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| Affiliation | Democratic |
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| Name | Melina Kennedy |
| Address |
Indianapolis, Indiana , United States |
| Email | None |
| Website | [Link] |
| Born |
Unknown
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| Contributor | RP |
| Last Modifed | 00
Jan 14, 2011 01:04pm |
| Tags |
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| Info | Over fifty years ago, Melina's father left the shores of Greece for the hope and opportunity of America. His dream was simple and familiar: to build a family and grow a small business. After settling in the Midwest, he opened a small restaurant where the family spent many hours working. From her father's work in the restaurant to her mother's commitment at home, Melina learned many of the values that guide her life and work. Chief among those was something Melina fully realized when she had children of her own: working hard everyday to build a city, a neighborhood, a home and a future where your children's dreams are possible.
A Student and Athlete.
After graduating from high school, Melina left the hustle and bustle of the family restaurant for Indiana University, where she ran varsity track and cross country. During track practice, she met a talented young runner who weeks later finally gathered enough courage to ask for a date. Bob Kennedy, who went on to be one of America's greatest distance runners, has only once admitted to being nervous before a big event. It was not when he represented the United States in the Olympic Games. It was when he picked up Melina on their first date.
After graduating with undergraduate degrees in History and Environmental Studies, Kennedy went on to receive both a J.D. and a M.S. in Environmental Science from IU. Graduating with honors, Kennedy clerked for Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan before heading to the law firm of Johnson Smith. While at Johnson Smith, a young former aide to Governor Evan Bayh asked Kennedy to have coffee to discuss policy issues facing Indianapolis. The man's name was Bart Peterson.
A Deputy Mayor and Job Creator.
After serving Peterson as an advisor during his successful campaign for Mayor, Kennedy joined Peterson's administration. As Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Kennedy brought thousands of new jobs to Indianapolis. Among her major achievements were helping forge the Bio-Crossroads initiative, bringing a new company to the United hub at the Indianapolis International Airport, and working hard to retain and grow dozens of existing businesses in Indianapolis. In fact, during Kennedy's tenure as Deputy Mayor, Indianapolis' economy was hailed a "diamond in the rust belt". She also helped launch various domestic violence prevention, workforce development, community development and neighborhood development initiatives on behalf of the City of Indianapolis.
A Small Business Owner and Community Activist.
After Bob's retirement as a professional athlete and Olympian, Bob and Melina started a small business in Indianapolis. Beginning with one store in Broad Ripple, The Running Company grew to four stores in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, and Greenwood. The company's success is grounded in its commitment to the community it serves. Committed to the notion of serving her community, Melina's volunteer activities include:
* Legacy House — Board of Directors, Chairperson
* Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Indiana Chapter — Board of Directors, Former President
* Great Indy Neighborhood Initiative — Co-Chair
* IUPUI Board of Advisors — Board Member
* Dress for Success Indianapolis — Board Member
* Butler Business Accelerator Advisory Board — Member
* Women's NCAA Basketball Final Four — Former Co-Chair
* Indianapolis Bar Association — Women and Law Division, Former Chair
* Indianapolis Visitors and Convention Association — Former Board Member
* Domestic Violence Network of Greater Indianapolis — Former Board
* Member Making Connections Indianapolis — Former Board Member
* Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis — Former Board Member
* Teach for America – Board Member
* Jane Pauley Community Health Center — Board Member
A Wife and Mother.
Though Bob was a bit nervous on that first date, he ultimately overcame his trepidation and asked Melina to marry him. Recently celebrating their 16th anniversary, Bob and Melina are the proud parents of twin school-age children, Marcus and Sophia. And it is their future, and the opportunities Melina and Bob want for them, that drives her commitment to public service and her vision of a new tomorrow for Indianapolis.
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