The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce has named Colleen Engle as one of this year’s 12 Under 40, for which she was nominated for her exceptional leadership, professional accomplishments, and unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life throughout Parke County and the Wabash Valley.
A lifelong resident of Parke County, Engle has spent her career investing in the community that helped shape her. She grew up in Rockville and graduated from Rockville Jr.–Sr. High School in 2007 before attending Indiana State University, where she earned a degree in Marketing and Psychology in 2011. Today, she serves as Executive Director of the Parke County Community Foundation (PCCF), leading efforts to connect charitable giving with meaningful community impact.
Since joining the Foundation in 2012, Engle has advanced through a variety of roles, helping expand opportunities for philanthropy, education, and community development. Under her leadership, the Foundation continues its mission of empowering donors and supporting initiatives that strengthen Parke County for future generations.
Colleagues describe Engle as an exceptional leader whose passion for service inspires those around her. “Colleen leads with both heart and purpose,” shared Amy Edwards, PCCF’s Grants & Communications Administrator. “She has a remarkable ability to bring people together, build meaningful partnerships, and turn ideas into action. Whether she’s working with donors, nonprofits, community leaders, or volunteers, she consistently creates opportunities that improve lives and strengthen our community. Her impact reaches far beyond any one organization.”
“Being recognized among the Chamber’s 12 Under 40 is a reflection of Colleen’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence,” said Alisa Wilson, PCCF’s Board Chair. “She consistently demonstrates the qualities of a leader and serves as an inspiration to those around her.”
Engle’s influence extends well beyond her professional role. She is actively involved with Reading Neighbors through United Way, serves as Treasurer of the Parke County Learning Center Board, sits on the Leadership Academy of West Central Indiana Advisory Board, serves on the North Central Parke Community Career Readiness Advisory Council, and contributes as a Development PEER Leader for the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Through these roles, she advocates for literacy, education, leadership development, and philanthropic growth across the region.
Her commitment to serving others has earned recognition throughout her career, including being named the 2016 Parke County Young Leader Award recipient.
Community members point to Engle’s collaborative approach as one of her greatest strengths. Whether supporting local nonprofits, advancing educational opportunities, helping secure resources for community projects, or encouraging charitable giving, she has become a trusted leader known for building connections and creating lasting impact.
In her nomination, Jonathan Eilbracht, Director of Strategic Programming with West Central Indiana Partnership, noted “Colleen is an exceptional leader who consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the quality of life in Parke County and the surrounding region. Her ability to build meaningful relationships, lead collaborative initiatives and inspire others makes her an invaluable asset to every organization and initiative she serves.”
Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Engle enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and helping maintain her family’s farm—activities that reflect her deep roots in the community she serves.
The Terre Haute Chamber’s 12 Under 40 program recognizes emerging leaders who are making a significant difference in their professions and communities. For Engle, this honor is a testament to years of dedicated service, meaningful leadership, and a lasting commitment to making Parke County and the Wabash Valley stronger for all who call it home. This recognition serves as both a celebration of Engle’s accomplishments to date and a testament to the impact she will continue to make in the years ahead.
Engle will receive recognition as one of the 12 Under 40 honorees at the Terre Haute Chamber’s 113th Annual Meeting held on August 20th.