Meet Belinda
Why Believe in Belinda?
Belinda Drake has proudly called Indianapolis home for more than 20 years. She and her family live in the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood, where she is deeply invested in the future of the community she serves.
Belinda is a wife, mother, business executive, community leader, and active member of Broadway United Methodist Church. Throughout her career, she has brought people together, solved complex challenges, and created opportunities that strengthen communities. She believes local government should work for everyone by being transparent, accountable, accessible, and responsive to the people it serves.
Belinda's career has always been rooted in service, integrity, and delivering results. As the Executive Director of an Indianapolis nonprofit, she leads a team dedicated to connecting residents with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Under her leadership, the organization provides access to health and social services while expanding workforce development, educational opportunities, and community wellness programs.
A respected nonprofit executive and community leader, Belinda brings extensive experience in organizational strategy, fundraising, and business development. She has built strong partnerships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, securing resources and creating solutions that strengthen neighborhoods and improve lives.
Belinda's leadership has been recognized with the Indiana University Indianapolis School of Liberal Arts Career Achievement Award for her contributions across the nonprofit, government, and civic sectors. She is also a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her commitment to public service and community leadership.
Belinda brings firsthand experience in local government and neighborhood issues. She recently completed five terms on the Indianapolis Board of Business and Neighborhood Services, where she helped oversee department budgets, review contracts, and establish fees for licenses, permits, and inspections that impact residents and businesses across Indianapolis. Throughout her service, she worked to promote fairness, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure local government remained accountable to the people it serves.
Belinda earned her bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies from Indiana University Indianapolis and her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Martin University. She is also a graduate of Hoosier Women Forward Class 4 and previously served as the 7th District Chair of the Indiana Young Democrats.
At her core, Belinda is a relationship builder who believes the best solutions begin by listening to residents. Whether meeting neighbors at community events, collaborating with local organizations, or advocating for stronger neighborhoods, she leads with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to public service.
Belinda is running for Indianapolis City-County Council because she believes local government should work for everyone. She is committed to restoring integrity to public service, centering resident voices in every decision, and delivering practical solutions that strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life throughout District 8.