I am an award-winning multimedia journalist, certified community health worker and I currently work as Director of Programs & Communication for a civic leadership nonprofit.
I’m a proud product of Haughville, Indiana and a Ball State Cardinal.
My work has garnered recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists, Hoosier State Press Association, National Newspaper Publishers Association and the Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation among other honors.
Previously, I worked for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper and Indiana Minority Business Magazine where I held many roles including, editor-in-chief. Through my former position with Indiana Donor Network, I led outreach efforts in communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, Hoosiers living with HIV and various faith groups on the lifesaving gift of organ, tissue and eye donation.
Staying connected to my journalistic roots, I’ve worked with local television outlets, Radio One Indianapolis and various print publications.
Awards
Indianapolis Business Journal - Forty Under 40, 2022
Society of Professional Journalists (Indiana) - First Place: Radio Public Affairs, 2021 (for radio program on coronavirus outbreaks in Indiana prisons)
Junior Achievement - Indy's Best and Brightest Finalist, 2020
Champions of Diversity - Award Recipient, 2020
Indiana Minority Business Magazine - Rising Star Award Recipient, 2019
Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation - Rookie of the Year, 2019
NAACP of Greater Indianapolis - Young Achiever Award Recipient, 2018
Hoosier State Press Association - Second Place Best Still Photo Story with Audio or Video Story (for video coverage of the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama)
Hoosier State Press Association - Second Place Best Ongoing News Coverage (for news coverage of the voter turnout in Indiana during the 2014 election season)
Hoosier State Press Association - First Place Best Video Story (for coverage of a Trump rally held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds during the 2016 Presidential Election)
Social Media Dames - Indiana's Most Influential Social Media Dame, 2016
Junior Achievement - Indy's Best and Brightest Finalist, 2016
Praise + Love
“
If you are looking for quality, courage, loyalty, and ambition, you have now met the face of them all.... My PICK, My CHOICE, and a LEGEND before and during her own time.... EBONY MARIE CHAPPEL!!!!!
— Michael Covington, community leader
”
“
She was always professional, persistent and very self motivated. She was a pleasure to work with. I am excited to see what the future holds for Ebony as a bright and enthusiastic young woman.
— Sue Tschuor, former manager, WCRD Radio - Muncie, IN
”
“
With personality and integrity, Ebony embodies characteristics of a true journalist. She’s hardworking and always delivers resourceful information to the community!
— Donnell Duncan, communications consultant
”
“
Ebony Marie Chappel is a multimedia writer, journalist and broadcaster with print, magazine, internet, radio and on-camera experience. An Indianapolis native, she is passionate about the Circle City and committed to the advancement of its neighborhoods and peoples. In her professional and interpersonal relationships, she exhibits an unwavering commitment to excellence, ethics and growth.
— Leslie Lynnton Fuller, journalist/publisher