The 1828 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. Ashleigh is a part of 1828’s Class IX– learn more about her below!
How do you spend your days?
I’m a Senior Manager of Events at Indiana Sports Corp. I spend my days working with our team and clients to plan and produce world-class sporting events here in our great city!
Where are you originally from?
Greenwood, IN – Home of the Woodmen (I know, not a great mascot)
If you aren’t from Indianapolis, what made you choose Indy?
I fell in love with how connected everyone is. I think it’s cool how that provides a unique foundation for collaboration and innovation. It’s also a big city that doesn’t feel too big. It makes it easy to make great connections and friends.
You’re off the clock. What are your favorite things to do when not at work?
First thing I do when I get home is go on a family walk with the dog. Sometimes we will walk in the neighborhood or head to one of the Indy Parks. Holliday Park is our favorite!
My friends and I also have a standing appointment every 3rd Thursday of the month to try a new restaurant or go to an old favorite.
When thinking about the future of Indianapolis, what are you looking forward to the most and why?
So many to choose from! I’m excited to see how the White River Vision Plan will transform the communities surrounding it with the addition of businesses, culture and activations. Bottleworks because I love food! I also think I’m obligated to say all the awesome sporting events we have lined up to be hosted in our city. 🙂
Are there any local causes that you support? What are they and how might others learn more or get involved?
The Patachou Foundation. I enjoy serving healthy meals at schools in food desert areas here in our city. It’s a great program that also teaches kids how to create healthy habits. You can volunteer with me! Or you can eat at Public Greens where a percentage of the profits go directly to TPF.
Do you have a favorite local spot that you love going to? Where and why?
Sun King. It’s my happy place to catch up on work, hang out with friends or have a date night. Good beer, good charcuterie board… What more do you need? I almost always run into someone I know too!
Holliday Park is my favorite park to take Steve (my dog). He loves the trails and running through the open grassy areas.
Which is your preferred way to get around our city?
Walking because it gives me time to discover new places. Plus, I feel like I always run into a friend or two. On the weekends, my husband and I enjoy riding our bikes and visiting some of our favorite local spots.
What’s something underrated about Indy that more people should know about?
Wildwood Market Sandwiches in Fountain Square. They announce one sandwich daily on their Facebook page. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! They create something a little different with tons of local ingredients. Always delicious!
What’s a podcast that has impacted your life most to date?
Crappy to Happy hosted by Cass Dunn is one that has been helpful in dealing with those stressful, low energy times in life. If I need a good laugh mixed with some real life discussion, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard is a go-to.
If you had to remove all the apps from your phone except for 3, which would you keep?
Spotify, Instagram, and ClusterTruck.
Do you have a special talent?
I can make a box cake that tastes like it was made from scratch. Happy to prove it.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Pancakes or waffles?
Waffles because the squares are like little bowls for the toppings. Also, you never hear about someone serving chicken and pancakes.
