Jorge Dorantes is an Indianapolis-based communications professional, journalist and photographer. A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in journalism and concentration in public relations, Dorantes has previously held roles with such Indianapolis-based non-profit organizations as Heartland Film, Indiana Blood Center and the Arts Council of Indianapolis. He currently serves as an Associate in Global Employee Communications at Eli Lilly and Company and is active in the Pride and Early Career Professionals employee resource groups.
The 1828 Leadership Project, presented 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. Jorge is a part of 1828’s Class X– learn more about him below!
How do you spend your days? For example, you can tell us about your career, side hustle or exercise routine whatever you want to share here we’re ready to listen.
Currently, a good portion of my time is dedicated to my role as an Associate in Global Employee Communications at Lilly, supporting internal communications campaigns and employee engagement activities. I’m also actively involved in the organization’s diversity and inclusion efforts, serving in contributing or leadership roles in the Pride, Latinx and Early Career Professionals Employee Resource Groups. Outside of my role, I serve as a freelance journalist covering stories on arts, culture, health, media, race and LGBTQ issues for print and digital publications. My written work has been published in USA Today, the Indianapolis Star and Indianapolis Monthly.
In the day to day, I enjoy watching movies and tv shows (used to have a dream of being a screenwriter and director); practice photography (specifically film processing and working with medium format film); catch up on my reading (just finished Saeed Jones’ “How We Fight for Our Lives,” which I highly recommend); and getting some exercise in (weightlifting and cardio). I also love to travel; every time I visit a new city, I have to check out the art museum and local market house.
Are you a native to Indianapolis? If not Indianapolis, where are you from from? What made you choose to move here?
I was born in El Valle (Rio Grande Valley) in southern Texas. My parents were farm workers during their first few years in the U.S., so I was raised in various parts of the country along the east coast and Midwest until my family settled in the small town of Plymouth in northern Indiana in ’96. After graduating high school, I moved to Indianapolis in 2010 to start undergrad and I’ve lived in the city ever since.
You’re off the clock, there are no expectations. What are you doing?
Off the clock, I might be eating popcorn and watching the latest on Netflix. Or, I might be out with friends hanging out in downtown Indy.
When thinking about the future of Indianapolis, what are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years and why?
I’m excited to see the city of Indianapolis continue to develop and grow. In the 10 years I’ve lived in the city, I’ve seen the rise of Mass Ave, Fountain Square and Irvington as cultural hubs and commercial corridors; I’ve ridden down the (new-ish) Cultural Trail to White River State Park; gone for a ride on IndyGo’s Red Line (very new); caught sight of murals by the Arts Council honoring our cities cultural leaders including Kurt Vonnegut, Mari Evans and Reggie Miller; visited our world-class art and nature park at Newfields; gotten tickets to the Heartland International and LGBTQ Film Festivals; and tasted Indy’s burgeoning food scene at restaurants like Milktooth, Bluebeard and Tinker Street. None of this existed ten years ago; or at least existed in it’s current vibrant iteration. The city has rapidly changed and continues to grow for the better. I’m excited for upcoming projects like the Bottleworks District and to see how we as a city continue to grow, evolve and pull our friends and neighbors in with us.
I’m also excited about the city’s next generation of leaders; folks that are actively engaged in shaping our city for the better and committed to supporting various communities and pulling them through with us in this revitalization.
Are there any local causes that you support? What are they and how might others learn more or get involved?
Given my role as a freelance journalist, I’m limited in my engagement with various causes and organizations. That said, I’m a big advocate for the Arts Council of Indianapolis and Indiana Youth Group. I’m also passionate about finding ways to support the Latinx community locally.
Do you have a favorite local place in town (restaurant, bar, park, etc.) that you love going to? Where is it and why should other people try it out?
There’s so many places to list, but I’ll try to give a simplified list. For a restaurant, I’d say Tinker Street. It’s a cute atmosphere, a short walk from my apartment, fantastic food and you get a small glass of champagne as a starter. For coffee, I’d say Kaffeine Coffee Co, The Commissary or The Foundary. The coffee is all great and the desserts delicious. For small businesses, I’d say Circle City Sweets and Circle City Soups at City Market. Love the macaroons! For bar, I’d say Metro Niteclub. Music is great, drinks are cheap and there’s karaoke on Thursdays (it’s also one of the few LGBTQ bars in the city). For parks, I’d say Eagle Creek. Nice hiking paths and you can get some amazing views of the sailboats out on the lake. For place, I’d say either Gallery 924 at the Arts Council or Newfields. I’m a big fan of art, so I love the contemporary shows at Gallery 924 and the world-class exhibitions at Newfields. Feel free to ask me about other favorite spots, I could go on…
Indianapolis is a sprawling county, what’s your favorite part about our city?
I love the small-town vibe in the big city atmosphere. It’s easy to get engaged and contribute to making the city a better place. There’s two degrees of separation here. If you have a great idea and can rally support, you can make it happen.
If you were a superhero what would be your special trait? Why?
My favorite superheroes are Rogue and Storm. I’d gladly take either of their attributes.
You’re hosting your own music festival with three artists – Who’s performing?
If I’m feeling moody, Troye Sivan, Maggie Rogers and Kaycee Musgraves. If I’m feeling pop, I’d say Kim Petras, Dua Lip and Lady Gaga. If I want something really fun, I’d say Beyonce, Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?
Currently, “Experience” by Victoria Monet. It’s a bop.
Mornings or evenings, and why?
Evenings. I’d love to be a morning person, but I’m not hard-wired that way.
How do you define success?
It’s more the feeling of being content than anything else.
What would you name the autobiography of your life? Feel free to give us context here.
I’m currently working on a memoir, so I have a title, but I’m not ready to share it yet. Give me about five more years to get it published and I’ll share then.
