Vivien Carter was born and raised in Indiana. She resides on the West side of Indy and holds a bachelor’s degree in Management from Manchester University. Vivien currently serves as a Corporate Engagement Manager for United Way of Central Indiana, a social impact organization dedicated to fighting for our community’s education, financial stability, health, and basic needs. In her role, she stewards and manages corporate relationships with external stakeholders and connects them with the causes they care about most in our local community. You can find her any given day checking out a local restaurant.
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. Viven 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 days at UWCI; I have been with UWCI for two years and I love it. I love meeting the wonderful people in the city and building relationships. after work, you can find me catching up with friends on any side of town. Coffee chats and brunch dates are my favorite.
Where in Indianapolis did you grow up?
Westside of Indy
You’re off the clock, there are no expectations. What are you doing?
Hanging out with friends & grabbing drinks or cozied up with a book. You might also catch me cruising around town in my Mini Cooper.
When thinking about the future of Indianapolis, what are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years and why?
I am excited about the art and cultural scene especially as GANGGANG continues to show up and show out for the city. Art is good for the soul and it crosses all divides. Additionally, I am excited about the expansion of small and local businesses in Indianapolis.
If you were a superhero what would be your special trait? Why?
Easy, if I were a superhero I would be Wonder Woman, and my special traits would be compassion/caring because that’s me and I am both really compassionate and caring. Plus who doesn’t want to carry around a lasso of truth?
Are there any local causes that you support? What are they and how might others learn more or get involved?
I support United Way of Central Indiana not just because it’s my place of employment but because United Way is a social impact organization dedicated to fighting for every person’s education, financial stability, health, and basic needs in our community. There are many volunteer opportunities for individuals to get plugged into (no matter who you are or what age you are). We have awesome Forever United Networks of passionate individuals who come together to give their time, talent, and treasure to propel our work forward. The harsh reality is that even before COVID -19, more than 220,000 households in Central Indiana were living in, or one emergency away from poverty. Any neighbor in poverty is one too many for me.
I am also a supporter and advocate of organizations that support youth and communities of color. This year I will be participating in Women Build with Habitat for Humanity. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help build a home for two women and their children.
You have a day off and you’re in Indianapolis. Share the agenda for your perfect Indy day.
On my day off I am starting with Breakfast at Cafe Patachou (either location). Then getting a Gel mani and Pedi from the Polish Bar Indy. For lunch, I am going to Chef Oya’s The Trap. Then a walk on the Canel. For Dinner, I am headed to La Piedad and once I have walked off dinner I am going to Gordon’s MilkShake
Indianapolis is a sprawling county, what’s your favorite part about our city?
The people in the city and the culture. There is no shortage of good people in this city.
How do you define success?
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
The Chronicles of Viv’s Shenanigans
