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Contact:
Colleen (Baker) Settle
317-692-7822
317-242-8907
csettle@infb.org

(Indianapolis) – April 5, 2023 – Isabella Chism, 2^nd vice president of Indiana Farm Bureau, has been named the recipient of the 2023 Architect of Society Award. The award is presented by the Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN), a non-partisan non-profit that equips and encourages women to seek public office.

Inspired by Harriett Beecher Stowe’s words that “women are the real architects of society,” this award is given to a woman who exemplifies the qualities of a public leader: effective, principled and a true public servant. Chism will be honored with the award at WPLN’s Annual Leadership Summit on Saturday, April 22 in San Diego.

Chism is chair of INFB’s Women’s Leadership Committee, as well as American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee, where she is a passionate advocate for women in the ag sector, encouraging women to take leadership roles.

“It is an honor to receive this award from WPLN,” said Chism. “I believe no one accomplishes anything alone and that is most certainly true of what this award represents. I am so fortunate to work with people throughout the country who believe in inspiring and equipping women with the tools they need to be successful as well as the space to learn and use them.”

INFB’s Women’s Leadership Committee is dedicated to educating the public through programs and events. These activities provide women with a platform for leadership development, political involvement and networking through consumer events, advocacy trips and educating future generations on the importance of agriculture.

The AFBF Women’s Leadership program also provides women with leadership training, communication skills and networking opportunities to strengthen their ability to encourage positive change in their communities and in the agricultural sector.

“By creating pathways to success, we can positively impact our future,” Chism added. “It brings me pride to watch so many women do just that.”

Chism has served as 2^nd vice president of Indiana Farm Bureau for 16 years. She also serves on the AFBF board of directors as well as the AFBF trade advisory committee.

Chism is currently executive director of Howard County 4-H exhibit association capital projects and an at-large representative on the North Central Indiana Regional Planning Council. She also is a member of the Regional Leadership Institute steering committee and a board member for the Agriculture Council of America. Chism is a graduate of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series and of the Syngenta Leadership at Its Best program.

Chism and her husband, Kent, farm in Howard County, raising corn, soybeans and sweet corn.

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About Indiana Farm Bureau: For more than 100 years, Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has protected and enhanced the future of agriculture and our communities. As the state’s largest general farm organization, INFB works diligently to cultivate a thriving agricultural ecosystem to strengthen the viability of Indiana agriculture. Learn more at INFB.org.