Alumni Spotlight: Ella Self

For many students, involvement in Indiana University Dance Marathon begins as a way of giving back. For IUDM alumna Ella Self, the organization became the defining experience of her college career.  

Ella first joined IUDM during her freshman year of college. She began as a first-year dancer in 2023, before becoming the Hospital Relations Fundraising Chair. In this leadership position, Ella helped plan fundraising incentives for large events, such as Day of Hope.  

But Ella took on her most impactful role in her final year in the organization, serving as the Director of Public Relations.  

In her role as director, Ella was responsible for leading a committee of 70 members and overseeing all IUDM’s external, along with some internal communications. Public Relations already handled the organizations’ social media, blog and press releases when Ella joined. But she expanded IUDM’s outreach by starting the newsletter and podcast. Ella was also one of the leading fundraisers last year, raising $48,536 for Riley Hospital for Children. 

Beyond having a significant impact on Riley during her time in the organization, IUDM helped shape Ella’s professional life. Through her leadership roles, Ella developed important professional skills, like learning to ask for help. 

“It's okay to ask for help, which sounds silly, but the director of PR does a lot of things and has a lot of different hats on and, oftentimes, there was just a lot going on,” Ella said. “So, I really had to lean on my chairs as well as my vice president and learn how to ask for help or else it wasn't going to happen.” 

This lesson carried into her Summer 2025 internship at Eli Lilly and Company, where her willingness to ask questions became a strength.  

“I would say that helped me even in my internship at Lilly,” Ella said. “I think otherwise I wouldn't have asked for help when I should have and I think that was something that I was applauded for, was being able to ask questions and ask for help and I think that's what ultimately helped me get my job.”  

In addition to professional growth, IUDM played a key role in shaping Ella’s personal life.  

“You truly get what you give to things especially things like IUDM,” Ella said. “Like myself, I gave my entire college career to it, and I gained so much from it.”  

Her advice to new members is simple: show up. By consistently showing up to events and getting involved within the organization, Ella found lifelong friendships, including people who will be invited to her wedding, she said.  

“Literally just come and show up, and it’ll be the best thing ever,” Ella said.