About Indya
Less than three months after taking office, Indya led the city through the unprecedented challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic. She worked closely with health officials to keep the community safe and informed. The city helped coordinate many support services, from food delivery to multiple vaccine clinics. The city never closed, never furloughed workers – Indya made sure essential services continued without interruption.
Indya’s ability to lead effectively during hard times was shaped by her 10 years as Chair and member of the Knox County Board of Education, her work as a teacher, PTA Leader, community volunteer, and Mom.
Leadership
- Chair, E-911 Board
- Chair, Pension Board
- Board Member, Knoxville Education Foundation
- Board Member, Family Justice Center
- Leadership Tennessee
- Leadership Knoxville
- Chair & Member, Knox County Board of Education 2004–2014
- Vice President, 4th & Gill Neighborhood Organization
- President, Beaumont Magnet PTA
- President, West High School Foundation
- Project GRAD 2004–2014
Personal Life
- Indya and her family spent a year in Slovenia, where Indya taught middle and high school students.
- Indya has led Habitat for Humanity trips to Guatemala and Bolivia.
- She is married to University of Tennessee Law Professor Ben Barton.
- They are the proud parents of two adult daughters.
- They reside in North Knoxville.
- Indya loves biking and hiking city trails and greenways with her dog, Romeo.
- Indya can deadlift 205 pounds!
Education
- Indya attended Virginia Public Schools.
- She earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Haverford College.
- Indya was Captain of her high school and college tennis teams.
- She was awarded a full scholarship to Princeton University, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and Urban and Regional Planning.