Fabio Yataco is a young professional currently working for the City of Indianapolis as a Mayor’s Neighborhood Advocate for the Downtown / Near Westside. Prior to joining the Mayors office, Fabio served as a social worker for the Public Defenders Agency. He is a proud IUPUI alumni having received his bachelor’s in Psychology 2018. He’s currently completing a Masters degree in Public Management through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI. In his spare time,
Fabio focuses on providing mentorship opportunities for local youth, advocating for the needs of his community, and empowering youth to become transformational leaders.
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. Fabio 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.
I spend my work days working and meeting with various neighborhood groups / community organizations in my district. I also take a night class once a week as part of my Masters program in Public Management at the O’Neill
School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI. A way I distress throughout the week is to workout at least 6 times a week whether that be bright and early or late at night. To balance my work – life I make sure to spend time with family and schedule check ins with close friends / co workers to keep myself energized and surrounded by positive vibes.
Where do you call home?
My parents are originally from Peru however I was born in Switzerland. My family decided to immigrant here not only for better opportunities but to give their children a chance for a better future.
Where in Indianapolis did you grow up?
I have grown up on the west side of Indianapolis from the age of 3 and call this city home.
You’re off the clock, there are no expectations. What are you doing?
I am calling all my friends to either play soccer and have a nice cookout or I am coordinating a fun get together. 2020 has been such a crazy year filled with so many unexpected changes. Sometimes its nice to just check in with the people close to you and ask them, “How are you really doing?”
When thinking about the future of Indianapolis, what are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years and why?
I am looking forward to even more diverse leadership in all sectors. An increase in education retention rates for students of color. New programs being introduced to support academic / professional enhancement for students of color. Even more language accessibility for our immigrant communities.
Are there any local causes that you support? What are they and how might others learn more or get involved?
Social and health justice. Specifically immigration reform, systemic oppression, diversity, equity, & inclusion, mental health stigmas, accessibility, and diverse representation across the board. Others can get involved by joining local organizations / community groups like Indy10, Cosecha Indiana, the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance, The Immigrant Welcome Center, Proyecto Siembra, and RISE Indy.
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?
One of my favorite local places is Holiday Park near the Broad Ripple area. I used to go to this park with my family and have many great memories there. If anyone likes the outdoors or wants a new place to hike on a nice afternoon, they should definitely check this park out!
Indianapolis is a sprawling county, what’s your favorite part about our city?
My favorite part about our city has to be the diversity within it and how that is reflected through food, local shops, and annual celebrations.
If you were a superhero what would be your special trait? Why?
My special trait would be the ability to teleport. I love the idea of being able to teleport around the world and visit new places. Be able to see my family who live in different countries, be able to see our planet’s diversity, and expand my horizons. Plus I’d never be late to a single meeting.
You’re hosting your own music festival with three artists – Who’s performing?
The three artists I am inviting are Bad Bunny, a reggaeton icon in the Latinx community, Selena Quintanilla, and Tupac.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?
It would be, Bleed The Same. The reason I chose this song is because one can forget many things in a lifetime. No matter what life would throw at me, I would want to remind myself and others that we are one.
Mornings or evenings? And why?
Evenings on a Friday night. That is when most of my friends and colleagues are able to decompress and share about their week over some great food.
How do you define success?
Success can be defined in so many different aspects especially when we all come from different walks of life. To me, success is constantly changing and is not based on societal expectations or social norms. Success is fulfillment. Success is happiness. Success is a motivator. Success essentially has no limits to it but can sometimes be limited by the actions of others. Success – a concept that deserves to be fully explored and achieved by all regardless of social status.
What would you name the autobiography of your life? Feel free to give us context here.
Falling and Rising. My life has been full of hard learned lessons. Each of them teaching me something valuable and preparing me for the person I’d eventually become. Regardless of how low I sank, I always preserved. As I continue to climb this mountain in life, I am committed to investing in others so that my story can inspire those that will come after me.
