McDowell Moving on From The Speak Easy

Danielle McDowell

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The Speak Easy in Indianapolis is searching for its next executive director. Danielle McDowell, who has led the nonprofit entrepreneurial organization for three years, has resigned but will remain in the position until April 13. In an exchange through Twitter, McDowell told Inside INdiana Business she’s "an entrepreneur at my core and I’m ready to build something new."

The Speak Easy says she will continue to be a member and "avid supporter" of the organization. McDowell says "it is an honor and a privilege to have served The Speak Easy in this capacity, and I cannot thank the members enough for the opportunity to work with them and alongside them. This is a community of doers, and it has been so fulfilling to support the dreams of talented people."

In her time at the helm, the organization says its membership has grown from 125 to more than 1,000. The Speak Easy started with one location in the city’s South Broad Ripple area and now has five central Indiana locations.Board Chairwoman Jenny Vance says "Innovation drives entrepreneurship, and at the core of innovation, there is a necessity for change. We wish Danielle the best in her future endeavors. This moment is bittersweet, but it presents an exciting opportunity for our community to cultivate new voices and new advocates for entrepreneurism."

An event to honor McDowell will be held April 12 at 4 p.m. at the 5255 Winthrop Ave. location. The Speak Easy was founded in 2011.