The1828 Project, sponsored by Citizens Energy Group, is a civic leadership tract for Indy’s young leaders with the goal of fostering intentional relationships with a cross sector of Indianapolis’ thought leaders and decision makers. Melissa is a part of 1828’s Class IX– learn more about her below!
What is your day job/ how do you spend your days?
I’m the Office Manager at Kronos Incorporated.
Where are you originally from?
Carmel, Indiana
You’re off the clock. What are your plans?
All the things! I love going to local breweries and restaurants, taking my two pups to the dog park in Broad Ripple, hiking Eagle Creek or Fort Ben, working on my house, and reading!
When thinking about the future of Indianapolis, what are you looking forward to the most and why?
I think it’s only fitting to talk about the Red Line, since it launched last fall. Having a public transit system, like the Red Line, is a huge asset to the city of Indianapolis. It allows our current residents and visitors to connect to different parts of the city with easy access, and gives an alternative form of transportation (and a green one at that!) to those who want it.
I am looking forward to seeing the growth of the Red Line and how it will benefit our city!
Are there any local causes that you support? What are they and how might others learn more or get involved?
I currently volunteer at Make-A-Wish and am a member of their Young Professionals Advisory Council. Make-A-Wish is such a great organization and I truly believe that what they do for children battling critical illnesses has such an impact on not only that child’s experience, but their families as well. Make-A-Wish is always looking for volunteers, and you can check those opportunities out here!
Do you have a favorite local spot that you love going to? Where and why?
Bier Brewery because their beer is delicious and Public Greens because I love to sit on their patio and watch people go by on The Monon!
Which is your preferred way to get around our city?
I would say I prefer to scoot my way through the city if I am going longer distances, but if it’s a shorter distance then I am all about walking!
What’s something underrated about Indy that more people should know about?
I think our music scene is underrated! When most people think about music venues in Indianapolis, their minds go directly to Ruoff Home Mortgage Center or Bankers Life. We have so many other good, local venues like HiFi, The Vogue, Mousetrap, the Lawn at White River, or MacAllister Amphitheater to name a few.
What’s a book that has impacted your life most to date?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
If you had to remove all the apps from your phone except for 3, which would you keep?
Instagram, Spotify, and Mail.
Is there something incredibly common that you have never done before?
I have never broken a bone in my 28 years of life!
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh gosh – this is such a hard question! I listen to such a wide variety of genres and choose my playlist based on my mood.
The first song that comes to mind is Ramble On by Led Zeppelin and I think I’d be ok with that choice 🙂
Pancakes or waffles?
Pancakes
