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For Laura Shupe, being named a 2025 Indy 500 Festival Princess is more than just an honor; it’s the culmination of years of service, leadership and dedication to her community. The 20-year-old Butler University student, a Westfield High School graduate from the class of 2023, is thrilled to be part of the prestigious program, which highlights young women who excel in academics, leadership and philanthropy while representing the iconic Indy 500.
Shupe, a health care and business major, was inspired to apply for the Princess Program after seeing the impact of past participants, including mentors and community leaders she admired. “I had some great neighbors growing up who were board members, and their philanthropy and involvement inspired me,” Shupe says. “I also had collegiate mentors who were Princesses and that really motivated me to apply.”
Her journey to becoming a Festival Princess was no small feat. The selection process included multiple interview rounds and a rigorous application, making the final selection a moment of immense gratitude for Shupe. “I know a lot of incredible women applied, so to be chosen is truly an honor,” she says. “I’m really excited to learn from my fellow Princesses, board members and community leaders.”
Shupe’s passion for giving back is evident in her extensive volunteer work. At Butler she holds five executive positions, all focused on service. One of her most significant commitments is the Riley Dance Marathon, which supports the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. She recently completed her sixth marathon, having started her involvement at Westfield High School.
In addition to the dance marathon, Shupe is active in Butler’s Student Government Association and serves as an executive member of the Butler Business in Healthcare Club. She also mentors students in the university’s DECA program, helping them prepare for business competitions. “I love being involved in so many different ways,” Shupe says. “Everything I do, I do because I love it and because I believe in its mission.”
As part of the 500 Festival Princess Program, Shupe is required to organize community outreach projects. She is particularly passionate about promoting women in STEM and plans to work with youth initiatives in Indianapolis. One of her first outreach efforts includes visiting her former elementary school, Carey Ridge, where Shupe will return to her kindergarten classroom to educate students about the Indy 500’s history. She is also planning events with Girl Scout troops and other local organizations.
Beyond outreach, the program will immerse her in various Indy 500-related events throughout May. The highlight will be race weekend, where she and her fellow Princesses will participate in the legendary pre-race ceremonies. Shupe is incredibly excited to share the pomp and circumstance surrounding the Indy 500 with her twin brother, Evan, a huge race fan.
Looking ahead, Shupe hopes to use her health care and business degree to work in health care administration or consulting, where she can impact the industry beyond the clinical side. For now, she is focused on making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as an Indy 500 Festival Princess.
“This program is a privilege,” she says. “I’m excited to represent my community, meet incredible people and give back meaningfully.”
As the excitement builds for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, Shupe will be right at the heart of it all, serving, learning, and making a difference every step of the way.
