Alumni Spotlight—Questions with IPS Alums: Ebony Barney Discusses How the District Shaped Her Life
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) takes pride in our graduates' diverse, inspiring journeys. We’ve created the IPS Alumni Spotlight to celebrate our former students and highlight their experiences, achievements, and personal interests. We believe every graduate has a unique path, and we can all learn from their journeys.
Recently, IPS asked Ebony Barney, a 2003 Arsenal Technical High School graduate, about the impact the district had on her life.
Ebony is a proud Indianapolis native whose career reflects a deep commitment to community, equity, and public service. A respected leader in public health, Ebony has dedicated her work to HIV/AIDS prevention, harm reduction, and advancing health equity across Central Indiana.
She currently serves as vice president of National Service/AmeriCorps at The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, home to the Indiana AIDS Fund. In this role, Barney leads AmeriCorps initiatives focused on ending the HIV epidemic, supporting community-based organizations, and expanding access to prevention, education, and care for those most impacted.
Ebony holds advanced degrees in public health and social work, combining data-driven strategy with a people-centered approach to service. Beyond her professional leadership, she is a passionate advocate for civic engagement and equity, speaking out against discriminatory redistricting efforts that threaten Black political representation in Indianapolis.
A lifelong learner and servant leader, Ebony is also actively involved in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she continues her commitment to service, advocacy, and community uplift. Her journey stands as a powerful example of how local roots, education, and purpose-driven leadership can create lasting impact—both in Indianapolis and beyond.
Q–How did your experiences at Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) shape your educational foundation and career aspirations?
A–The career and technology center prepared me to be an independent thinker and leader, and I’m now a vice president and program director. It helped introduce me to college when I had no sense of a pathway until then, and I now have two master's degrees and am applying to a doctoral program. I was required to take a swim class and was recently in the documentary “When Everyone Swims.”
Q–Can you share memorable moments or teachers who had a significant impact on your time at IPS?
A–Mrs. Dorris Raines held us accountable and expected us to rise above our circumstances.
Q–How has your education at IPS influenced your personal and professional development since graduating?
A–It has helped to keep me grounded. I have now committed my career to supporting people with lived experience through workforce development efforts.
Q–What specific skills or knowledge gained at IPS have proven most valuable in your current life or career?
A–Leadership development
Q–In what ways have you stayed connected with the IPS community, and what advice would you offer current IPS students for a successful future?
A–I was prepared to serve as a volunteer last year, but I never got contacted. My son graduated from Shortridge High School in 2023. We were committed to public school. Now he’s an advocate for IPS.
Q–What challenges did you face during your time at IPS, and how did overcoming them contribute to your personal growth?
A–One challenge was that I didn’t know what I wanted to do professionally. Tech gave me an opportunity to explore my options, which was, in hindsight, foreshadowing a future career path for me. ###