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. Rita’s a part of 1828’s Class III. 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?
Rita: 1828 is a leadership organization for young people in Indianapolis between the ages of 18 and 28. Each year, a new class is selected to attend monthly meetings with local thought leaders. 1828 provides mentorship and access.
How many years have you lived in Indy?
I’ve lived in Indianapolis for four years. The city has changed so much in the short time I’ve been here.
How would you describe your perfect Indy day?
A day with my Indianapolis favorites would go a little something like this: I’d start by hopping on my bike and riding up the Monon to the Broad Ripple Farmers Market, then I’d grab brunch at a local spot like Patachou or Milktooth. I’d stop into Luna Music for some tunes and head to 100 Acres for some hiking and outdoor time. I’d wrap the day with a show at The Vogue or with a delicious meal at Saigon or La Revolucion.
How would you describe your relationship with Indianapolis when you began 1828?
When I began 1828, I was volunteering at Indy Reads Books and working at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. I felt well connected to a handful of Indianapolis institutions, businesses, and people, but 1828 opened up many doors for me.
Through 1828, I met fellow classmates and speakers who were outside of my social circles. These people have provided everything from friendship, collaboration, and mentorship to fresh perspectives and a good belly laughs.
I am forever grateful to Michael and Molly for providing me with the opportunity to be an 1828er, it has truly changed my perspective of and experience in Indianapolis.
What have you been up to since 1828?
I am a Senior Digital Graphic Designer at the IMA Lab where I spend my days designing websites and apps for the IMA and museums around the world. In 2014, I was accepted as host for CreativeMornings/Indianapolis. CreativeMornings is a free monthly breakfast lecture series held in over 100 cities around the world.
Each month, our local creative community gathers for free breakfast (read: donuts), coffee, friendly faces, warm hugs and to hear an inspiring 20 minute talk. Just as we hope to be well-rounded people, I hope to make Indianapolis a more well-rounded city by better connecting and highlighting the diverse group of creatives who live and work here.
What kind of projects or organizations are you most excited about in Indy?
I am excited about so many projects and organizations that it feels wrong to name only one. A few organizations that are incredibly inspiring to me are Eskenazi Health, Growing Places Indy, Indy Reads Books, People for Urban Progress and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.
Each of these organizations are working on social good in interesting ways; whether that be through literacy, eating well, or improving public spaces. Our city is so lucky to have each of these organizations.
What is the current environment for your project within Indianapolis?
I’ll speak to CreativeMornings here. Our city has a long-standing history of producing creative powerhouses like Kurt Vonnegut, John Green, Michael Graves, David Letterman, and many more.That history continues today with a wide variety of sharp minded, unique and incredibly talented individuals living and working here.
Many of these folks have never heard of, much less met, one another and I see that as a huge gap in our creative economy in Indianapolis. I have already seen these gaps begin to fill and we are only three months in.
CreativeMornings/Indy brings these people together for breakfast and a short talk one Friday morning a month. Every event is free of charge and open to anyone. We celebrate our city’s creative talent and provide an open space to connect with like-minded people. The initial success of our organization is thanks to the support and generosity of our team, partners, speakers and attendees.
