The Promise Zone welcomes new VISTAs
The Promise Zone is thrilled to announce that four new AmeriCorps VISTAs have joined the team! Please join us in welcoming our 2023-2024 cohort.
Rachel Graham, Communications Coordinator
Rachel Graham will be serving as the Communications Coordinator VISTA this year at the IndyEast Promise Zone. Rachel graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington in 2021 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in both Spanish and International Studies. Upon graduation, Rachel spent a year teaching Spanish at Brownsburg High School. Rachel grew up in the Indianapolis area and has always had a passion for working with marginalized populations. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys traveling, thrifting, and spending time with her two cats and two dogs.
Caroline Barnes, Education & Workforce Development Coordinator
Caroline Barnes, a longtime resident of the Irvington neighborhood in Indianapolis, will be serving at the Promise Zone as the Education and Workforce Development VISTA. Caroline originally got her start as a chef and hospitality administrator, but after working downtown and falling in love with the diverse population of Indianapolis she decided to go back to school in order to reach them. As a fierce advocate for mental health, Caroline earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Indiana Wesleyan University and will be starting her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the Fall of 2023 at the same school. Caroline hopes to use her love of learning and whole-person perspective to benefit East Side residents, IEPZ, and all of Indianapolis.
Liz Sheldon, Community & Neighborhood Development Coordinator
Liz Sheldon is serving as the Community & Neighborhood Development Coordinator VISTA. A recent graduate from Indiana University, Liz holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs, with minors in Education Policy, and Urban Planning & Community Development. Growing up in Lawrence Township, Liz is a native to the northeast side of Indianapolis. She is looking forward to getting to know the community in the near east side and collaborating with them on IndyEast Promise Zone initiatives. In her free time, Liz likes to watch movies, grow her DVD/VHS collection, and spend time with her friends and family.
Abigael Mullens, Economic Development Coordinator
Abigael Mullens is serving this year as the Economic Development Coordinator. A recent graduate of Purdue University, Abigael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Anthropology, with a minor in French. Abigael, originally from Carmel, Indiana, is eager to integrate into the community and contribute to the JBNC & Promise Zone initiatives. She is excited to collaborate with all the Promise Zone partners and discover the East side. Outside of work, Abigael enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, hiking, exploring new places, drinking coffee, and cooking.