At just 19 years old, Cameron Noe is already using her voice and her story to make a meaningful impact.
A 2024 Westfield High School graduate and Ball State University student, Noe is double-majoring in media and journalism with a minor in criminal justice. This spring, she joined the prestigious Indy 500 Festival Princess Program.
For Noe, stepping into this new chapter feels like both an honor and a calling, linking her academic pursuits with a broader sense of purpose.
“I was standing in our newsroom at school when I got the email,” she says. “I immediately started sobbing. I called my mom. I was so excited, but also in shock. It didn’t feel real.”
Her journey to the program began with encouragement from a mentor, a former princess who saw Noe’s potential. Though she initially hesitated to apply as a freshman while adjusting to college life, the program’s emphasis on community service and leadership ultimately drew her in.
“Once I learned what it truly stood for, I couldn’t see myself not trying,” she says. “Serving the community has always been my passion. It’s why I’m in journalism. I want to tell stories that matter and make an impact.”
This passion is already evident in her outreach efforts. Through the Indy 500 Festival Princess Program, Noe has organized and participated in several community-focused initiatives, putting her values into action.
“I just want people to feel seen, heard and valued,” Noe says. “If sharing my story can help even one person, it’s worth it.”
Noe’s commitment springs from a place of resilience. She openly shares that she faced significant challenges during her middle and high school years, including trauma, bullying and struggles with mental health. With the support of mentors, educators and, eventually, therapy, she found her footing, channeling her experiences into leadership roles and a renewed sense of purpose.
“I had to make a decision that I didn’t want to live like that anymore,” she says. “Everything I’ve been through made me who I am today.”
That perspective shapes how she approaches leadership. Rather than focusing on titles, Noe believes in leading with authenticity and intention.
While Noe has never attended the Indianapolis 500 in person, its significance in her family life has shaped her perspective on connection. From watching the event together across state lines to participating in a competitive, family-run driver game, the month of May has always been about togetherness.
“It’s more than just racing,” she says. “It’s about family. It brings people together.”
Now, as a festival princess, Noe aims to extend that same sense of connection beyond her family, bridging community bonds by sharing the Indianapolis 500’s history and mission, and inspiring others through her own journey.
“I want to tell the story of the 500 and what it represents,” she says. “But more importantly, I want to connect with people and remind them that they matter.”
With her voice, heart and determination, Cameron Noe is doing exactly that.
