Get to Know Allissa Impink, Director of Advocacy

Allissa M. Impink, Women’s Fund Director of Advocacy, has built a career at the intersection of advocacy, philanthropy, and public service, always with equity and community voice at the center. From leading national education advocacy with UNCF to shaping bold philanthropic strategies at the Central Indiana Community Foundation and Glick Philanthropies, Allissa has mobilized leaders, resources, and grassroots movements to create lasting change. Today, she serves as a Commissioner on the Indianapolis Public Schools Board, represents her community on the Indiana Reproductive Freedom PAC, and continues to champion women, girls, and families through fearless advocacy. A proud mother of three daughters, Allissa brings both lived experience and visionary leadership to her work, striving for a future where dignity, opportunity, and justice are within reach for all. We sat down with Allissa to learn more about what drives her, the lessons she’s carrying forward, and her vision for advancing equity for women and girls in Central Indiana.

What inspires you most about joining this role, and how do you hope to make a difference for women and girls in our community?

I’m inspired by the opportunity to champion equity for women and girls at a time when our voices and rights must be defended boldly. In this role, I will focus my efforts locally partnering with communities here in Central Indiana and Statewide. I see how policies and community investments shape opportunities. My hope is to advance systemic solutions so that women, girls have the resources and power to thrive.

What experiences have shaped your approach to advocacy?

My advocacy work as a teacher, child welfare social worker, philanthropic advisor and elected official, has taught me that real change happens when we center community voice. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges families face—whether in classrooms, through social services, or across nonprofits—when systems aren’t designed equitably. Those experiences push me to fight for policies that are people-centered.

If you could invite the community to take one small action today to advance equity for women and girls, what would it be?

Start by listening deeply to women and girls in your life—especially those whose voices are too often overlooked. Then, commit to one tangible action: advocate for fair policies, mentor a young woman and don’t stop at mentorship, break glass ceilings. Support reproductive justice, or give to organizations uplifting women and girls. Change begins when we each use our power, no matter how small, to create a more just and inclusive future.