Ice Miller is proud to share that Partner-in-Charge of Client Relations, Melissa Proffitt, has received the Indianapolis Business Journal's Outstanding Mentorship Award. Now in its second year, the award honors a former Women of Influence honoree who has made it a priority to mentor women in central Indiana.

Selected by a panel of IBJ Media executives, editors and former honorees, IBJ’s 2026 Women of Influence identifies 26 honorees from the public and private sectors and bestows a Career Achievement Award and a Mentorship Award on a Women of Influence alumni. Melissa was nominated for the mentorship honor by fellow Women of Influence in recognition of her longstanding commitment to supporting and advancing those around her.

A Legacy of Leadership, Mentorship, and Advocacy

As a member of the Women of Influence Class of 2008, Melissa has built an impactful career, defined by community involvement, industry leadership, and a passion for helping others succeed. Melissa's influence extends far beyond the legal profession. Through decades of service in firm leadership, nonprofit, and for-profit boards, community organizations and leadership development programs, she has helped shape the careers of many across industries including attorneys, business executives, public servants, students and emerging leaders throughout Indiana. She is widely regarded as a trusted advisor, connector, and advocate who uses her extensive network and experience to create opportunities for others and strengthen the broader community.

Building her career in a traditionally male-dominated field, she became the youngest and first female managing partner at Ice Miller, making her the first female managing partner of a large law firm in Indiana. As an employee benefits tax lawyer who also started and leads the firm’s energy and agribusiness groups, she counsels regional and international clients on complex benefits, regulatory, and transactional matters. She has taken her talents abroad, having traveled on 17 trade missions with Indiana governors, lieutenant governors, and mayors.

Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders

Melissa has embraced the belief that mentorship is only part of the equation. Equally important is sponsorship, actively advocating for others, creating opportunities, and helping talented individuals gain visibility with decisionmakers. Colleagues, business and community leaders, and aspiring professionals regularly turn to Melissa for guidance because of her willingness to invest her own credibility and relationships in helping others succeed.

She views mentorship as a long-term commitment rather than merely a professional obligation. She puts the person first by telling mentees what they need to hear versus what they want to hear, providing action-oriented feedback that helps individuals navigate important life and career decisions. She loves connecting people with fellow business and community leaders, and advocates for others by sharing their stories to help them grow.

Whether connecting a young professional to a new opportunity, encouraging a future leader to pursue a challenging or new role, or helping someone recognize strengths they may not see in themselves, Melissa has built a reputation for connecting and empowering others to achieve more than they thought possible.

Melissa will be recognized at this year's Women of Influence breakfast event October 22 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

Connect with Melissa to learn how her experience can help you solve complex business challenges.