The 1828 Project’s one of our signature programs at IndyHub, and each year it’s full of incredible leaders between the ages of 18 and 28. Francesca’s part of 1828’s Class II. We sent her some questions. She responded. We totally think you should meet her, so keep reading.
IndyHub: How would you describe 1828 to a stranger?
Francesca: 1828 is an initiative to engage early-career leaders who show potential to be civic champions in the most pressing issues facing Indianapolis.
How many years have you lived in Indy? What are some of your favorite Indy spots?
Since 2007. It’ll be eight years in June. And the Lilly Garden at the IMA; Canal Towpath; Mass Ave (especially the developing end east of College); Cultural Trail; Butler-Tarkington
How would you describe your connection to Indianapolis when you began 1828?
I had lived in Indianapolis for about five years at that point and was putting down roots in the city, having just moved on to my third job (as Communications VP at education nonprofit The Mind Trust) in Indianapolis since college.
What have you been up to since 1828?
I left The Mind Trust in October to join a strategic communications/ public affairs agency, VOX Global, where I work on policy-related communications and messaging campaigns for clients that run the gamut from education nonprofits to financial services institutions.
How would you describe Indy’s current environment for your work?
I think there remains a tremendous need for organizations and companies to have high quality strategic communications support. I’m particularly excited to get to do work I love on behalf of organizations that are doing some important things. Also, part of our focus is helping companies better focus their philanthropic efforts and talk about the philanthropic work they’re doing, and there’s a big need for that work, given the growing interest among companies to be good community partners.
What thing are you most excited about in Indy right now?
It’s exciting to see the huge momentum underway to improve K-12 education. Groups like The Mind Trust and several of the charter schools in town are making strides to give kids, especially low-income kids, the high-quality educational opportunities they deserve. And I’m excited to see what IPS Superintendent Lewis Ferebee is doing to champion improvement within the district, too. As a future parent and someone who cares about kids’ opportunities in the city, it’s exciting.
Of all the cities you could live in, why did you choose Indy?
I think Indianapolis provides a sense of community that’s hard to find in many other cities. Because it’s a big enough place for lots to be happening and small enough to feel intimate, as a young person, it’s easy to tap in and feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself, whether it’s a civic project, a club, or a neighborhood.
