As you most likely are aware, Indiana’s General Election is coming up on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. On the ballot are key races for our state’s governance, such as Secretary of State, State House and Senate seats, along with several others, which is why our next feature for the Women in Philanthropy series is featuring Sara Fichtner, Interim Executive Director for Women4Change.
Women4Change was created after the 2016 election when a small group of women leaders identified a need for women to become more civically engaged and change the conversation about politics and women’s rights. For their first callout meeting, they weren’t sure what to expect… hundreds of women showed up. As a result, Women4Change was founded as a non-partisan, statewide advocacy group driving positive change for all Hoosiers. Their goal is to equip Hoosiers with the knowledge and tools to engage in democracy, have conversations on issues, and bring women to the table where decisions are made. They prioritize providing education to ensure people understand the processes behind politics, are aware of bills that are working through the legislative process, and are informed about who is on the ballot to represent Hoosiers.
I asked Sara what the biggest challenge that women face related to civic engagement, and she immediately responded, “education”. Women4Change previously conducted listening sessions and found that women do not know where to find timely and accurate information on issues, particularly on the local level. Sara shared that it’s really hard for people to hold decision-makers accountable if they do not know who, what, or why decisions and changes are happening. Women4Change seeks to often be a connector to experts on the issues and topics that are being discussed to ensure that evidence-based experts are being leveraged to share their knowledge and research so that women can make informed decisions. Women4Change has positioned itself around six core pillars that focus on:
- Voting & Elections – In 2022, Indiana ranked 50th in voter turnout.
- Economic Mobility – On average, women working full-time, year-round, are paid 84% of what men are paid.
- Health & Wellness – 1 in every 3 women in Central Indiana suffers from depressive disorders compared to 1 in every 8 men.
- Reproductive Health & Access – Sex education is not currently mandated in Indiana outside of instruction on HIV, and schools that do teach sex education must emphasize abstinence.
- Safety & Security – One in five Hoosier women has been sexually assaulted.
- Civic Engagement & Democracy – More than 70% of Americans fail a basic civic literacy quiz on topics like the three branches of government, the number of Supreme Court justices, and other basic functions of our democracy.
Sara tries to help women understand that local issues are just as important as federal ones, and sometimes the federal headlines can be distracting from the issues happening in our own backyard. Women4Change focuses on meeting women where they are in their civic engagement journey and empowering everyone to become a changemaker in their own way. You may be surprised to know that being a changemaker can come in all forms:
- Be willing to discuss issues with others, even if they might disagree with you
- Stay informed on issues
- Testify on a topic you care about at the statehouse
- Run for election in your local community – school board, precinct, neighborhood association, etc.
- Join a non-profit board of an issue you care about and help support their advocacy
- Engage in the electoral process by becoming a poll worker.
And of course, VOTE in November’s election. October 5 is the last day to register to vote, so ensure that you, your loved ones, neighbors, coworkers, and basically everyone you know are registered to vote. Lastly, make a plan to vote – whether you vote early, absentee, or day-of, make sure your voice is heard for the future you want to see for Hoosier women.
About the Author
Allison Barkel is an Indy Maven Ambassador with a passion for creating an Indianapolis community where all can have the opportunity to thrive. With a background in education, health care, and non-profit management, Allison seeks to open the pathways of economic resources for women and girls.
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