I Choose Indy!

I chose Indianapolis nearly eight years ago. Fresh out of college, I was ready to start studying for the LSAT and pay the rent while working in state government.

I started working for Governor Frank O’Bannon as an administrative assistant and found myself with the opportunity to work on a statewide campaign. Pretty soon, I was held in the grasp of Indiana politics. I met a mentor, saw every inch of this great state and ended up with stories I’ll enjoy telling my grandchildren someday.

One choice led to another, and one great boss led to another. I never chose to go to law school, but it’s not a decision I regret. I have been incredibly fortunate to learn from some of this city’s best and brightest leaders. The wealth of knowledge passed along was priceless. Their generosity and encouragement allowed me the opportunity and confidence to follow my dreams.

My choice to stay in Indianapolis was never a difficult one. Five years ago I met my husband, a native Hoosier, while he was living in Chicago. Moving to Indianapolis was an easy decision for him to make – and a huge relief to me.

A little over a year ago, I was invited to sit on a steering committee convened by BioCrossroads. This meeting of civic, business and young professional leaders was examining the brain drain issue facing Indianapolis, like so many other mid-sized, Midwestern cities. Part of the proposed solution was to create an online resource that would help connect young professionals to opportunities of interest. Ownership through involvement gives individuals one more reason to stay in Indianapolis and play a role in shaping the future of this fantastic place we’ve all chosen to call home. Today, thanks to the support of the City of Indianapolis, BioCrossroads and many of our most progressive and forward thinking companies and firms, I have the great honor of serving as Indy Hub’s executive director. At www.indyhub.org, we help Indy’s young professionals connect once they’ve made the decision to “Choose Indy.”

I believe that Indianapolis offers us all – young, old, somewhere in between – the opportunity to “get connected” to the city. You don’t have to have grown up here, but you could have. You don’t have to work downtown, but you might. You don’t have to wear a suit every day, but you can. Some may look at our city and see voids in the number of opportunities. I see any voids as opportunities. Create what you need here, and make this city your own. We have the amenities of a larger city – world class arts and culture, first rate sports and amazing neighborhoods to name a few. But most importantly, there is an open canvas to customize Indianapolis as your own. Go ahead…choose Indy…you’ll be so glad you did!