Natalie James was born in Boston, MA and grew up on the Eastside of Indianapolis. She attended the Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School and went on to graduate from Smith College in 2018 with a Bachelors in Africana Studies. Natalie has interned for the Obama Foundation and the District Office of Representative Andre Carson, and has served as an AmeriCorps Public Ally with Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation. Currently, Natalie serves as the Coalition Builder for Prosperity Indiana convening advocates across Indiana on issues related to housing and wealth building. She is passionate about the built environment, housing infrastructure and history. Natalie enjoys reading, traveling, and building community. Her favorite quote is by Ella Baker and it says, “Give light and people will find the way.”
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. Natalie is a part of 1828’s Class XI . Learn more about her 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. We’re ready to listen.
I spend my weekdays organizing advocates on issues related to affordable housing and financial wellness. On the weekends, I enjoy connecting with friends over Caribbean food and music.
You’re off the clock, there are no expectations. What are you doing?
I’m either reading, getting a massage, taking a walk, resting, or connecting with loved ones.
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 seeing the young people that decide to return to Indianapolis after having moved elsewhere. I actually encourage those that grew up here to leave for a certain amount of time because leaving gives you a better understanding about how you connect with the world. I also encourage returning to Indianapolis for a time because it gives you a better understanding of what the city needs and how to contribute to the community.
Are there any local causes that you support? What are they and how might others learn more or get involved?
Affordable housing and housing infrastructure are two of the local causes I support. Affordable housing can be complicated but what is simple is that many people in the Indianapolis community cannot afford to live somewhere that is safe, stable, and affordable. Housing is key to building a thriving community so resolving this issue is essential to building a thriving Indianapolis. You can learn more about affordable housing issues at the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s site: https://nlihc.org/housing-needs-by-state
You have a day off and you’re in Indianapolis. Share the agenda for your perfect Indy day.
Firsty, I’d grab breakfast at Lincoln Square Pancake House. Then, I’d get a blanket and read on the green space at Holiday Park. Next I’d head to Yaso Jamaican Grill for lunch and after pay a visit to the Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library. Later, i’d grab dinner and drinks at Louvino and then finish the night at Gordon’s Milkshakes with a gourmet shake.
If you were a superhero what would be your special trait? Why?
Making people feel would be my superpower because then I could get everyone on one accord about the world
Indianapolis is a sprawling county, what’s your favorite part about our city?
One of my favorite things about Indianapolis is all of the different neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has different characteristics and lots of history behind their development.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Everybody Loves the Sunshine by Roy Ayers & Be Thankful for What You Got by William DeVaughn
How do you define success?
I define success by gauging how far I have come from where I used to be.
