Influential Woman · Legal

Mindy Westrick Brown

Counsel, Faegre Drinker

Indianapolis, IN

6Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree University of Indianapolis Degree Double major in Spanish and Political Science Degree Graduated 2007 Degree IU McKinney School of Law Degree Graduated 2011 Member Indiana Society of Government Affairs Professionals (INSGAP) Member Indiana State Bar Association Member Executive Leadership for Utility Law Section Member Indianapolis Bar (Indie Bar) Member Former Board of Directors Member Lugar Series Member Incoming president Member Indiana Leadership Forum Member Vice president

Her Story

About Mindy

I've been in my field since 2008. I had a political background working on campaigns and for local and state political parties before going to law school at night while working in government affairs. I started at my firm in government affairs in 2008, then stepped away at the end of 2019 to be vice president of the Indiana Energy Association. While at the firm the first time, I was serving as chair of the local Board of Zoning Appeals and on our local plan commission and redevelopment commission. When I came back to the firm, I took those skill sets and combined them into both a government regulatory practice and a land use and zoning practice. Given all the recent activity with high-energy users and the future of development, those skill sets provide a nice intersection. My typical day involves organizing everything needed for successful land use cases and staying up to speed on what's going on at the State House for my clients. It's been pretty chaotic lately with a lot of exciting development opportunities in Indiana. I recently won a successful data center project on the south side of Indianapolis, which was a complex variance of use case. It was challenging to get the message out and make sure the community understood the investment and opportunity, but we feel really good about the win.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Mindy

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to hard work and good mentors - folks that believed in me and have given me opportunities over the years. My mentors really believed in my leadership and gave me opportunities to build skills that were necessary along the way, with appropriate attention to career development. One of my biggest mentors is a woman named Jennifer Hollowell. I've worked for Jennifer and with Jennifer over the years, and we remain friends and advisors to each other. Early in my career, she provided appropriate training and had high expectations. It was probably the most difficult interview I've had in my life, but later on she softened and has just been a stable source of good feedback over the years. I'm grateful for her impact.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received is getting in the habit of letting your champions champion. It's a reminder to lean into your mentors and ask for help when needed.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would advise young women entering my industry to get involved and participate in the relevant trade associations. Meet with relevant folks along the way and focus on networking.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenges in my field right now are educating and communicating, making sure folks understand economic development at all relevant levels. On the opportunities side, I see investment in community and providing quality of life opportunities as major areas of growth.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me are staying true to your word and being honest. I also think it's important to think about folks that may not agree with you, consider what they're thinking, and try to find some common ground where you can.

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