Shelbyville High School, Brittany left the county for school and work and just a few years later found herself coming back "home" to start her own family. As a young mother of three, Brittany says she can rave for days about "our small-town feel with ALL of the fun things to do through the parks department, YMCA, Senses, library, trails, Mainstreet events, TNT Exotics, and Grover Museum." In addition to raising her family and being a predominant professional in the Shelby County community, Brittany gives her time and talent to the community on the Board of Directors of Mainstreet Shelbyville Inc. In the leadership role, Brittany incorporates her passion for the community into planning events in the heart of downtown Shelbyville from Mistletoe Market and Wine Walk to Brewsfest and (formerly) First Fridays. In so many ways she is involved and with three boys of her own, Brittany prides herself in being extremely organized but gives a lot of credit to her "village." She recommends using planners and Google Calendar to manage personal and professional life as a working momma. When asked about what advice she would give to a new mom she stated, "Don't sweat the small stuff. The laundry can wait. The dishes can wait. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I know everyone says it, but it TRULY takes a village. I am so thankful for mine. And most importantly, be kind and patient to yourself."

Betsy Mills, Indiana House of Representatives in District 54 Candidate District 54 includes: Morristown and Hanover Township in Shelby County and Blue River Township in Hancock County, as well as most of Henry and Rush counties Betsy For Indiana A graduate of Ball State University, Betsy was born and raised in northeastern Indiana and has cultivated the Midwestern spirit by giving back through volunteerism and intentional professional roles. She currently is a member of the Henry County Council, President of the Ball State University Young Alumni Council AND Center for Communications and Information Management Alumni Boards, a leader in the Indiana GOP central committee, and the Indiana Young Republicans, all the while serving as a remote adjunct professor of communications! Betsy's top priority is economic development for our region which is key to retaining young leadership graduating from our high schools and having jobs for our young families to come back to in our south-central community.  Our proximity to Indianapolis means economic opportunities are growing our way, and Betsy believes it’s our job to grab those opportunities now so that future generations will have good jobs here at home, including in agriculture, manufacturing, and locally owned businesses.  She is a strong supporter of law enforcement and first responders and prioritizes expanding rural broadband, as our students and local businesses need access to high-speed internet they can rely on.  As a college professor, it is clear that Betsy also cares deeply about education -- making sure students, teachers, and parents are empowered and well-resourced.

Brandy Coomes, Executive Director Mainstreet Shelbyville Inc.  Brandy returned to Shelbyville in 1999 with her husband Tim, after attending Western Kentucky University. A mother of three, Brandy has been organizing community events, leading millions of dollars in business facade grants, and so much more for our community as the Executive Director of Mainstreet Shelbyville Inc. since 2010. A lover of the beach and travel, Brandy continues to affirm her dedication and pride in the community by giving her time and talent professionally and through volunteerism with Tri Kappa Shelbyville. Coming into her 6th year as a member, her favorite part of Tri Kappa is giving back to the community's youth through academic scholarships. If you are interested in seasonal employment or part-time volunteering with community events, please click here to contact Brandy.