5 Questions: Tanya Bell says Indiana Black Expo serves Indy year-round
Indiana Black Expo is gearing up for its 45th annual Summer Celebration from July 9-19, but president and CEO Tanya Bell works hard all year long to make the community aware that her organization does much more than host seasonal concerts and festivities.
After building a legal career in positions with the Community Health Network, Ogletree Deakins and Ice Miller, Bell took over as president of Indiana Black Expo in 2008.
"While volunteering as a board member, I became familiar with the organization's rich history and impact it had on the community," she said. "I participated in the major fundraisers, but was drawn to its year-round youth and family programs that we hear less about."
More than 400,000 people attend IBE's two primary fundraisers each year: Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic in the fall.
"We expect attendance at approximately 250,000 this year for Summer Celebration," Bell said. "We're excited to have the AME's Women's Missionary Society Quadrennial and Young People's Convention and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives with us."
The work of Indiana Black Expo doesn't slow down after Summer Celebration concludes.
"People continue to be surprised when I share the youth and family programs that we do throughout the year," Bell says. "IBE's focus areas are education, economics and health."
To that end, the ongoing activities and events IBE oversees include college fairs, youth leadership and development conferences, a Youth Media Institute, an after-school program that teaches middle and high school students video productions skills, and a tobacco prevention and cessation program.
Bell is also quick to recognize IBE's Your Life Matters initiative, a collaborative action plan that addresses quality-of-life issues affecting young African-American men, as well as the Education Conference and Parent Conference, which has expanded into the Parent Leadership Academy.
"As a single-parent mother who was raised by a single-parent mother, I understand the value of education and the need to stand with our parents and encourage them to maximize their God-given potential," she said. "This year, we will partner with nearly 400 educators during our Education Conference. Indianapolis is doing some great work right now, and I am excited to be a part of the efforts."
Bell shared her thoughts about leadership and business success:
Question: What are you most looking forward to about this year's Summer Celebration?
Answer: "Our staff has worked hard to secure and create many exciting attractions. We have the 'Selma to Montgomery' traveling exhibit that documents the quest for equality and social justice through 45 powerful, historic black-and-white photographs taken by photojournalist Stephen Somerstein. This is the last stop of the exhibit, then the photos will be auctioned and 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to our scholarship fund. The declaration of Reggie Wayne Weekend is also my favorite, as we are encouraging our community to come out and thank Reggie for everything he's done for our city and state. I also have to mention legendary Patti Labelle, who will perform at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, as well as some new attractions in our Family Fun Zone."
Q: What does the word "leader" mean to you?
A: "A leader is passionate about results. A leader also understands that he or she is accountable for decisions, takes ownership of his or her choices and doesn't dodge responsibility. A leader is collaborative and works with a team while allowing people to share responsibility. A leader is willing to step back and let others lead when necessary, and fully understands it does not negate his or her position within the organization."
Q: What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
A: "Always help others, even if there is no direct benefit to me. None of us got where we are without someone reaching out and helping us. In return, we should always reach out to encourage, educate and elevate someone else."
Q: Do you have a personal business philosophy you try to follow?
A: "Integrity will take you far. Though business decisions will sometimes be tough and not always respected, those decisions must be consistent with your values. Principle must always come before self-interest."
Q: What's the best part of your job?
A: "When I learn that the work of my team positively impacts someone's life. Those are the victories we cherish and that keep us going every day."
More about Tanya Bell
Job title: Indiana Black Expo president and CEO.
Education: B.A. from Indiana State University; J.D. from Indiana University School of Law–Indianapolis.
Prior employment: Community Health Network, Ogletree Deakins, Ice Miller.
Family: Son, Deonte Gates; daughter, Melody Bell.
Favorite pastimes: Movies, laughing with friends, and working out.
Favorite musical artists: Aaliyah, SWV and Mary J. Blige.
Favorite quote: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." —Proverbs 3:5.