Vanessa Joyce Summers is a Democratic member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing District 99 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was appointed to the seat in 1991 following the death of her father, former Representative Joseph W. Summers, and has served continuously since then. Notable achievements include becoming the first woman and first African American to serve as Indiana House Democratic Caucus Chair in 2012. She has focused on reducing infant mortality rates, supporting foster care children, and improving prisoner re-entry programs. Summers is a member of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, serves as ranking minority member of the Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee, and holds positions on the Public Policy and Local Government committees.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis ; Associate Degree in Funeral Service from Mid-American College of Mortuary Science ; graduated from St. Mary’s Academy for Girls.
• Professional Background: Embalmer/Funeral Director at Summers Funeral Home; Public Policy Associate, Indiana Minority Health Coalition; Special Projects Coordinator, Julian Center; worked with The ARC of Indiana and Julian Center.
• Political Experience: Indiana House of Representatives, District 99 ; Minority Caucus Chair ; Former Assistant Minority Caucus Chair; multiple re-elections, including unopposed in 2014, 2016, and 2018.