We are thrilled to welcome Katelyn Sussli to our team! Katelyn joins us from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society where she was a Campaign Manager. At IndyHub, she will be managing the logistics and planning for our 30+ programs and events each year in addition to community engagement.
Like many of us at IndyHub, you are a transplant to the city. Where are you from and how did you end up here in Indy?
I am originally from Loveland, Ohio, also known as “The Sweetheart of Ohio”. I lived in the same house from kindergarten through senior year and to this day, pretty much my whole family still lives in Cincinnati, including seven of my mom’s ten siblings. While visiting a few schools in Indianapolis, we decided to stop by Butler University for a quick campus tour. Since they didn’t offer my major, I didn’t expect much, but just five minutes on campus was all it took to seal the deal. I fell in love with not only the Butler community, but also the Indianapolis community, and have called Indy home for the last seven years.
What did you study at Butler?
I graduated in 2016 with a degree in Political Science & Organizational Communication.
Which part of Indy is home to you, and what’s happening in your neighborhood right now?
Sobro has been home for the past three years! In fact, I have moved a half mile south every year since graduating from Butler – starting at 61st street and now at 54th street. There is always something going on, which is why I love this area– fantastic restaurants; easy access to the Monon for biking, walking and running; local shops and boutiques; and the central point to get anywhere around the city.
The biggest news in the Broad Ripple area is the building and soon to be launch of the Red Line! My commute takes place along College Avenue, so I have had a front row seat of the development of this project. I am excited for it to launch in September and incorporate it into my daily commute.
We know that you are no stranger to IndyHub programs and events– which of our programs or resources have you found most useful as you’ve navigated life after college here in Indy?
When I graduated from Butler, I went through a bit of an identity crisis trying to figure out what my life would be post my 9-5 job. In school, my time was very planned out in terms of classes, club involvement and social time with friends. IndyHub was recommended to me by a friend as a resource to help connect with the community, especially having spent the past four years in the “Butler Bubble”. With my passion for nonprofit work, IndyHub allowed me to connect with some great organizations, like School on Wheels, to start volunteering.
I have attended also attended a few of the Think and Drink events. The newsletter is always a must read to find out the latest and greatest going on in the city. [Editor’s Note: Subscribe here!] That is one of the things I love about Indianapolis: there is always something to do. IndyHub allowed me to meet new people, discover new interests, and most importantly, get involved and give back to my community.
Outside of work, what are you involved with and what are your favorite things to do in your spare time?
I am a frequent visitor of the Glendale Public Library, and enjoy spending time on my new porch with a good book in hand. Being so close to the Monon, I enjoy going on walks, runs, and bike rides, either by myself or with friends. Since I am out of state, I try my best to stay connected to my family back home. FaceTime is an awesome resource! I have two nieces, Emma (4.5) and Natalie (1.5) and enjoy hearing about their latest and greatest sister adventures. I love to explore new places, especially parks, around Indianapolis. Eagle Creek is one of my favorite spots to go hiking and kayaking. Through volunteering with School on Wheels, I have been able to foster one of my biggest passions, education.
What are you most excited about in regards to joining the IndyHub team?
Soo many things! I am looking forward to getting to explore the city, meet new people, and put together some fantastic events that engage young professionals throughout Indianapolis. I’m also hopeful to add to my list of favorite restaurants and places in the city. Most importantly, I am excited to grow as a professional and be a part of this dynamic, innovative, and passionate team. And then selfishly, I want to become better at Instragram/”instagramming”. I just created an account (still haven’t posted), but with all these fun events, I think I will have plenty of content.
If you had to eat at one local spot for an entire year, what would you pick, and what’s your favorite thing to order there?
Fire by the Monon – it is my go to restaurant whenever friends or family are in town. In fact, whenever my parents visit, it is the place they recommend. Their menu has great variety, the staff always makes it a fun dining experience, and the cherry on top is being able to sit outside on the patio. My favorite thing to order is the Free Range Flatbread… YUM!
What book has impacted you the most, to date?
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats or Wonder
You’ve found yourself with a free weeknight– how are you spending that time?
Inviting friends over for a game night. I love to host people! Plus the friendly competition is always fun too!
Do you have any family traditions that you cherish?
A little odd – but my family created a tradition called “Smash Face”. On the person’s half birthday, the rest of the family gets to decorate a dessert (normally a cake, but can be a pie or other type of dessert) for that individual to smash their face into. The only restriction is the decorations have to be dessert themed… we tried tuna one year and it didn’t go so well… There have only been a few bumps and bruises to the forehead that have resulted!
