As Hamilton County Leadership Academy celebrates its 25th anniversary, Current is highlighting local leaders who have helped build and sustain the program, which focuses on strengthening our community by developing informed leaders.
Jocelyn Vare, HCLA Class of 2016
Hometown: South Bend
Lives and works: Fishers
Family: Son Nick, 21, and daughter Maddie, 19.
Career: Vare owns Propeller Marketing, a 15-year-old boutique advertising agency. A graduate of Butler University, she has 22 years of advertising and marketing experience.
Community involvement: Vare is a member of the Fishers Arts Council board and served on a Fishers 2040 task force. She also completed the Fishers Government Academy and Ball State University’s Community Development Course.
Nice to know: She recently joined Fishers Community Chorus.
What impact has HCLA made on the community? “My class was a diverse group of 30 people from a variety of professions, backgrounds, cities and seasons of life. We all share a desire to learn and to go out and serve Hamilton County. And that’s just this year!”
Most impactful connection made through the program: “My HCLA team launched a teen-dating-violence awareness campaign. A Hamilton County teen who experienced violence by her boyfriend shared her story at our public rally/media event. I will never forget her strength and desire to help.”
What is your vision for Hamilton County’s future? “Culturally diverse, full of art, boldly creative and linked via a mass transit system.”
Favorite Hamilton County restaurant, park, venue, etc.: “Tea time with scones at Twigs & Tea on Maple Street in Fishers.”
Favorite thing to do in Hamilton County: “I haven’t done it yet. I want to ride the 1859 Balloon Voyage at Conner Prairie and view the county from up there!”
Best-kept Hamilton County secret: “The lobby of Fishers City Hall is a free, public art gallery. Every six weeks, a new art exhibit is displayed and there’s a free public reception to meet the artists.”
