Michelle Chambers

A Dedicated Servant Leader

Michelle Chambers is a bold, visionary leader with over 35 years of experience in public service, regional economic development, and community advocacy. Elected as an At-Large Councilwoman in 2019, she made history as the first African American woman to serve on Fort Wayne’s City Council since its founding more than 200 years ago.

Councilwoman Chambers brings a results-driven approach to local government—bridging policy, innovation, and grassroots engagement to shape a more inclusive, equitable future for all residents of Fort Wayne. Her work centers on creating opportunity through workforce development, strategic infrastructure investment, and affordable housing solutions.

Throughout her career, she has held transformative roles in both the public and nonprofit sectors. She previously served as the Executive Director of Purdue Fort Wayne’s Young Scholars Academy, where she championed college readiness and leadership programming for underrepresented youth. She currently teaches at Amp Lab at Electric Works, designing entrepreneurial curricula that connect students directly with Fort Wayne’s growing regional economy.

Councilwoman Chambers also spent years advancing redevelopment projects in Carson, California and leading large-scale human services initiatives in Los Angeles, where she managed multi-million dollar programs focused on family empowerment, education access, and youth development.

She holds a Master of Public Administration from National University and a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from California State University. She also completed advanced certifications in Real Estate Development from USC and Executive Leadership from Kansas State University.

Today, she continues to champion civic progress in Fort Wayne through her leadership on City Council and her grassroots platform Fort Wayne On The Move—a community-focused show uplifting voices and spotlighting local issues.

Fun Fact: Michelle is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and has built a career empowering communities across two major cities—Fort Wayne and Los Angeles—with vision, purpose, and impact.

Community Involvement:

Board Appointments

Commission on Police Reform and Racial Justice, Chairwoman
State of Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust Inc

Awards/Designations

Journal Gazette Teacher Honor Roll
Northeast Indiana AFL CIA "Commitment to Diversity" Award
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority "Political Awareness and Involvement" Recipient
Parkview "Distinguished Women of Influence" Recipient
Zeta Phi-Beta Sorority "Trailblazing Women in LABOR AND business" recipient
National Urban Fellow "Americas Leaders of Change" Designation

Political Distinctions

2023, Re-elected to Fort Wayne City Council At Large
2018 Selected for Hoosier Women Forward Inaugural Class
2024 Indiana's 3rd Congressional District National Delegate
2015 City of Fort Wayne City Clerk, Elected by Democratic Party Caucus

Service Organizations Leadership

Fort Wayne Chapter of The Links Inc, Past President
Summit City South Rotary Club, Past President

Volunteer Boards

Stillwater Hospice, Board Member
Little Thinkers Early Learning Center, President
Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Board Member

Education & Training

MPA – Public Administration, National University
BA – Child Development, California State University
Executive Leadership Certificate, Kansas State University
Real Estate Development Certificate, USC
Foellinger Foundation Sonder Fellow, Fort Wayne

Career

"As a Fort Wayne City Council member, I have focused on economic growth, governmental transparency, and public safety. With my constituent's support, I have worked hard to improve Fort Wayne to make it a great city for all its residents."