We are excited to announce that five new AmeriCorps VISTA members joined the IndyEast Promise Zone this month. Please join us in giving them a warm Eastside welcome! IndyEast Promise Zone VISTA members will work with staff and committees for the next 12 months to achieve goals related to Community Engagement, Housing, Education, Public Safety, and Economic Development, and Job Creation.
Read more about our team members below!
Joseph Julian, Communications Coordinator
Joseph Julian will be serving as the Communications Coordinator VISTA this year at the IndyEast Promise Zone. Joseph graduated from Wabash College in 2022 and from Miami University (OH) in 2024, earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in philosophy. As a graduate student, he taught courses in ethics and human nature, and gained a great appreciation for the role trust plays in government and civic institutions at all levels. He hopes to help cultivate relationships of trust during his year of service with AmeriCorps. When he’s not at the office, Joseph loves reading, exploring in nature, and making music with choral ensembles (he sings bass).
Simrat Oberoi, Evaluation & Research Coordinator
Simrat Oberoi will be serving this year as the Evaluation & Research Coordinator VISTA at the IndyEast Promise Zone. Simrat graduated from Purdue University in 2022 with two Bachelors of Science in Marketing and Psychology. Following graduation, Simrat joined Venture for America – a fellowship for post-graduate students interested in start-ups and entrepreneurship. Simrat hopes to continue working with small business owners and serve the Indianapolis area. In her free time, Simrat loves collecting hobbies; she is currently reading, baking, and playing video games.
Abigael Mullens, Economic Development Coordinator
Abigael Mullens is serving this year as the Economic Development Coordinator VISTA. In her second year as a VISTA, Abigael is looking forward to continuing work with Small Business owners and supporting economic development initiatives on the Near Eastside. Abigael received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Anthropology from Purdue and is working on a Masters in Public Affairs. Outside of work, Abigael enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, hiking, exploring new places, drinking coffee, and cooking.
Liz Sheldon, Community & Neighborhood Development Coordinator
Liz Sheldon is serving as the Community & Neighborhood Development Coordinator VISTA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs, with minors in Education Policy, and Urban Planning & Community Development from Indiana University Bloomington. In her second year as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the IndyEast Promise Zone, Liz enjoys her time supporting affordable housing programs and community development initiatives on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog Raven and volunteering at the local animal shelter.
Caleb Smith, Economic Mobility Coordinator
Caleb Smith will be serving the Promise Zone as the Economic Mobility Coordinator VISTA. Originally from Cincinnati, Caleb has been living in Indianapolis with his fiancé and little sister for the past 2 years. Caleb is inspired by his older sister’s work in youth philanthropy, civil rights with BLM, and social services for juvenile detention centers and incarcerated individuals. Her work shifted Caleb’s focus from trying to leave a legacy to now trying to leave an impact. Caleb is passionate about training and coaching youth sports including football, basketball, softball and track. Caleb enjoys spending time with family, going on walks with his little furball pepper (a yorkie schnauzer mix).