Karaline Cartagena Edwards recently joined the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City team as Economic Development Manager.
“Through her role, she works to coordinate the latest projects, creating new connections, facilitating community outreach, leading the latest on the Vibrant Michigan City economic inclusive initiative and more,” said Clarence L. Hulse, Executive Director of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation.
“In my position, I work heavily with business attraction, retention, and expansion. I hope to develop positive working relationships with the businesses we currently have here in Michigan City and make sure that they are thriving, while also working to promote our area to new businesses looking to join in on what NWI has to offer,” she said.
Cartagena Edwards has her roots in Northwest Indiana as a Portage native. She graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Linguistics and Education. She worked in the education field for seven years in Houston, Texas.
“I had been following the developments, positivity and momentum that have been transpiring in the region and particularly in Michigan City,” she said. “After connecting with Clarence on LinkedIn and seeing the job opportunity, I knew it was time to be part of something impactful by returning to my hometown area.”
“Karaline infuses an element of education and expertise into her role from her time in Texas that boosts her ability to be a change-maker here in Michigan City,” Hulse said.
Cartagena Edwards said the region’s natural resources, avenues to outdoor activities, blend of unique businesses and access to big-city amenities all lured her back to Northwest Indiana.
“We are poised in a prime location. I’d love to be a part of helping bring in the best new businesses for our area,” she said. “But even more, I want to be a part of something that shines a positive light on Northwest Indiana and to have a role in enhancing our region. We’re not just steel mills and sand. We’re artists, foodies, nature enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. We’re the perfect mix of white and blue collar. We’re hard workers. We’re steel, sand, soul and spirit.”
