Stephanie James has dedicated over two decades to advancing workforce and economic development initiatives that empower marginalized communities across Indianapolis. As Director of the Central Indiana Women’s Business Center (CIWBC) at the Indy Chamber, she leads efforts to help women entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale their businesses.

Under her leadership, CIWBC has achieved national recognition, maintaining its “Women’s Business Center of Excellence” designation by the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) since 2024. In 2025, CIWBC was named both the Women’s Business Center of Excellence by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Indiana District Office and the Women’s Business Center of the Year by the SBA Great Lakes Division.

Stephanie holds a Master of Public Affairs and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University, as well as an Executive Education Certificate in Women’s Leadership from the Yale School of Management. In 2018, she received the H.G. Weisman Award for Leadership from the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP).

In addition to her professional work, Stephanie serves in volunteer leadership roles on the May Wright Sewall Committee at the Indianapolis Propylaeum and the Membership Committee of the Association for Women’s Business Centers. Her career reflects a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and economic empowerment for women and underrepresented communities.

Fun Fact: Stephanie loves to travel and has been at all 50 states and 32 countries.