In the exciting season finale of Voices of Indianapolis, we bring you a special episode featuring one of our very own students, Nat Neri Toledo from Purdue Polytechnic, alongside her mentor, Pastor Jason Taber from Cornerstone Lutheran Church. This episode marks a significant milestone as it’s the first time we have a student guest who is being asked the questions rather than asking them.

Nat has been an integral part of our innovative internship-based learning program. Over the past school year, our students have had the unique opportunity to engage with community influencers, asking insightful questions and gaining valuable knowledge. This week, Nat shares her transformative journey as one of the pioneers of our internship program. Guided by Pastor Jason, who was also our first guest of the season, Nat delved into the program that emphasized XQ competencies, honing critical skills in community advocacy and mobilization.

Throughout her internship, Nat practiced essential career readiness skills, learning firsthand the importance of dedication, teamwork, and the impact of community service. Together, Nat and Pastor Jason collaborated on various projects aimed at serving the community, showcasing the power of mentorship and the profound effects of practical, hands-on learning experiences. Nat's journey through this program has not only prepared her for future career endeavors but has also instilled in her a deep understanding of the value of helping others.

This episode is a testament to the innovative educational approaches at Purdue Polytechnic and the incredible potential of our students. Nat’s story is an inspiring example of how mentorship and real-world experiences can shape the leaders of tomorrow. Join us as we celebrate the end of our first season by highlighting the achievements of our students and the positive impact they are making in Indianapolis.

Tune in to hear Nat and Pastor Jason reflect on their journey, the lessons learned, and the meaningful projects that have contributed to the betterment of our community. This season finale is a heartwarming and inspiring conclusion to our inaugural season, setting the stage for many more stories of growth, collaboration, and community impact in the seasons to come.

In this week’s episode of Voices of Indianapolis, we have the honor of welcoming Dr. Keeanna Warren, CEO of all Purdue Polytechnic High Schools, including our very own microschool. Dr. Warren sits down with our high school students to share her wealth of knowledge and experience, offering invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of education in Indianapolis.

As a transformative leader in the education sector, Dr. Warren delves into the innovative approaches being implemented across Purdue Polytechnic High Schools. She highlights the remarkable projects and achievements of the students, showcasing how they are not just learning but actively contributing to the betterment of our community. Her passion for education and dedication to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for students is palpable as she discusses the programs and initiatives that are making a significant impact.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Warren provides thoughtful advice on how students can effectively prepare for their future careers. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Her guidance helps students understand the vital steps they need to take as they transition from high school to the next exciting stage of their lives.

Moreover, Dr. Warren shares her personal journey to becoming one of the leading figures in Indianapolis's educational infrastructure. Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She talks about the challenges she has faced and the lessons she has learned along the way, offering a source of inspiration and motivation for our listeners.

Tune in to this enlightening episode to hear Dr. Keeanna Warren’s thoughts on the future of education, the incredible work being done by students, and how young minds can prepare for successful careers. This conversation is a testament to the power of education and the positive change it can bring to our community.

Join us for a special on-site episode of Voices of Indianapolis, recorded at the inaugural Purdue Polytechnic Lab's Community Fair. In this dynamic episode, we immerse ourselves in the bustling atmosphere as businesses from across Indianapolis engage with students, offering invaluable opportunities for internships, shadow days, and future careers.

Listen in as students receive personalized feedback on their resumes, embark on a journey of project discovery, and forge meaningful connections with the visionaries shaping our city's landscape. From insightful conversations to inspiring encounters, this episode encapsulates the spirit of collaboration and growth that defines Indianapolis. Tune in as we celebrate the vibrant tapestry of talent and innovation fueling our community's success.

"Hunger doesn't take a day off."

Join us in this episode of Voices of Indianapolis as we delve into the heartwarming story of Second Helpings, a beacon of hope in Central Indiana's fight against hunger and poverty.

Our guest, Emily Martin, from Second Helpings, takes us on a journey through their remarkable 25-year legacy. Each day, their dedicated volunteers and staff undertake a noble mission: rescuing surplus food from wholesalers, retailers, and restaurants, thus preventing unnecessary waste. But their impact doesn't stop there. With this rescued food, Second Helpings creates over 5,000 nutritious meals daily, which are distributed to more than 100 social service agencies, nourishing Hoosiers in need and strengthening community bonds.

Yet, their commitment goes beyond feeding the hungry. Second Helpings' Culinary Job Training program empowers adults facing barriers to employment, equipping them with essential skills for thriving careers in the food service industry. Over 1,000 graduates have emerged from this transformative program, now serving as cooks, executive chefs, business owners, and culinary instructors throughout Central Indiana.

Through our conversation with Emily, we gain insight into the profound impact Second Helpings has on individuals and communities alike. Join us as we celebrate their unwavering dedication to making a difference, one meal and one life at a time. Tune in to Voices of Indianapolis and be inspired by the remarkable work of Second Helpings, proving that kindness, compassion, and culinary excellence can truly change lives.

Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis values diversity and inclusion in all of its forms and the rich dynamics that make all of us unique, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, culture, socioeconomic status, disability status, national origin, family structure, religion, age, educational background, cognitive abilities, and organizational position.

Girls Inc. ensures inclusion by integrating diversity in all aspects of their programming and operations, both internal and external. Embracing the diversity in our community allows Girls Inc. to better serve their participants, be a more inclusive organization, and achieve their mission of preparing all participants to be strong, smart and bold.

Rebuilding Stronger's mission is to bring volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need. Approximately 400 volunteers are needed to successfully complete repairs on 15+ homes each year.

Kyle Hickman with Rebuilding Together was able to give insight into civics, his work restoring houses in Indianapolis, the choices that brought him to his position, career successes, and how to help Indianapolis homeowners in need.

What are those necessary skills that students need, employees need, and employers are looking for?

This week, the students are joined by Trenae Thomas, the Manager of Workforce Equity with the Markle Foundation.

Trenae is a servant leader devoted to the growth and development of all humans . For the past 19 years she has served in the Indianapolis area to improve outcomes through access to mental health professionals, advocating for equitable learning environments, and as a leader in adult education, providing access to education, training, and resources to eliminate barriers and create pathways to quality jobs with the goal of improving individual, family, and community outcomes. Currently Trenae is a manager of workforce equity with the Markle Foundation supporting the ReWork America Alliance initiative, which is focused on providing skills and resources to improve employment outcomes for people of color using a skills-based approach. Between work and completion of her Ph.D in organizational leadership, Trenae enjoys a good book, concert, podcast, or binge-watching a good crime show. Recommendations are always welcomed!

Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the fascinating history of one of Indianapolis's most cherished neighborhoods. In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Anne Hardwick, a dedicated member of the Irvington Historical Society, as she unveils the rich tapestry of Irvington's past.

Named after the renowned author Washington Irving, Irvington is a neighborhood steeped in history, and Anne shares the captivating stories of its early days, offering a glimpse into the past that has shaped the vibrant community we know today. We explore the roots of the Irvington Historical Society, which has been tirelessly collecting and preserving local history since 1964.

But it's not just about the past; the Bona Thompson Center serves as a beacon of history, a place where the community's heritage comes to life. Anne walks us through the historic building that houses the Irvington Historical Society, offering insights into the fascinating exhibits that grace its halls. Best of all, the museum is open to the public, welcoming all to explore the treasures of Irvington without admission fees.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Irvington Historical Society relies on the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers to fulfill its mission of connecting the neighborhood's past with its present. This episode is a testament to their dedication and their commitment to preserving the vibrant history of Irvington for future generations.

Tune in to this episode to unearth the captivating stories of Irvington's past, housed within the walls of the Bona Thompson Center, and discover the tireless efforts of the Irvington Historical Society in keeping history alive for all to enjoy.