Described as a “swanky paradise & intimate floral oasis,” Arden Indy is a destination cafe and lounge for girls’ nights, date nights, birthdays and weekend celebrations in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.
Guests are invited to choose an experience from the section of themed evenings, which are listed on the website — such as Valentine’s Day Cupid Night, Mimosas and Melodies Brunch, Saturday Birthday Soiree, Friday Jazz Night, Sip and Chill Thursdays and more.
Arden Indy boasts an experience-based dining experience every night of the week, with a cafe, brunch, lounge and cocktail menu all featuring pastries, appetizers, entrees and handcrafted coffee, tea, boba, cocktails and mocktails.
While the cafe does welcome walk-ins Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., reservations are required for evening and weekend dining.
Arden Indy is located downtown at 6 W. Washington St. The cafe is open to all ages from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the lounge is open to guests 21 years and older from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
For more information or to book a reservation, visit ardenindy.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
The Indiana Fever added a seasoned professional to their front office, announcing the hiring of Jackie Maynard as the associate vice president of basketball communications on Jan. 30.
The newly created role places Maynard at the vanguard of the Fever’s media and public relations efforts as the franchise continues to expand its influence in women’s basketball.
Maynard, a New York native, brings 14 years of experience in sports communications, including 12 seasons working in professional women’s sports. She reports directly to Fever’s Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Amber Cox. Maynard oversees all aspects of the team’s basketball communications strategy as the primary media contact.
“I am incredibly excited to join the Indiana Fever,” Maynard said in a statement. “From my first conversation to the last, it was clear that everyone, at every level, is invested in setting the standard for fans, players and the community.”
Maynard began her career in women’s sports with the Western New York Flash in 2013, managing media relations for some of the biggest names in soccer, including six-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta, U.S. Women’s National Team legends Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd.
Maynard’s career includes an extensive tenure in professional soccer. She spent nine seasons with Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer and the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League, leading the club’s communications team.
Under Maynard’s leadership, Orlando’s media presence expanded significantly, experiencing a 121% uptick in global media coverage during a historic 2023 season. That effort earned her team the inaugural NWSL Communications Team of the Year award.
Beyond media strategy, Maynard involves herself in large-scale event planning, including opening two training facilities and launching Inter&Co Stadium. Her expertise contributed to successfully executing major sporting events such as the 2019 MLS All-Star Game, multiple FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and planning for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
“I look forward to joining a franchise that has been committed to the growth of women’s basketball for over two decades, and I’m ready to do all I can to help the Indiana Fever become the preeminent women’s sports franchise in the world,” Maynard said.
The move comes one day after the re-signing of Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, another win for the organization.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on TikTok @3Noral.
In a significant policy shift, Target Corporation announced the conclusion of several of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
This move raised concerns about the potential impact on marginalized communities, particularly Black and brown populations, and reflects a more comprehensive trend among major U.S. corporations.
On Jan. 24, Target announced the conclusion of its three-year DEI plan, including the Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiative.
The company plans to cease participation in external diversity-centric questionnaires and transition its “Supplier Diversity” team to “Supplier Engagement,” per the company’s website.
Former Target frequenter La’Meshia Hayes, Indianapolis, said the move caused a fracture in the community.
“Target’s decision to repeal their initiatives surrounding diversity has put us in a tough spot,” Hayes told the Indianapolis Recorder. “We are torn because we want to support the small Black-owned businesses that have products on their shelves. We are unsure if those products will be around much longer.”Target has long been recognized for its commitment to DEI. In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd near its Minneapolis headquarters, the company pledged investments over $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025.
This commitment included increasing the representation of Black employees by 20% and enhancing support for Black-owned suppliers.
Hayes is a member of the “Black Girls Who Love Target” Facebook group, a community of over 101,000 members, mostly women of color. They use thr group to discuss their love, fascination and frustration with the company.
“When other companies announced their removal of DEI programs, we were talking in the group like ‘Target would never,’ and now, ironically, they have,” Hayes said. “The group is so torn right now.”
La’Meshia Hayes, owner of A Good Life Photo Co., is ready to capture all of your moments and memories. (Photo/Hayes)
Target’s decision aligns with a broader corporate trend influenced by recent political actions. President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” signed on Jan. 21, directs federal agencies to end DEI programs and prompts private companies to follow suit.
The termination of DEI initiatives by Target and other corporations generates noteworthy implications for marginalized communities. These programs are instrumental in promoting workplace diversity and providing opportunities for minority-owned businesses. The discontinuation of such initiatives may hinder progress toward equitable representation and economic inclusion.
The response from the community is mixed. Some Black-owned brands expressed concern that boycotting Target could inadvertently harm their businesses, which rely on the retailer for distribution and visibility.
“We don’t know what we should do,” Hayes told the Indianapolis Recorder.
Target’s decision to scale back its DEI initiatives marks a pivotal moment with far-reaching implications for Black and brown communities and businesses.
“We remain focused on driving our business by creating a sense of belonging for our team, guests and communities through a commitment to inclusion,” Target said in a statement. “Belonging for all is an essential part of our team and culture, helping fuel consumer relevance and business results.”
Now, Hayes is unsure of the company’s commitment to DEI.
“I am going to take my time because I want to make an informed decision about where I spend my dollars, my Black dollars,” Hayes said.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on TikTok @3Noral. For more news, click here.
For many women, the journey to strength, both physically and mentally, can feel daunting.
But for Porsha Ingram, founder of She Strong Fitness, the key to unlocking confidence lies in the power of strength training and mindset coaching.
Based in Indianapolis, She Strong Fitness is a Black-owned, woman-owned business designed to help women step into their power, break barriers and redefine what strength looks and feels like.
As a NASM-certified coach and ‘Kettlebella’ instructor, Ingram brings a unique approach to fitness, going beyond the numbers on a scale or the weights on a bench.
She Strong Fitness builds itself on the belief that true strength comes from within and that every woman can tap into her potential with the right direction and support.
The business specializes in strength training programs that help women build muscle and develop resilience. From kettlebell training to functional strength regiments, Ingram tailors workouts to fit all levels, ensuring every client can confidently train and progress safely.
But the She Strong experience isn’t only about lifting weights. It’s about transforming mindsets. Ingram integrates mindset coaching into her training philosophy, helping women break free from self-doubt, set intentional goals and develop the mental toughness needed to thrive in and outside the gym.
What sets She Strong Fitness apart is its emphasis on community. Ingram fosters a space where women feel supported, encouraged and empowered to challenge themselves. Whether a client is new to strength training or looking to refine her skills, She Strong Fitness provides a welcoming and motivating environment.
Through workshops, one-on-one coaching and group training sessions, She Strong Fitness is not only building strong bodies, but also strong women.
For more information on training programs and coaching opportunities, follow She Strong Fitness here.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Black Leadership and Legacies, Inc., DBA Building Leaders + Legacies (BLL), announced the induction of 18 women into the Professional Women Leaders Leadership Program.
This follows the announcement by the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana of 19 new members in the Executive Women of Color Leadership Program, established in partnership with BLL.
Both programs are designed and led by Carolene Mays, founder and CEO of Black Leadership and Legacies, Inc., with a mission to create a more equitable pipeline for leaders in Indianapolis. The programs prepare and empower minority professionals for expanded leadership roles to create meaningful impact within their communities.
Participants spend a year growing, developing and focusing on leadership skills, board governance, legacy wealth-building and purpose. The programs address issues impacting disadvantages and underserved communities and emphasize a philanthropic vision. The BLL programs allow participants access to C-Suite executives, government leaders and entrepreneurs for networking, access to knowledge and inspiring words of advice.
(Photo/Getty Images)
The 2025 cohorts represent a group of changemakers making significant contributions across the business, education, health care and social justice sectors of the city. Since the program began in 2022, 96% of participants have achieved major job promotions or entrepreneurial growth, and 87% have joined nonprofit boards.
“We are thrilled to welcome these dynamic and talented women into our leadership programs,” Mays said. “These women emerge equipped to transform organizations, uplift communities, and create lasting change. They are a testament to the power of investing in leadership with purpose, and we are honored to support them in shaping a more equitable future for generations.”
The Professional Women Leaders Leadership Program participants include:
April Aldridge, paralegal, Krieg DeVault, LLP.
Jamalia L. Brashears, principal and founder, JLB Advisors, LLC.
Ashley Bridges, build fund portfolio manager, Intend Indiana.
Tracy Clark, director of supportive services, Coburn Place Safe Haven.
Yunika T. Jackson, child services engagement specialist, State of Indiana Department of Child Services.
Brianna Jones, group service coordinator, Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
Genevie Jones, executive director and chief of staff, Indiana University Health.
Timeshia Keys, director of administration, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana, Inc.
Jennifer Killebrew, DEI manager, Capital Improvement Board.
Susan Lawhead, executive director of talent pipelines, Indiana University Health.
Brandi M. London, co-founder and chief education officer, Hardon Education, LLC.
Shannon Kay Meriwether, HR and talent acquisition manager, Milliman MedInsight.
Jan E. Mitchell, founder and CEO, She Moves Forward, Inc.
Ashley Norman, senior internal communications manager, Genesys, founder and CEO, Mind Your Higher Ground.
Arnetta Scruggs, founder and executive director, The Bloom Project, Inc.
Jay Styles, senior vice president of partnerships and talent connections, EmployIndy.
Jordan Teske-Harrison, director, Indiana Commission for Women.
Shawnita Washington, client success manager, Four Tower, LLC, co-founder and CFO, Dodson Legacy.
In the competitive world of pageantry, Crowns and Kisses Pageant Consulting shines as a trusted ally for aspiring queens.
Led by Ivy Stubbs, the Carmel-based firm provides tailored coaching for Teen, Miss, Ms. and Mrs. contestants, focusing on culture, wardrobe, interviews, runway techniques and philanthropy. With over 20 years of experience as a titleholder, judge, producer and director, Stubbs has helped countless women achieve their pageantry dreams through style, confidence and expert guidance.
Customers can begin their pageantry journey by booking a complimentary consultation. From there, contestants can choose from three packages to hone their skills.
The lowest tier is $500 and includes five virtual sessions, headshots, paperwork, interview preparation, wardrobe selection and branding.
The second tier is $800 and includes ten virtual sessions, all items from the lower package, introduction rehearsals, paperwork suggestions, platform development and a runway routine.
The highest tier package is $1000 and includes 12 virtual sessions, headshot selection, introduction construction, platform creation, paperwork edits, interview preparation, personal styling, social media content and branding, runway class 101 and routine and a coach journal.
All packages include a Crowns and Kisses shirt and access to premier sponsors.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Founded by Stanley Lebron in 2022, Glorious Cleaning is a fully insured and bonded house cleaning service, staffed with professionally trained cleaners, ready to take on new clients and build a lasting relationship beyond a one-time service.
The local, minority-owned home cleaning business specializes in apartment, house, condo or townhome cleaning, deep cleaning, move in and move out cleaning. Their dedicated team services Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Fishers and Noblesville, Indiana.
Stanley Lebron founded Glorious Cleaning in 2022. (Photo/Glorious Cleaning via Facebook)
The staff at Glorious Cleaning believe “a clean space improves your mood and overall sense of wellbeing,” according to the website, and aim to elevate one’s living space with reliable, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly cleans.
Glorious Cleaning uses environmentally friendly, green, non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for people, pets and plants. Professional cleaners also work in teams and use color-coded microfiber towels to prevent any cross-contamination in a residence, which are then commercially laundered each day.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
From Fred Payne to Andrea Neely to Dr. Lorenzo Esters, the 2025 Champions of Diversity awards gala honored Indianapolis’ leaders and equity advocates ahead of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
The 18th annual awards gala, hosted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, Recorder Media Group and Minority Business Review, took place Jan. 17 at the JW Marriott in Downtown Indianapolis. Esteemed guests across all sectors of Indianapolis filled the ballroom for an evening filled with fellowship and laughter while celebrating the history and legacy of those making a difference in our communities.
“Our publications are intentional about ensuring the accomplishments of people of color are not only highlighted but brought to the forefront in a way that is fair, accurate and representative,” Camike Jones, editor-in-chief of the Indianapolis Recorder said during the ceremony. “Now more than ever, efforts to promote diversity and inclusion are needed. We are proud of our efforts, as well as the efforts of so many others who stand with us in the spirit of unity.”
Hosted by Olivia West and Matthew Fultz, the Champions of Diversity continues to grow nationally through the Minority Business Review and across the state with Indiana Minority Business Magazine. The gala saw 1,100 attendees and 25 awardees this year.
Robert Shegog, president and CEO of Recorder Media Group and a member of the Boy Scouts Troop 199. (Photo/Natural Born Leaders Visuals)
“As president and CEO of the Recorder Media Group, I am deeply honored by the incredible success of our 18th annual Champions of Diversity Awards,” Robert Shegog said. “This event has become a cornerstone of our mission to celebrate and uplift the individuals and organizations working tirelessly to make our communities stronger, more inclusive and full of opportunity.”
Reginald and Tracey Jones, owner operators of several Indianapolis-based McDonald’s franchises and founders of McMiracle on 38th Street, received the William G. Mays Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award.
Dennis E. Bland, president of the Center for Leadership and Development, received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Award.
Shannon Williams, chief operating officer and executive vice president of The Mind Trust, received the Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award.
“It’s humbling, but it’s also a call to action of sorts, to ensure that everything I do, I continue to just act with courage and put into motion themes, and that will really impact people of color, not just today, but for generations to come,” Williams told the Recorder. “I think this year’s class of award recipients are just phenomenal, and so to be included in that number is incredibly humbling, and I am immensely grateful for it.”
Andrea L. Neely, president and chief executive officer of the Simon Youth Foundation, Inc., received the Lifetime Education Achievement Award.
The Amos Brown Community Advocate Award, which was presented by members of the late Amos Brown’s family, was given to Marshawn Wolley, president and CEO of Black Onyx Management.
Deana Haworth, chief executive officer of Hirons, a newly certified Women’s Business Enterprise, received the President’s Choice Award.
“Seeing so many people from diverse backgrounds come together on Friday night is a testament to the power of unity and the shared commitment to building a brighter future for Indiana,” Shegog added. “It fills me with pride to know that the Recorder continues to serve as a platform for recognizing these extraordinary efforts, and I look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.”
Robert Shegog, president and CEO of Recorder Media Group and U.S. Rep. Andre Carson at the 2025 Champions of Diversity awards gala on Jan. 17, 2025 at the JW Marriott in Downtown Indianapolis. (Photo/Natural Born Leaders Visuals)
2025 Champions of Diversity
Fred Payne, president and CEO of United Way of Central Indiana, received the Community Impact Award.
Tamira Chapman, CEO of Storehouse in a Box, LLC, received the Social Innovation Mastermind Award.
Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters, president of the Indianapolis Foundation, received the Visionary Leader Award.
Sharon Barner, vice president & chief administrative officers of Cummins, received the Sapphire Diversity Maverick Award.
Kanwal Prakash “KP” Singh, founder and owner of KP Singh Designs (A Partnership), received the Civic Empowerment Award.
Clarissa Nowlin, chief financial officer & controller of Professional Management Enterprises, Inc., received the Master of Finance Award.
Daryle L. Johnson, vice president of Strategy, Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, received the Distinguished Business Achiever Award.
Melina Kennedy, chief executive officer, and Latoya Alexander Botteron, president and chief financial officer of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), received the Bridge to Impact Award.
Darryl Lockett, health equity director of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Indiana, received the Rising Star of Excellence Award.
Dennis Trinkle, senior vice president of talent, strategy and partnerships at TechPoint, received the Innovation in Tech Leadership Award.
Tamara Cypress, associate director of communications & creative design for Carrier Corporation, received the Changemaker Award.
Travis Brown, founder and CEO of Mojo Up Marketing + Media, received the Breaking Barriers Award.
Patrina Williams, CEO of Cherishing Lives Personal Care Services, received the Golden Heart Award.
Leon Williamson, market president of iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group and iHeartMedia Indianapolis, received the Stewardship Young Leader Award.
Steven Meyer, chief executive officer, and Stephanie Quick, president of Intend Indiana, received the Beacon of Hope Award.
Zachary Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, U.S. Department of Justice, received the Social Justice & Equity Award.
Katie Lucas, president of Lucas Oil, received the Exemplary Service Award.
Seth Morales, chief executive officer of Morales Group, Inc., received the Emerald Leadership Award.
Tracy Ellis-Ward, senior vice president for diversity, equity & inclusion for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, received the DEI Trailblazer Award.
The 2025 Champions of Diversity was sponsored by Diversity Press, Bank of America, Lucas Oil, Eskenazi Health, The Indianapolis Foundation, Carrier and The Mind Trust.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
G&B Natural Skincare, established in 2019 by Gavin and Bryanne Muhammad, is a minority-owned health and wellness business based in Indianapolis.
The company offers a range of organic skincare products designed for women, men and infants. The business addresses skin concerns such as acne, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, dark spots and blemishes.
Some popular products include the Glow Cleansing Bar, formulated with honey and turmeric, helping relieve dark spots and eczema and prevent acne. Like most products offered by G&B Natural Skincare, the Glow Cleansing Bar promotes clear, glowing skin.
Founders of G&B Natural Skincare Gavin and Bryanne Muhammad. (Photo via official website)
Another notable product is the Exfoliating Turmeric Scrub, designed to restore the skin’s natural glimmer and balance skin tones by terminating dead skin cells.
For those seeking to manage dark marks, the Nighttime Dark Spot Corrector combines aloe vera, vitamin E and organic turmeric to alleviate dark marks, minimize acne breakouts and delay signs of aging.
G&B Natural Skincare expands its reach beyond Indianapolis, selling products worldwide. The company commits itself to positively impacting the community by providing natural skincare solutions that promote healthy, radiant skin.
G&B Natural Skincare is located at 4015 Devon Drive in Indianapolis. For more information or to explore their products, visit their official website, gandbnaturalskincare.com.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on TikTok @3Noral. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
President of Lucas Oil Products Katie Lucas received the Exemplary Service Award at the 2025 Champions of Diversity Awards on Jan. 17.
The award acknowledges her leadership in promoting equity within Lucas Oil and her ongoing support of charitable organizations that serve diverse communities.
Lucas shared sentiments regarding the nomination last November.
“I was extremely humbled,” Lucas told the Indianapolis Recorder. “There are a lot of people doing amazing things in our communities to promote diversity. To be included in this group (of awardees) is truly special.”
The Champions of Diversity Awards, now in its 18th year, celebrate individuals and organizations committed to advancing equity and community impact.
This year’s event honored 25 leaders and organizations for their dedication to these principles.
President of Lucas Oil Products Katie Lucas and President of Recorder Media Group Robert Shegog during the 2025 Champions of Diversity Awards on Jan. 17 at the JW Mariott in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo provided/Lucas Oil Products via Recorder Media Group)
Lucas expressed her gratitude for the recognition.
“It is an incredible honor to receive the Exemplary Service Award, which reflects the hard work our organization has done to advance equity within the community through our support of many wonderful initiatives,” Lucas said. “Our commitment to improving lives and driving meaningful change is fundamental to who we are as a company. We look forward to continuing this important work alongside our partners.”
Moreover, Lucas oversees the company’s philanthropic and community engagement initiatives.
Her leadership extends to her roles as Board Chair of the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation and board memberships with the Indianapolis Zoo, EDGE Mentoring and the Grit & Grace Nation Foundation. She also serves on the National Leadership Council at the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, Indiana University Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council and is a Founding Member and Inaugural Chair of Called to Care, a Circle of Impact for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
Lucas Oil actively supports organizations that promote community well-being, including Wheeler Mission, Indiana’s largest and most diverse ministry serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The company contributes to events such as the annual Drumstick Dash and Jane Seymour’s Foundation Gala, both of which raise funds for Wheeler Mission’s shelter, meals and care services for men, women and children from all backgrounds.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on TikTok @3Noral. For more news, visit the Indiana Minority Business Magazine homepage.
