Abigael is the Economic Development Coordinator VISTA for the IndyEast Promise Zone. Her journey with AmeriCorps is driven by her passion for community organizing and a desire to work with government and non-profits. Having studied Political Science at Purdue University, her academic background and the influence of friends and professors who had positive experiences with AmeriCorps led her to the Promise Zone. Abigael’s commitment to making a positive impact on the community she loves shines through in the work she does in her position.
One of the most notable projects that Abigael has collaborated on in her position is Small Business Saturday. She says, “I worked with community partners for Small Business Saturday, which was a big accomplishment since I got to be involved in a project where I could work with so many small businesses throughout the community. It was great to bring more support to the small businesses on the Near Eastside.” Additionally, Abigael has taken the initiative to write several grants to bring resources to small businesses. She has collaborated with local business owners to bring their creative event ideas to fruition and develop programs to support the small business ecosystem. Abigael is also involved in inventory mapping for properties on the Near Eastside and Martindale Brightwood Neighborhoods, determining the status of vacant properties, their square footage, and other relevant details. This effort aims to repurpose vacant spaces for small businesses, local non-profits, or housing developments, contributing to preserving these properties within the community.
As she looks ahead, Abigael is actively involved in preparing for National Small Business Week beginning in April. Through partnerships with LISC Indianapolis, SEND, and Martindale Brightwood CDC, Small Business Week aims to support entrepreneurs across three neighborhoods by hosting a series of events throughout the week. Abigael looks forward to Small Business Week, seeing it as a culmination of her efforts as the Economic Development Coordinator VISTA.
Luckily, her time as a VISTA isn’t coming to an end. Abigael has decided to extend her time as a VISTA in the Promise Zone for another year. She explains, “I love the mission of the Promise Zone and want to stay until the 10-year designation is over. I look forward to being a part of the transition of the Promise Zone into the Economic Mobility District.”
Reflecting on her time in the Promise Zone, Abigael acknowledges the valuable skills she has acquired, including professionalism, grant writing, and asset mapping. She expresses her gratitude to her supervisor, Elizabeth Nash, for providing unwavering support and guidance throughout her time here.
We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Abigael and the Promise Zone.