A true college grad success story, Vittoria Meyer landed a job immediately upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University this month. As Operations Manager at RJL Solutions, Meyer will serve as administrative support to Partner Rachel Leslie as well as be responsible for daily business operations.
The advocacy and marketing firm in downtown Terre Haute has grown exponentially since opening in July 2017, from one full-time employee to now adding its fifth. Meyer is a welcomed addition to the team.
“Adding Vittoria to the team will allow us to elevate our clients and West Central Indiana even more,” states Leslie. “We need this support at an operational level that will allow the rest of our team to serve externally in the community, at the Statehouse and in D.C., even more than we already are.”
Meyer also brings fresh perspective and expertise to the firm with a major in communication/public relations and a minor in marketing.
“I have no doubt that Vittoria will hit the ground running. I think she will impress us with her talents, abilities, and professionalism. She already has,” states Jenn Kersey, Chief Operating Officer at RJL Solutions.
One of Meyer’s most notable accomplishments during her undergrad experience was her involvement with the Weigh of the Waste marketing campaign at the college. This project involved collaboration with the Institute for Community Sustainability and environmental science students to research campus waste and develop a campaign targeting current students. The end result was a poster series that can be seen on campus to promote awareness of waste reduction.
Meyer’s academic achievements include Cum Laude Latin Honors, Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Association Honor Society, Dean’s List, Academic Distinction Scholarship, and Summer Honors Scholarship. A Marshall, Illinois native, she currently resides in Terre Haute.

​Exactly one year after RJL Solutions’ ribbon cutting, the company announces the addition of a Strategic Communications division. RJL Solutions, an advocacy firm in Terre Haute, Ind., launched a new website this month that showcases the new division in addition to the advocacy services they already provide. 
The goal of the Strategic Communications division is to provide support for advocacy clients as well as provide affordable marketing options for small businesses and non-profits. RJL Solutions now provides organizations with the expertise to tell their story and promote their mission. Partner, Rachel Leslie, realized through feedback from her clients that communications services were needed in order to better serve West Central Indiana.
“It was from those conversations I learned that creating a resource for strategic communications was a need, specifically in the non-profit and small business arenas,” Leslie stated.
As the mission of RJL Solutions continues and the company expands, the team has been able to extend its services through the development of this new team.  Betsy Peperak has been named the Director of Strategic Communications, bringing expertise in social media marketing, professional writing, digital design, and grant writing. 
“Being able to use that talent and expertise to assist small businesses and non-profit organizations is a perfect fit for my passion and for the mission of RJL Solutions,” Peperak states.
Peperak holds a Master of Arts in professional writing from Eastern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science degree in English teaching from Indiana State University. In February 2018, she joined the first fully-online Master of Leadership Development cohort at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and looks forward to adding a second master's degree to her list of accomplishments in 2019.
With the addition of the communications division, RJL Solutions has a new hire. Anna Madden has been named Brand Ambassador for the company. She is responsible for promoting RJL Solutions and its clients through community outreach, marketing and design, and lead generation.
“I am looking forward to helping clients grow their online presence and increase their profits,” Madden states. “I am eager to put my digital marketing skills to use with website development and design, social media, online advertising, and search engine optimization. Along with Betsy, I hope to help make RJL Solutions your one-stop shop for profitable online marketing.”
Madden is a recent graduate from Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College with a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a French minor.  She is certified in Google AdWords and Google AdWords Shopping Advertising from Google as well as in Fashion Industry Essentials from Parsons School of Education and Teen Vogue.

AUGUST 10, 2018

​Terre Haute, Ind. - Emerging Leaders Project, Inc. announced the 2018-2019 class, including Rockville native Jenn Kersey. The only Emerging Leader recognized in West Central Indiana this year, Kersey currently serves as chief operating officer at RJL Solutions in Terre Haute.
 
“Jenn’s eagerness to give back to West Central Indiana has been proven in her work but I’m proud to see her take the next step in advancing the community at the state level,” states Rachel Leslie, partner at RJL Solutions. Leslie attended the conservative-based leadership program, Indiana Leadership Forum, in 2014-15. She encourages young professionals, regardless of party politics, to engage in public policy. 
 
A stand-alone, non-profit organization, the Emerging Leaders Project offers free training to select young Hoosier Democratic leaders who have an interest in running for office or working on campaigns. Each year up to 40 young men and women, who are between the ages of 21 to 40, are selected by the Emerging Leaders Project Board from a pool of hundreds of applicants from across the state.
 
“I am honored and grateful to have the opportunity to represent West Central Indiana in this state-wide leadership development program,” states Kersey. “I look forward to meeting the other cohort members and learning more about their regions. I believe the connectivity with other leaders across the state will advance initiatives and opportunities we have at a faster rate.”
 
Now in its sixth year, the partnership between the Indiana Democratic Party and the Emerging Leaders Project has produced dozens of elected officials, party leaders and activists.
 
“I applied to the emerging leaders project because I want to connect with others who are also eager to engage more in public policy, public service and community development initiatives,” states Kersey.
 
Jenn Kersey holds a Master of Leadership Development degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education from Indiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health and Kinesiology from Purdue University. She served as Executive Director for the Vigo County YMCA, and prior to that she worked for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College as the Director of Events and Strategic Programs. 
 
Kersey currently serves as a committee member for the Parke County Community Foundation, where she has volunteered on several committees, including the Board of Directors, since 2007. She has also been a member of Better Health Wabash Valley since 2014, where she enjoys collaborating with other organizations in the Wabash Valley that have the same passion for healthy living. Kersey also sits on the Community Advisory Council for Foundation for Autism Resources where she assists with outreach, planning and fundraising efforts. As an autism advocate, Kersey’s efforts include working with state legislators to improve access to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy to those who are on the autism spectrum.  
 
In her capacity at RJL Solutions, Jenn has an external role in the community, cultivating leadership in organizations so that they may seek partners, influence decisions, and empower others. Fostering a sense of achievement, she works with organizations so that they may be intentional in collaboration, leadership, and advocacy – the three pillars of RJL Solutions.

While she enjoys her work as a professional and a volunteer in the community, she loves the gift of being a mother to sons Couper and James, and sharing that responsibility with her husband, Kyle. They reside in Parke County where Kyle is Principal of Riverton Parke Jr. and Sr. High School for Southwest Parke Community School Corporation.
 
For the complete Emerging Leaders Project 2018-19 class list, please visit http://www.indems.org/announcing-the-2018-19-emerging-leaders-project-class/.

AUGUST 8, 2018

A culmination of seven months of intensive research, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College graduate Anna Madden presented her RJL Solutions internship project this week. Madden’s research was limited to West Central Indiana – the 6-county region including Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties – and focused on the perception, needs, challenges, and opportunities of college students/graduates, business owners, and citizens of the region.
The need for this type of research was determined through a series of meaningful conversations among local and state leaders about the importance of regionalism. Madden’s presentation summarized the findings of several formal surveys and focus groups, and those in attendance included representatives from multiple counties in the region.
“When I have conversations at the Statehouse, we aren’t referred to as just Terre Haute anymore. We are West Central Indiana,” states Rachel Leslie, partner at RJL Solutions. “More and more in these conversations, the importance of regionalism is emphasized in order for us to be competitive with other regions of the state. This presents an opportunity for the counties in our region to start collaborating instead of competing with one another. When one is successful, all are successful.”
According to the results of over 400 survey responses, the top three things that respondents like about West Central Indiana include cost of living, commute time, and local businesses. Additionally, 84.43% of respondents expressed the desire for West Central Indiana to promote a better image of the region. Conversations from five separate focus groups further stressed the need for an emphasis on collaboration among the counties, relationship-building, and a regional brand focus. It was also determined that there needs to be education internally in the region on what exactly West Central Indiana means, geographically and in terms of its assets.
“We need to learn who we are so that we can tell our own story instead of letting others tell it for us,” states Madden, who graduated with a degree in marketing and was immediately hired as Brand Ambassador at RJL Solutions. “If we know who we are, we can start to communicate that to those outside of West Central Indiana.”
Madden’s research, of which the final product is a 74-page report, provides a platform to build upon as the discussion of regionalism transforms into action items. The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce recently announced its West Central 2025 initiative, and Madden will be turning the research over to that group and county leaders so that they may use it to move forward in their mission to advance the region together.
“The goal of West Central 2025 is to create exactly what Anna has outlined here today, an excitement, energy and enthusiasm within communities and individuals from throughout our region. As was clearly demonstrated by her research, the need exists,” states David Haynes, President of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.
West Central 2025 additionally announced at the end of Madden’s presentation that they will be hosting those interested in this regional branding initiative October 4 at 10 a.m. at Ivy Tech Community College. To register, visit www.terrehautechamber.com. For more information, call (812) 232-2391 or contact Kristin Craig, kcraig@terrehautechamber.com.

Terre Haute’s own Rachel Leslie, Partner of RJL Solutions, LLC is currently traveling with the IEDC leadership team to London (July 14 – July 20) to participate in a back-to-back series of meetings regarding advancing Indiana in aerospace and overall defense development. 
The trip, centered on the Farnborough Air Show, includes 30 meetings already on the agenda.  Rachel will be blogging, interviewing and reporting back over the next week; speaking to other members of the state delegation to keep the Terre Haute community informed of the work we’re doing. ​

Appreciation.
The week can be described as fast and furious. So much to accomplish, so little time. My only reflection
came through writing blog posts for the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. Today I’m writing with
appreciation. The amount of work done behind the scenes to create such a meaningful international
trip was a large undertaking – from transportation to making meaningful appointments – and everything
in-between. So, here is where I say, “thank you.”
Kensington Palace was more than just a stop on the agenda.

Arriving at Kensington Palace was fascinating. We were directed to a back gate and entered as a small group. It was much different than entering the White House. Palace greeters were there to welcome us
and show us to our destination on the grounds. We spent a good amount of time in the King’s Room, as it was called, filled with historical pictures of the matriarch. It was there Secretary of Commerce, Jim Schellinger, addressed the Indiana group privately.

He took time to reflect on what we had accomplished as a team on our short, yet fast-paced journey, and acknowledged everyone in attendance. It was somewhat surreal standing in the palace and looking out at the grounds from the inside. Just being there caused immediate reflection of historical perspective. We ended up in Diana’s Garden where we joined the United States delegation, representing various states. 
The unique backdrop provided an opportunity for once in a lifetime pictures, but it also afforded time to get to know one another. We had an opportunity to meet other state officials and discuss prospective plans for collaboration. When the evening concluded we had a long walk to the palace entry gate to meet our driver. The walk provided just enough time to appreciate the importance of Indiana’s presence at such a distinctive event.
The final day.
The final day of meetings felt more frantic than the first few days. The key was to follow-up with as
many prospects as possible, to offer appreciation for shared vision, and to build upon new relationships,
one more time. It also gave us an opportunity to meet with new friends following our time together at
Kensington Palace. We made a lot of invitations to Indiana and we were invited by many other states. It
was in the final hours that we all realized we still have much to do after our time in London. There are
many emails to send, people to connect, and new meetings to set-up. The final day was only our final
day in London.
Appreciation of YOU.
Spending time with a group of leaders in close proximity day-after-day, you begin to connect differently,
creating more meaningful relationships. I took time to get to know the delegation one-by-one, making
significant connections that are meant to create collaborative opportunities for the future. In those
conversations, I found myself talking about many of you. I talked about our city, county, economic
development corporation, chamber of commerce, higher education institutions, workforce development
efforts, our community foundation, and the list goes on. Learning about what others are doing helped
me recognize new opportunities, but it also caused me to appreciate who I get to work with every day,
day-in and day-out. Today, I’m feeling much appreciation for you.
#London #Appreciation

Terre Haute’s own Rachel Leslie, Partner of RJL Solutions, LLC is currently traveling with the IEDC leadership team to London (July 14 – July 20) to participate in a back-to-back series of meetings regarding advancing Indiana in aerospace and overall defense development. 
The trip, centered on the Farnborough Air Show, includes 30 meetings already on the agenda.  Rachel will be blogging, interviewing and reporting back over the next week; speaking to other members of the state delegation to keep the Terre Haute community informed of the work we’re doing. 
Read below for Rachel’s second blog from London:
We ended Monday with a short visit with Robert Wood IV, US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and a briefing with how to tackle day two.  The pure magnitude of the number of opportunities forced us to have a specific divide and conquer strategy amongst the delegation.
IEDC Leadership with Robert Wood Johnson IV, US Ambassador to the UK
Yesterday the word of the day was potential.  Today the word of the day is vast.  Large doesn’t seem to fit the criteria to help illustrate the incredible magnitude of the world’s largest air show.  If a company touches aerospace, they’re either here as an exhibitor or they’re an attendee.  Governor Eric Holcomb is known for saying, “We’re taking Indiana to the world and bringing the world to Indiana.”  Undoubtedly, that is what we’re accomplishing.
Yesterday’s blog demonstrated the why, today we’re navigating the what.  I had an opportunity to sit down with Rollie Helmling, Senior Vice President of Global Industry and Trade Development with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and talk about what he believes we’re accomplishing as a state on the international platform:
“You can see that we’re in an extremely competitive environment.  There are 12 other states present all competing in this sector.  Aerospace and defense is the industry of the future.  Look at what is happening in aerospace – more traveling, more shipping, and more advanced/faster technology overall.  The FedEx in Indianapolis is second only to Memphis with significant potential growth.  The fact that we’ve just added another international flight, with more on the horizon, shows our level of continued commitment in this dialogue.  We are home to Rolls Royce, GE Aviation, and other supply chain companies who are an integral part of the industry.  Secretary Jim Shellinger and I had two significant meetings today, both with GE Aviation and Rolls Royce and their continued growth strategies,” stated Helmling.
GE Aviation Chalet
It has been eye-opening how fortunate we are as a state to have a Department of Defense Development.  Shining bright and clear is our state’s opportunity in the defense sector.  The major defense leads are somewhat mystique.  By nature, they do work behind the scenes to create successful strategies for the men and women keeping our country safe.  However, it is a sector I quickly see as the next big opportunity.  For example, GE Aviation, who we have in our backyard, also has a defense side of their business model, the same for Rolls Royce – just to name two.  I had the opportunity to witness the relationships secured and managed by our Defense Development team, led by Defense Development Director, Danielle Chrysler, be utilized behind closed doors.
Tonight we are visiting Kensington Palace and meeting with other government and industry leaders around the aerospace and defense industries.
#vast #potential #takingindianatotheworld
Rachel Leslie, Partner
RJL Solutions

​Although Farnborough is one of the largest airshows in the country, the thousands of attendees are connected with industry perspectives presenting new technologies that will advance how we do business in the future – fast, innovative, and competitive.  The state of Indiana is in hall two, and located amongst other states such as Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Idaho (to name a few) in a well-rounded approach from consultants, economic developers, and state leaders. The walls of the booth showcase large aircraft, the state’s higher education assets, a list of Indiana companies in the aerospace industry, and information on available locations for new and expanded companies. The vast array of companies, communities, states, and countries can’t be covered in three days, and certainly not fully appreciated.  Now that I’m here I can fully understand the why Indiana is here. To be a competitor in the aerospace and defense industry you have to have true and long-lasting relationships built on the ability of shared success.  Without an effort to continuously build upon new and standing relationships, the competition can outpace us on the basic foundation of doing business together – trust. 
Among members of the state delegation is Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger.  The Secretary has been fast-moving from meeting-to-meeting representing Indiana’s innovative story, connecting with aerospace primes and key CEOs. The airshow offers a chance for state leaders to interact with aerospace business leaders in a quick and efficient way, maximizing both time and connections. The conversations started here have the potential to become the projects and jobs of the future.
In the Indiana booth, we interact with a variety of leaders from engineers to c-suite executives. The most popular giveaway is a unique video card, which resembles a business card with a small, embedded screen. The video features Governor Eric Holcomb sharing the state’s growth strategy, along with some of our signature Indiana scenery. While the video starts conversations, we continue them in a small meeting room in the Indiana booth with signs that state – “Top 5 Best States for Quality of Life, No. 3 for Infrastructure in the Nation, Next Level Connectivity, Next Level Business Environment, Next level Infrastructure, Top 5 States for Business, and No. 1 for Regulatory Environment.” We have a strong and vibrant state, and we’re telling our story to a diverse international audience that represents billions in investment and many potential jobs.
Although I’ve had a chance to talk to several potential vendors and take part in state delegation meetings, it is hard to narrow down any immediate success the first day.  The next three days will be spent doing much of the same – more meetings, more conversations, more connecting the dots.  As I sit here today, the word that comes to mind is potential.  In addition, I will be taking time on behalf of the Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation to say “Thank You” to GE Aviation and Thyssenkrupp, and demonstrate our continued willingness for partnership growth and new opportunities.
I will be taking time to interview other members of the state delegation over the next few days.  More to come.
#NextLevelIN #WestCentralIN #Potential
Rachel Leslie, Partner
RJL Solutions, LLC

The vision of the NCCO is to act as a “one-stop-shop” to connect state, federal, and private interests with services, programs, training and testing capabilities that will serve the U.S. armed forces and government agencies at all levels.

​“I’m certain I speak for those I’ll be representing alongside, although this is a unique opportunity to serve, it is humbling to know the work we might accomplish together could both advance economic opportunities for our state and help promote new defense opportunities for our men and women serving our great nation,” states Rachel Leslie. “Each of us brings a distinct perspective, and I look forward to working with people who love Indiana and our military.”

Other Indiana leaders appointed include Vice Admiral Mike Bucchi, of Bloomington; Bill Smith, of Madison County; John T. Thompson, of Indianapolis; and Omer Clifton “Clif” Tooley, Jr., of Bargersville.
 
Leslie holds a Master of Leadership Development degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication Public Relations and Journalism from Indiana State University. She is a graduate of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Executive Association Chamber University, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management, and the Indiana Leadership Forum. As an experienced collaborator, Leslie advocates on behalf of her clients at her advocacy firm, RJL Solutions. She strategically brings state and federal relationships and unique resources to West Central Indiana while also working to educate on specific issues and promote public/private partnerships.

Through Leslie’s work in the Chamber of Commerce profession, higher education, government relations and various community board and development initiatives, she has a broad scope of understanding on how various industries and both private and public sectors can collaborate for maximum results.  She founded the Terre Haute Young Leaders, co-founded the Wabash Valley Leadership Institute and worked behind the scenes on many community development initiatives such as Terre Haute’s recognition as “Community of the Year” named by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.  She served on the Wabash Region Regional Cities team, which resulted in some important financial wins for West Central Indiana.

In her time at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Leslie sought to strategically expand the footprint of the College from a regional, state and federal perspective, thereby implementing an external relations office. Leslie led that effort at the cabinet level as vice president of external relations. The office included grants development, auxiliary revenue, noncredit programs, community and government relations. Leslie was an instrumental part of this outreach through grant acquisition, policy changes, navigation of higher education regulations, and development of strategic academic programs.

Leslie has been honored by various leadership organizations for her accomplishments in business growth strategies, community development and strategic collaboration. She was named one of the top Chamber professionals under 40 by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, a Rising Star by Junior Achievement of the Wabash Valley, a Graduate of the Last Decade by the Indiana State University Alumni Association, an Athena International Honoree, a Paul Harris Fellow, and most recently a recipient of the Top 12 Under 40 in the Wabash Valley.

“I’m pleased the different government and organizational entities that represent our community are willing to work with these two, talented students.  I’ve encouraged these students to visit the surrounding counties and get to know their leaders, learn from their thoughts, and develop an asset list. They’ve also been resourced to visit other regions across the state and ask hard questions and develop strong recommendations.  I’ve asked them not to get side-tracked by politics, but to use their educational backgrounds, talents, and collaborative spirits to do quality research,” states Leslie.

​As Director of Advocacy and Client Affairs, Kersey will manage a portfolio of clients. Fostering a sense of achievement, she will work with organizations so that they may be intentional in collaboration, leadership, and advocacy – the three pillars of RJL Solutions.
 
“Every business and organization has a purpose they are passionate about, but may not have the resources or time necessary to fully implement that purpose,” states Kersey. “Helping others identify their strengths and areas of growth for continued success is an attribute I have always been proud of, and now I will be able to help on a much larger scale.”
 
Kersey holds a Master of Leadership Development degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a B.S. degree in Health Education from Indiana State University and a B.A. degree in Health and Kinesiology from Purdue University. She served as Executive Director for the Vigo County YMCA, and prior to that she worked for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College as the Director of Events and Strategic Programs. Kersey was instrumental in the development of the college’s wellness and sports marketing programs.
 
Kersey currently serves on the Parke County Community Foundation’s Board of Directors and has been a volunteer for the PCCF since 2007. She has also been a member of Better Health Wabash Valley since 2014, where she enjoys collaborating with other organizations in the Wabash Valley that have the same passion for healthy living. She also sits on the Community Advisory Council for Foundation for Autism Resources where she assists with outreach, planning and fundraising efforts. As an autism advocate, Kersey’s efforts include working with state legislators to improve access to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy to those who are on the autism spectrum.
 
While she enjoys her work as a professional and a volunteer in the community, she loves the gift of being a mother to sons Couper and James, and sharing that responsibility with her husband, Kyle. They reside in Parke County where Kyle is Principal of Riverton Parke Jr. and Sr. High School for Southwest Parke Community School Corporation.

NOVEMBER 13, 2017

​“It is vital in advocating and lobbying for opportunities, policies, grants, etc., that the message be clear and concise while telling the story,” states Rachel J. Leslie, managing partner. “This position is crucial to the clients of RJL Solutions in helping to increase their exposure not only in the region but across the state of Indiana and beyond.”

Peperak has a strong background in communications and marketing. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Teaching from Indiana State University, which she used to teach high school for two years after graduating. After obtaining her master’s degree in Professional Writing from Eastern Illinois University, she worked at Tribune-Star as an Advertising Account Executive and at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College as Communications Manager in the Office of Marketing and Communications.

In her position as Communications Manager, she was responsible for growing the college’s social media presence and was a crucial part of the team during the transition to coed. Peperak led projects such as the #FlatSMTG social media campaign and managed the college’s various social media ad campaigns. Peperak also brought her creativity to the college, serving as videographer on multiple projects including WoodsGivingDay.

“I look forward to bringing my expertise to RJL Solutions,” states Peperak. “This business is helping West Central Indiana grow and change for the better. I’m very passionate about my community and am proud to be a part of that growth.”

Peperak lives in rural Paris, Ill., with husband Matthew and their three children, Liam, Chloe, and Clara.

NOVEMBER 8, 2017

RJL Solutions LLC will provide services which range from relationship-building, lobbying, advocating and educating on specific issues, promoting public/private partnerships and general external relations business services. 

​RJL Solutions LLC partner, Rachel Leslie, believes this service is an important tool to success.  “In today's corporate and political climate it's imperative to understand your place in the economic framework of your community, your state and the nation.  Competition is fierce and proven themes for success include relationships, education and communication. It’s important you have a place in the world of community, politics and policy.  Working within the community development, higher education, and political framework for the last 13 years, my eyes have been opened to new opportunities for our area,” said Leslie.  “This business concept doesn’t exist in the region, yet it’s a vital tool for winning.  I am confident the West Central IN region can benefit from such services.” 

The business tagline is “Advocate, Collaborate, Lead,” which Leslie says identifies the three most important verbs that shape positive change and impacts success.  “We must tell our story, work together, and be leaders in our area of expertise.  West Central IN is rich with education and healthcare resources, quality infrastructure and equipped with a diverse industry base.”

Leslie looks forward to working with leaders within the region and building new partnerships which will advance regional development for a variety of clients.  “I’m grateful to my family, friends, colleagues, and mentors for helping me build knowledge and courage me to follow my passion and influence change,” said Leslie. 

RJL Solutions will be located at 9. South 7th Street, in downtown Terre Haute, and is currently undergoing minor renovations.

Biography

Rachel J. Leslie, MLD
Partner, RJL Solutions LLC

Rachel J. Leslie holds a Master of Leadership Development degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a B.S. degree in Speech Communication Public Relations and Journalism from Indiana State University. She is a graduate of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Executive Association Chamber University, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management and the Indiana Leadership Forum.   She served the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce in many capacities for seven years, including Executive Vice President, and as the Vice President for External Relations at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College for five years. 

She participates on a large number of community and professional boards and committees, which include the Vigo County Education Foundation, Rural Health Innovation Collaborative, Hamilton Center, Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, Terre Haute Regional Airport Board Authority, and recently appointed to the Indiana Women’s Commission study on paid family leave.

Through Leslie’s work in the Chamber of Commerce profession, higher education, government relations and various community board and development initiatives, she has a broad scope of understanding on how various industries and both private and public sectors can collaborate for maximum results.  She founded the Terre Haute Young Leaders, co-founded the Wabash Valley Leadership Institute and worked behind the scenes on many community development initiatives such as Terre Haute’s recognition as “Community of the Year” named by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in 2010.  Recently, she initiated the Terre Haute Women in Washington group to build momentum around women leaders engaging in public policy and led a group of 15 women on a two-day journey on Capitol Hill.  During her time at the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce she led the largest membership drive in Indiana with over 100 volunteers and over 200 signed members in just two days.  However, although these accomplishments are significant, she is most proud of her work with helping young professionals find avenues for community engagement. 

Leslie has been honored by various leadership organizations for her accomplishments in business growth strategies, community development and strategic collaboration.  She was named one of the top Chamber professionals under 40 by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, a Rising Star by Junior Achievement of the Wabash Valley, a Graduate of the Last Decade by the Indiana State University Alumni Association, an Athena International Honoree, a Paul Harris Fellow and most recently a recipient of the Top 12 Under 40 in Terre Haute.

She has two boys, Beau and Luke, and a husband, Broc, who serves as Principal at Ernie Pyle Elementary School with South Vermillion Schools.  Her family’s passion for the region keeps them steadfast in Vigo County. ​