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Dedicated to diversity: How the U.S. Office of Personnel Management is ensuring an equitable and inclusive federal workforce

Camike Jones
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Dedicated to diversity: How the U.S. Office of Personnel Management is ensuring an equitable and inclusive federal workforce

How the U.S. Office of Personnel Management is ensuring an equitable and inclusive federal workforce

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is responsible for the oversight of the entire federal workforce, representing more than 2.2 million employees. In 2021, the Biden-Harris administration introduced Executive Order 14035, a government-wide strategic plan to address diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in a meaningful way.

The order prioritized advancing “…opportunities for communities that have historically faced employment discrimination and professional barriers…”. Those communities include people of color, women, veterans, military spouses, older Americans facing age discrimination, people of various faiths requiring accommodations and people who were formerly incarcerated. The order also addressed workplace harassment, pay inequities and sexual harassment.

Through the implementation of EO 14035, the Biden-Harris administration aims to set a standard for state and city governments as well as businesses in the private sector.

Leading the charge

OPM Director Kiran Ahuja was instrumental in developing the strategic plan. Nominated by President Biden, she was confirmed as director in June 2021 in a 51/50 vote, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the deciding vote. She began working on OPM’s mission of diversifying the federal workforce and ensuring that agencies were inclusive and representative of America. Though there has been some opposition across the nation to DEIA efforts in various sectors, Ahuja says this work benefits everyone.

“All these practices around creating an inclusive work environment are just, frankly, a good business model,” Ahuja said. “We’re only going to be as good as the people who make up our organizations, and if we don’t have those diverse perspectives, we’re going to have blind spots on what our policies look like, also, what our services look like and what are the resources that go out the door.”

Ahuja’s personal and professional background adds a unique perspective to the role of director. Her mother and father emigrated to America from India, and they landed in Georgia at a time that was particularly divisive.

“Growing up in the south and seeing the level of segregation that I did, and just where the opportunities lied, and the kind of economic and social disparities, I was like, ‘This is not right in the world, and I need to do something about it,’” Ahuja said, a notion that set her on the path of public service.

With few Asian Americans around in her childhood, she came to see herself as a person of color first – joining various activities catering to minority youth, including the Black student union, the gospel choir at a local Black church and eventually transferring from Emory University to Spelman College, a historically Black college for women, where she completed her undergraduate degree.

“That [attending Spelman] was such a formative experience for me to be exposed to Black history, Black literature, culture, all of that. And I do think that’s important especially as immigrants when we come to this country,” Ahuja said. “Yes, we can carve out our own spaces, but it’s important that we understand and build relationships with all kinds of folks in this country.”

Dr. Janice Underwood joined the DEIA effort as chief diversity officer at OPM, the first ever chief diversity officer for the nation. Working daily to dismantle centuries-old systems that have negatively impacted the nation, Underwood said, “DEI and A are principles of democracy,” a way to achieve the liberty and justice for all set forth in the Declaration of Independence.

“Our DEIA work has to help everyone,” Underwood stated. “It supports the entire workforce.”

Dr. Janice Underwood is the nation’s first chief diversity officer. (Photos provided/ US Office of Personnel Management)

Underwood previously served in Virginia as the Chief Diversity Officer for the state. There, she aided in developing the ONE Virginia plan, a step-by-step guide to creating a more diverse and equitable workforce. The plan acknowledged the discriminatory policies in the country’s history, like the Naturalization Act of 1790 and the Black Codes in 1865. To course-correct, the plan aimed to “…operationalize inclusive excellence and respond with a DE&I approach that is proactive, relevant, and progressive,” as stated in the Virginia governor’s strategic plan on higher education for 2021-2025. The ideology from the ONE Virginia plan has carried over to Underwood’s work at OPM.

Underwood emphasizes that she does not do this work alone. She coordinates externally with chief diversity officers from each of the federal agencies and internally with her team of “DEIA Avengers,” which include Joseph Pinnell.

Having recently joined the team at OPM as the diversity program specialist, Pinnell focuses on “dignity and respect” as a foundation to start a dialog instead of a debate. As the former deputy chief and executive director of workforce engagement for the state of Indiana, Pinnell understands the fears that people have about DEIA efforts, but he wants to bring both sides together to get closer to the goal. Pinnell said, “Our approach is to change behaviors, not beliefs.”

Real data, real results

Committed to being a model for DEIA, OPM is looking for tangible results by using data to measure their efforts. The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) is disseminated nationwide annually to measure whether the DEIA strategies are working, taking into account how federal employees feel about their opportunities for advancement, whether their ideas were being heard and if they experienced biases in the workplace.

“The OPM FEVS is the largest annual survey of government employees in the world that tracks how federal employees view their current work environment, including workforce management, policies, and new initiatives,” according to a statement released by OPM.

“You can’t change what you don’t measure, and you won’t measure that which you don’t acknowledge,” Underwood said. From 2022-2023 Ahuja and Underwood noted a two percent increase in employee satisfaction with DEIA; this represents thousands of employees. Survey results and other key data collected have also provided OPM with specific areas to address, including increasing diversity when hiring.

“We need to make sure the applicant pool is diverse,” Ahuja said. This means improving awareness of the positions available as well as recruiting directly from Minority Serving Institutions (MSI’s), which include Tribal colleges, Hispanic serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU’s). First up is a partnership with Underwood’s alma mater, Hampton University, called Level Up, a pilot program that informs students in high school and college about federal careers and internships.

Joseph Pinnell is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s diversity program specialist.

“Hampton is focused on tapping into the government’s recruitment and paid internship opportunities for students on campus and in the community,” said First Lady and Hampton alumna Myra Williams via the school’s website. The partnership will help students with creating a resume that is searchable as well as finding federal jobs and internship opportunities for students and recent graduates.

By offering more paid internships, OPM seeks to eliminate the barriers of the past that prohibited students and young adults from pursuing internships because they could not afford to work without pay, a privilege that historically only well-resourced people could take advantage of. Internships offered now encompass agencies across the country and, following the pandemic, more remote positions are available, says Ahuja. Some internships even offer salaries for students currently enrolled in school, meaning students can attend classes, work remotely and still be paid, gaining valuable work experience while pursuing their degree. Underwood shared plans to extend the Level Up pilot at Hampton to other MSI’s and K12 institutions.  

Additionally, OPM is prioritizing accessibility. “In the Biden administration, we elevated the ‘A’ in DEI,” Underwood said. Their office has explored and implemented strategies to recruit, accommodate and retain people with disabilities – focusing on what is needed not only to be hired, but also to maintain employment. Schedule A is a special, non-competitive pathway into the federal government for people with disabilities, a listing from which agencies can hire directly.

“We’ve been just doing a lot more work with our federal partners to remind them of our commitment to individuals with disabilities and hiring,” said Ahuja. “I think we have those who are very committed and champions in the federal agency.”

Eyes on the prize

Underwood hopes that working in public service will be thought of as a “prize” again someday soon. She envisions the kindergarten student in class dreaming of becoming a public servant when they grow up. A quick search through usajobs.gov will yield open positions and internships in a variety of fields like engineering, human resources, cybersecurity and even fishery – managing and conserving fish and wildlife.

“There’s a federal version of every dream job,” Ahuja said. Federal employment was once known as a pathway to the middle class, and she hopes that people will once again see it as a desirable part of their career journey.

The ultimate goal is for her office to “live across administrations” and for DEIA to be embedded into the daily operations of all federal agencies. Underwood acknowledges the journey to an inclusive and equitable workforce is hard work, but she celebrates every step toward progress.

“Take every win you can get,” Underwood said. “Create small goals, small wins, to get to the big wins.”

How a local boutique changed the bridal industry in the Midwest

CHLOE McGOWAN
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How a local boutique changed the bridal industry in the Midwest

At one point or another, most little girls dream about their wedding day — or at least what dress they will wear. Marie Gabriel Bridal aims to be the place where those dreams come true.

Owned and operated by Young Colling alongside her daughter Anne-Marie Colling, the luxury bridal boutique has been outfitting Hoosier brides at its Castleton location for 11 years. Despite recently rebranding, expanding and relocating to 5830 E. 86th St. in November, Colling said the goal of her shop remains the same: to dress each bride as if they were her own daughter.

“Whatever I do, I take ownership of it,” Colling said. “So, this job, I took ownership. I look at things differently.” 

Born and raised in South Korea, Colling said she grew up in a time when educated young women were expected to become teachers. However, her love for classic literature and travel led her to Hong Kong, where she worked for Cathay Pacific for several years as a flight attendant. 

Her first introduction to fashion began when she met her husband, whose family worked in fashion manufacturing. For 15 years, Colling learned the inner workings of the industry, from fabric cutting and sewing to clothing design and styling, patterns and dress making. 

In 2002, Colling’s family relocated to Indiana. Although she had no bridal experience, Colling said her knowledge and skills in fashion landed her a job at Demetrios Bridal, where she studied bridal careers.

Young Colling decided to open her own bridal boutique in Indianapolis alongside her daughter Anne-Marie Colling 11 years ago. (Photo/Lenny White)

“To me, bridal is combining everything that in my life I’ve done over three decades, almost going into four decades — designing, fabric, patterns and all that to the retail,” Colling said.

Colling would spend more than a decade in the industry with Demetrios, overseeing 12 of the company’s shops from Minnesota to Texas. However, during this time, Colling noticed how the industry encompassed a very small group of designers in America and it was “very territorial,” which meant American brides were limited in their options, having no exposure to European designers, Colling said. 

This was something Colling was determined to change.

Marie Gabriel Bridal

Anne-Marie Colling, who has worked alongside her mom for the past 11 years, said she started working alongside her at Demetrios on weekends when she was in high school and college. After she graduated, Anne-Marie Colling said discussions of opening their own boutique began to become real.

At that point in time, European designers had not yet broken into the U.S. bridal industry, Colling said. She and her daughter traveled to Italy, Spain and other countries for weeks to find the designers they wanted to introduce to American brides. 

“Truly, Marie Gabriel was born to bring the world that I know to the brides to show that; to bring different things to them,” Colling said. “We’ve been traveling everywhere looking for unique designers all over the world, and that’s what we brought.”

For Young Colling, bridal is a social responsibility, and she treats every bride as if they were her own daughter. (Photo/Lenny White)

When opening the new location, Anne-Marie Colling said no detail was spared. She said they traveled with their interior designers to get inspiration from the best bridal shops in Paris and the Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton flagship stores to bring the best experience back home to Indianapolis.

Brides by Young

When Colling worked for Demetrios, she said the lack of inclusivity extended to dress sizes. In the Midwest, the average size of a bride was between a 12, 14 or a 16, Colling said, but most designers only provided samples no bigger than a size 6.

Colling said she convinced the designer for Demetrios to create a plus-size line of dresses for her to travel with and model during trunk shows. When Colling opened her second shop, Brides by Young — a sister shop dedicated to Indiana’s mid- to plus-size brides — she said she used her relationships with global designers to get them to drop “the plus-size fee.” 

“I really went out [and] had a personal meeting. I really persuaded them; gave them a reason,” she said. “And then, now, plus size, you don’t pay plus-size fee. That’s what the Brides by Young and I personally have actually achieved for inclusive sizing … because once one big name did it, the rest had to follow.”

Brides by Young, one of two of the first plus-size bridal shops in America, was always part of the original plan, Anne-Marie Colling said. Rather than combining everything into one shop, Anne-Marie said her mother wanted brides to have a welcoming and uplifting bridal experience catered just to them — with a fully trained team of consultants and a comprehensive dress selection.

“It was always a very clear thing that my mom talked about, of wanting to create the proper bridal wedding dress experience for these women who’ve been ignored for so long,” Anne-Marie Colling said. “We decided that this type of experience and community that we want to build needs to be just like everything my mom does: 100% correct, which is creating its own space, its own brand, its own community.”

Today, Brides by Young has locations in Indianapolis, Rochelle Park, New Jersey, and Schaumburg, Illinois.

Bridal Responsibility

Anne-Marie Colling said it is rare that anyone gets to take a look behind the scenes of small businesses like this one. Each bride who walks through the doors of Marie Gabriel Bridal will get the best luxury experience because her mother is a unique business owner who pays meticulous attention to every detail.

Young Colling decided to open her own bridal boutique in Indianapolis alongside her daughter Anne-Marie Colling 11 years ago. (Photo/Lenny White)

Colling said it is more than just business; her shops are not just everyday retail where folks come and go. The elevated and luxury bridal experience her shops provide includes the same level of care her daughter, daughter-in-law and other family and friends received when they got married, she said.

“It truly is doing everything the way that she would do it for me, for every single one of her brides; I think it’s really special,” Anne-Marie Colling added. “Even if it’s 4 a.m. in the morning, she will be steaming a dress because she sees one wrinkle.”

Marie Gabriel Bridal is located at 5830 E. 86th St., and Brides by Young is at 5252 E. 82nd St. #202. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit mariegabrielbridal.com and bridesbyyoung.com.

Beyond ones and zeroes: Black women take the lead in tech

Noral Parham
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Beyond ones and zeroes: Black women take the lead in tech

The technology industry, a driving force of innovation and economic growth, has long been plagued by a lack of diversity. Despite making significant strides in recent years, Black women remain woefully underrepresented in the tech workforce.

According to a study by Reboot Representation, Black women hold approximately 3% of computing jobs in the United States. This stark underrepresentation is not only a matter of equity and fairness; it also represents a missed opportunity for the tech industry to tap into a vast pool of untapped talent and potential.

The reasons for the lack of diversity in tech careers are complex and multifaceted, but they often stem from systemic barriers that have disadvantaged Black women for generations.

The Education Trust reported that, “Students from marginalized groups, especially women, still have less access to AP STEM courses in high school and lower STEM degree attainment rates than their white male colleagues,” making it even more challenging to pursue a career in STEM.  After navigating the obstacles faced in education, more challenges remain once landing a sought-after role in the tech field.

“As a corporate woman, I have had a diverse set of experiences,” said Tonya Webb-Wallace, CEO of Gideon VI – Indianapolis-based business and IT consulting firm. “I have had blatant and overt discrimination situations. I have been passed up for promotional opportunities and had to report to a white male who had no experience, and they paid for him to have a mentor.”

A headshot of Tonya Webb-Wallace. (Photo provided/Webb-Wallace, Gideon VI)

Another inspiring example is the manager of business and technical consulting at Centric Consulting, Kimberly Bugg, who was honored as one of 2019’s Most Pivotal Leader by Open Pivot.

“My journey is probably very similar to many, related to being the only woman of color in my discipline,” Bugg said. “[I’m] often experiencing situations in which my knowledge of or expertise is undermined or dismissed; lack of opportunities for challenging roles or roles with more responsibility, irrespective of key successes – or even placed in junior roles; lack of acknowledgment of successes; lack of leadership support with career planning.”

Black women often face stereotypes and biases in the workplace that discourage them from pursuing or advancing in STEM careers – leading to feelings of isolation. Approximately 42% of Black women felt that interacting socially with colleagues could lead to negative perceptions about their capabilities, concerned that their personal lives would be used against them, according to a study published by the Harvard Business Review that surveyed women in STEM fields.

Wallace said that the biggest obstacle she has faced as a woman of color in tech has also been one of her greatest rewards.

“My biggest challenge is my greatest opportunity,” Wallace said. “The challenge was to learn my progressive and challenging roles, learn to navigate corporate, learn to understand people, their behavior, and communication styles, and, even more … learn who I am.”

In the face of so many challenges, Black women are still making their mark in the tech industry and breaking down barriers. They lead the way in founding groundbreaking companies and advocating for change within the industry.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, both women envision a brighter future for Black women in STEM careers.

Bugg believes that a change in the makeup of the industry should begin at the ground level and work its way up.

“I believe this begins with increased representation at all levels, equitable access to opportunities and a supportive, inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives,” Bugg said.

Echoing Bugg’s statement, Wallace not only wants to see inclusion but also advancement at the highest levels for women of color.

“I want to see more women leaders hired and promoted as directors, senior directors and beyond,” Wallace said. “They need to see more of us leading to inspire and create more demand for the next generation of tech leaders.”

Contact multi-media staff writer Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. For more news from Noral and the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

Beyond business: Black executive leaders paving the way in Indy

Jade Jackson
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Beyond business: Black executive leaders paving the way in Indy

Amidst the vibrant economic landscape of Indianapolis, the rise in Black executive leadership symbolizes a pivotal shift in the city’s corporate realm.  

An emergence in Black presidents and CEOs, especially in nonprofit spaces, not only underscores a drive for diversity but also represents a crucial step toward equitable leadership. 

RELATED: New Fathers and Families Center president, CEO wants to make ‘well-kept secret’ more known

“My call to the ministry inspired me to leave a lucrative and promising career in corporate America to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. At the age of 32, I was the youngest director of corporate strategy in the history of a multibillion company in Indiana,” said Larry Smith, president and CEO of Fathers and Families Center.  

He also created a space for Black nonprofit CEOs in the city so that they can stay connected, knowing that the path to success for many Black leaders often involves overcoming challenges like societal barriers.  

“It’s sad that African Americans have to work three times as hard as white Americans only to have less success generally,” said Smith.  

For many Black Americans, those barriers can include, but are not limited to, access to quality education, experiencing poverty, systemic racism and enduring prejudices in different spaces, including the workspace.  

This can lead individuals down a destructive path, knowing that the odds are stacked against them.  

Breaking barriers

James Wilson went to prison when he was 17 years old and came out when he was 26 years old. Even when he knew he wanted to change his life for the better after release, he never thought he would be the CEO of Circle Up Indy – an organization that has affordable housing initiatives and offers employment programs, rent assistance, weekly food distribution and direct community engagement.  

“I see myself impacting the broader narrative of Black leadership in Indianapolis by bringing innovation to a level that has not been seen,” said Wilson.  

“I would like to empower more Black economic development that truly allows a community to thrive and grow with less drug intake and violence within our community and city.”  

Jeffrey A. Harrison, president & CEO of Citizens Energy Group, came from a family of six children. His father was a bricklayer and Harrison worked with him in the summer.  

He credits his father with developing his strong work ethic. At times throughout his childhood, even with his hard-working father, the family struggled to put food on the table.  

“As one of just a few Black CEOs in Central Indiana, I believe I have a special responsibility to help lead collective action for racial and economic equity in our region,” said Harrison.  

“Since becoming Citizens Energy Group’s CEO in 2015, members of the Black community still approach me at public events to tell me how proud they are to see someone who looks like them leading such an important company.”  

Beyond business

Paradise Bradford is the executive director of Pretty Passionate Hands, which focuses on providing support, mentorship and guidance to teen parents in Indianapolis.  

Through her leadership position, she wants to provide hope to other women filled with a passion or call to a purpose by bringing them to understand that leadership is not always earned based on education or workforce connections.  

“There are many challenges I face in this city. Not being born or raised here and having to find your network, you must find the circles that accept you and hear you out. Being able to be heard has been the hardest,” said Bradford.  

“I have been bold enough to start conversions, but ultimately being vulnerable and not being afraid to ask for help has been my best way to navigate.” 

Pretty Passionate Hands has a mentorship program that provides basic living skills to equip teen parents with the knowledge they need to become successful and sustainable individuals. 

They offer a free pantry for clothing, hygiene items, diapers, wipes and baby equipment for teen parents.  

The organization provides outings to community activities that families may not be able to afford or experience. On top of that, teen parents are provided holiday and school assistance and throughout the year are offered seasonal clothing for their babies and themselves. 

Jasmin Shaheed-Young is the president and CEO of Rise Indy, a movement to ensure every Indianapolis student has access to a quality public school.  

Her passion for revitalizing public education began with her parents and their firm commitment to justice.  

Representation matters

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without mentorship. When I reflect on the pivotal points in founding RISE INDY, I remember how mentorship from other leaders had benefited me at that time. I learned about the challenges they faced and how they navigated them,” said Shaheed-Young.  

“There was an absence of leadership programs specifically for young Black and non-Black professionals. It’s beautiful to see the array of choices now.” 

She said this includes the Indianapolis Urban League’s The Exchange, IU Health’s Inspiring Leader, United Way of Central Indiana’s Leadership United and Circle City Leaders. 

Perry Hines, president & CEO of Wheeler Mission, said he has always had a profound love for community service. Over the years, he has helped several nonprofit organizations, such as the Madame Walker Legacy Theater, Indiana Black Expo, Indianapolis Urban League and more.  

It has been important to him to combine his volunteer nonprofit work with his corporate work throughout his career.  

“Like most African Americans in any type of leadership role, more is going to be demanded and expected of you in order for you to be perceived as successful,” said Hines.  

“Given the historical stereotypes that have prevailed throughout the history of our great country, African Americans have often had to start the leadership race behind the starting line. That dilemma has plagued many African American leaders, and my experience has been no different.”  

Hines emphasized the importance of having mentors and being a mentor along one’s journey. Mentorship and community engagement are two of the essential building blocks for success, both personally and professionally.  

Business barriers

He said those foundational elements provide perspective, context and access to individuals and organizations that will help propel one to success.  

“Know who you are and what you want to accomplish. Indy can be a tough environment for African American professionals, but there is a booming network of young and more seasoned African American executives ready and willing to step up to the plate,” said Hines.  

Kendrea Williams founder and CEO of PitchFeast – an entrepreneur support organization that provides BIPOC business leaders with essential business development support- knows firsthand the struggles Black leaders face.  

“As a Black CEO, I have faced challenges such as implicit bias, limited access to networks and, sometimes, skepticism about the viability of our mission. Navigating these challenges has involved building stronger networks, both within and outside of the city, and fostering relationships with key partners in the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Williams. 

“By consistently delivering results and showcasing the success stories of the entrepreneurs we support, we’ve been able to challenge the preconceived notions and build trust within the community.” 

She was inspired to pursue a leadership role through a deep-rooted commitment to addressing systemic inequalities.  

Williams recognizes the unique challenges that Black and brown entrepreneurs face when it comes to starting a business and accessing capital and resources, and she wanted to contribute to breaking down those barriers.  

“One crucial lesson is the importance of resilience. This journey to leadership often involves facing challenges. Learn and grow from your failures, be flexible when it comes to change and stay focused on your mission,” said Williams. 

“Lead with authenticity and empathy; these personal characteristics are foundational when it comes to building trust and long-lasting relationships.” 

A few Black leaders in the city

Alan Bacon – GANGGANG  

Paradise Bradford – Pretty Passionate Hands  

Barato Britt – Edna Martin Christian Center  

Claudia Cummings – Indiana Philanthropy Alliance  

Keesha Dixon – Asante Children’s Theater  

Rhiannon Edwards – Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry (PACE)  

Emil Ekiyor- InnoPower  

Carl Ellison – Indiana Minority Health Coalition  

Dr. Lorenzo Esters – The Indianapolis Foundation  

Perry Hines – Wheeler Mission Ministries  

Dr. Tenika Holden-Flynn – Teach for America Indianapolis  

Denell Howard – Evolve International   

Maggie Lewis – Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis  

Tony Mason – Indianapolis Urban League  

Andrea Neely – Simon Youth Foundation  

Kendra Nowell – Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFÉ)  

Fred Payne – United Way of Central Indiana  

Dee Ross – The Ross Foundation  

Ericka Sanders – You Yes You Project  

Derrin Slack – ProAct Indy  

Larry Smith – Fathers and Families Center 

Katina Washington – SHE Event  

James Wilson – Circle Up Indy  

Kia Wright – VOICES Corp  

How Black Hoosiers can build generational wealth at any age: Different options to consider when you are trying to strategize for you and/or your family’s financial future

Jade Jackson
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How Black Hoosiers can build generational wealth at any age: Different options to consider when you are trying to strategize for you and/or your family’s financial future

As Black individuals navigate avenues to secure financial freedom, exploring strategies and pathways becomes imperative.

Unfortunately, it is not easy when financial literacy is low among many U.S. adults.

On average, African Americans answered 38% of the P-Fin Index, which measures knowledge and understanding of sound financial decision making and management of personal finances.

“There are people who are financial advisors who can explain the differences in even insurance, for example, because that’s a big thing in our community. We’re not aware of even retirement accounts,” said Monica Warran, CEO of Face Finances.

“Something else that people don’t really think about are banking products. So, going to your bank and talking to them about a high-yield savings account or CDs, which is a way to invest your money, but it’s not as risky as the stock market.”

RELATED: From Financial Literacy to Legacy: Empowering Women for Equitable Communities

Warren grew up in a single parent household with her mother, and watching her mother pay off all the debt she and her father incurred to provide a better life for Warren taught Warren how to be a good steward of her money.

Face Finances, founded in 2019, provides services that include but are not limited to bookkeeping, taxes, payroll, cost analysis and budgets. The company currently serves around 78 clients; 97% of its clientele are Black.

Warren said that Black Hoosiers have to start somewhere and seeking out helpful resources is a great start.

She also understands that lack of knowledge does not come from personal ignorance.

“A lot of it comes from systemic racism. That’s why there is such a large wealth gap. We weren’t allowed to bank. We weren’t allowed to work in lucrative positions; to be allowed to invest. Home ownership is another big one,” said Warren.

“That has typically been a way to pass down generational wealth, but we all understand redlining and credit appraisals.”

CollegeChoice 529
A CollegeChoice 529 direct savings plan is a Section 529 plan offered by the Indiana Education Savings Authority. It is designed to help families save for college in a tax-advantaged way. A parent can start an account with as little as $10 and make investments as their child grows.

It also offers investment options to raise money over time to relieve the financial burden of college tuition costs.

Custodial investment or
Roth IRA accounts
Children have a lot of time to see money grow in a custodial brokerage or Roth IRA account before they reach adulthood. Investing is not just for adults.

Through the Under the Uniform Gift to Minors Act or Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UGMA/UTMA), a parent can open an account in their name and their child will automatically take full control once they reach 18 in the state of Indiana.

For teens with taxable income from a part-time job, a Roth IRA is ideal
The contributions a child makes will grow tax-free. Those contributions can be pulled out at any time, while the investment growth can be used for retirement or a home purchase.

According to NerdWallet, some of the best custodial accounts are Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investments and Vanguard.

High-yield savings accounts
A high-yield savings account, sometimes called a high-interest savings account, pays higher-than-average interest rates on deposits that grow money over time. That is because the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) can be as high as 5%, and for some banks, interest gained over time is reflected at the end of every month.

Banks that offer high-yield savings accounts include PNC Bank, BMA, Capital One, Discover, Lending Club and Citibank.

Cash value life insurance
Cash value life insurance policies have a savings component that accompanies universal life and whole life policies. Essentially, when you pay your premium, a portion goes toward funding the policy’s cash value.

That cash value earns interest over time at either a fixed or variable rate depending on the type of permanent policy. Once the policy accumulates enough cash value, the client can begin to access that money in various ways.

The policyholder can borrow from their life insurance in case of a medical emergency or if they want to put a payment down on a house.

The top companies that offer cash value life insurance policies are Mass Mutual and Life Guardian.

Life insurance trusts
A life insurance trust is created when an individual transfers the ownership of their term or whole life insurance policy to a trust. 

It is a legal agreement that allows a third party to manage the death benefit from a life insurance policy. A trust ensures that a policy’s death benefit is distributed to beneficiaries (loved ones) according to the deceased’s wishes.

In a landscape marked by historical disparities and systemic barriers, the pursuit of economic prosperity can offer a beacon of hope for future generations.

The Cheesecake Lady: The rise of Indy’s go-to dessert vendor

CHLOE McGOWAN
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The Cheesecake Lady: The rise of Indy’s go-to dessert vendor

The Cheesecake Lady, or Cassie Smith-Johnson, is now serving Hoosiers a treat out of her very own store.

For the last three years, Smith-Johnson, the woman behind the batter, has been operating her lucrative dessert business out of Indy’s Kitchen while also maintaining wholesale items in approximately 25 different locations around the city. As of Nov. 11, 2023, The Cheesecake Lady officially has its first brick-and-mortar, located at 305 W. 42nd St., where customers can find homemade cheesecake cups, full cakes and more.

“I really enjoy the customer interaction that I’m gonna get to have again on a daily basis. I love seeing smiley faces. I love getting feedback from customers,” Smith-Johnson said. “So, I’m just looking forward to growing my business; the wholesale side has grown tremendously, so I’m really excited about that part too.”

Like many of Indianapolis’ entrepreneurs, Smith-Johnson started her business during the pandemic, in December 2020. There was no epiphany or months of planning, Smith-Johnson said she simply saw an opportunity to create a business out of one of her passions and ran with it. 

That opportunity came in the form of a friend’s Facebook post where they asked if anyone knew how to make a banana pudding cheesecake. Smith-Johnson responded, having been making her own cheesecakes for friends and family consistently since she was a teenager and learned how to make it with her older sister.

“It’s the passion that has become a career that wasn’t planned,” Smith-Johnson said. “So, it’s outside of all of those stressful parts, managing the finances and employees — that’s stressful no matter what the field is — but just doing what I love and actually getting paid to do it is insane; it’s a dream that I didn’t even know I had.”

It was not until September 2023 that Smith-Johnson was able to leave her 9-to-5 job in insurance to pursue The Cheesecake Lady full-time. She said it can be scary to manage everything, especially since she also has a family to take care of, but that she loves the freedom entrepreneurship brings. 

Although she does not have a traditional background in business, management or marketing, Smith-Johnson is driven by her love of baking and desire to give back to the community. In the beginning, Smith-Johnson did everything by hand and by herself — she sold out of her own kitchen before moving into a small suite inside of a spa. 

A few hiccups and challenges along the way would not stop Smith-Johnson from pushing forward and growing her business. By March 2021, she moved The Cheesecake Lady into Indy’s Kitchen, a full-service commercial kitchen where she could bake all of her cheesecakes and recruit a team to help her.

“A personal challenge is that I’ve never really successfully run a business before, so, even today, I’m still learning,” Smith-Johnson said. “Even though I’ve been in business for almost three years now, this is the first year where I’ve actually had a full staff … so that’s a challenge or opportunity that I feel like I have a lot of room to improve, but, you know, I’m doing it right now; we’re gonna have 12 or 13 employees all together.”

Brittney Turner, a team lead for The Cheesecake Lady, said she has been working with Smith-Johnson since she was at Indy’s Kitchen — although she has known her since she was younger. When Turner was in need of a job, she said Smith-Johnson offered to show her the ropes of her business.

Not only was Turner able to get work experience before and while attending Indiana State University, but she also said she was able to develop essential baking and business skills while working alongside Smith-Johnson.

“She’s [Smith-Johnson] such a hard worker and a busy body; you will never see her sitting down. She just moves, and moves, and moves, and moves,” Turner said. “One thing, she is determined; she is always going to get it done.”

Turner said The Cheesecake Lady is a great example of how local Black businesses start out small but can grow into community staples with hard work, dedication and local support.

“I definitely think it’s good to see her grow from this small Black business to being bigger and having her own retail store,” Turner said. “Most people wouldn’t be this far in this short amount of time.” 

The Cheesecake Lady’s new storefront is located at 305 W. 42nd St. Smith-Johnson is still baking out of Indy’s Kitchen for the time being and aims to open a second store with a full-service kitchen by January 2024. For more information and a full menu, visit thecheesecakeladyindy.com.

Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848 or chloegm@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.

DYC Fitness: Two friends in fitness

Jade Jackson
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DYC Fitness: Two friends in fitness

Joshua Hibbitt and Jeremy Stevens are best friends who grew up in Indianapolis playing sports. Hibbitt ran track; Stevens played baseball; and they both were Lawrence Central High School football athletes.

Hibbitt went on to run track for Tennessee State University, and Stevens played football at Buter University.

“Athletics and working out has always been a thing. Over time, though, I gained all this weight through poor eating habits. I gained about 300 pounds,” said Stevens.

Stevens’ experience as an athlete and his exercise science degree gave him an understanding of the science behind weight loss.

He said his workouts never stopped, but what he ate and how he ate is what changed his body weight.

Stevens eventually posted his physical transformation online and was surprised by the feedback, which brought him to confide in his friend.

Joshua Hibbitt and Jeremy Stephens (Photo provided/via Instagram)

“I was like, ‘Hey man, all these people keep asking me how I lost all this weight, and I’m just giving them this free information.’ I was telling them what I was eating, how I was working out and different exercises to do,” said Stevens.

He created an original 10-page Word document of useful tips for clients, like which restaurants to eat at, how much water to drink and how much protein you should have in a day.

He sent this document to Hibbitt, and DYC Fitness was born.

DYC, which stands for Disturb Your Comfort Fitness, was founded in 2017 as an online training company. The duo focused on nutritional health and offered different weight-loss plans.

They also sold athletic gear for people to work out in and offered training sessions.

“Similar to Jeremy, I always knew the fundamentals of fitness, but I didn’t always apply it. What helps is having that discipline and actually disturbing your comfort. If we’re comfortable, we can let ourselves go,” said Hibbitt.

In 2021, they opened a brick-and-mortar gym location at 1703 E. Michigan St., offering workout equipment for trainers and their clients to utilize.

They eventually decided that they needed a place for their own clients to train at and opened a second location at 1480 W. 86th St., where they have approximately 70 clients and six trainers. 

“They’re training only, meaning it’s by appointment only, and it just felt like something I would actually follow through with. I’m paying for it in advance, and I have a specific time that someone’s waiting for me,” said Kristen Abbott, longtime DYC Fitness client.

“It felt like something consistent that would help me continue working out. I used to run a lot, and then because of some old sports injuries, I had developed knee issues.”

Abbott consulted with several different orthopedic surgeons to inquire about avoiding knee surgery, and one suggested she avoid running; another suggested that she even stop walking for exercise.

However, she did not want to be deterred from working out.

“I had to find something different that would keep me exercising and healthy, and the unintended benefit which I didn’t expect from being with DYC is I’m actually able to run a little bit now,” said Abbott.

“Not as much as I was before I was running, but now, I’m able to run two to three miles a few times a week. That was because I was able to build up certain leg muscles with them.”

She said DYC Fitness is welcoming and encouraging and that she has seen clients of all fitness levels; the environment is a space of journeying together with no judgments.

“It’s fulfilling to see people transform under their own disturbing comfort meal plans and training places. We’ve seen people lose 50 to 100 pounds. It means something to watch people follow the plan that you created that changes the trajectory of their lives,” said Stevens.

“It’s also meaningful to start the brand here in Indianapolis because that’s where we’re from. It’s very cool to start a business and grow a business in your own backyard.”

DYC Fitness hopes to eventually expand across the state and beyond.  

Indy’s Black-owned vegan restaurants are making waves in the community

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Indy’s Black-owned vegan restaurants are making waves in the community

A vegan diet just might save your life — or at least prolong it.

Studies show a vegan diet — which consists of plant-based foods, excluding meat and dairy — can help lower blood pressure, manage diabetes and weight loss, and reduce risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol — health issues that are prevalent in the Black community.

“I looked around my community and I see the hurt of our community, and the access in our community, and how it impacts our lives,” Taria Slack, owner of Black Leaf Vegan, told the Recorder. “That was the biggest concern … access to foods, and food options, and healthier options … there was a lack there.”

Slack said she decided to start filling that gap and opened the first Black Leaf Vegan food truck nearly four years ago, becoming Indianapolis’s first vegan food truck. Having been vegan herself for nine years, Slack said she created a menu with plant-based options that would drive people to become interested in trying something new.

“Once you meet them where they are, they’ll come along for the process with you because they’ll start trusting you, and that’s what I want to do in my community,” Slack said. “I think that as people begin, like I said, trusting you as a cook, they will begin to try new things.”

The food truck’s success was so great that they were able to expand and establish a second truck. In October 2022, Black Leaf Vegan was able to open its first brick-and-mortar café at 335 W. 9th St.

The rise of vegan businesses

Shortly after the beginning of the pandemic, Indianapolis began to see an increase in the number of Black-owned vegan restaurants, food trucks and bakeries starting to take root. Kadeesha Wiggins, co-owner of Burgeezy, a local vegan burger joint that opened in August 2021, said the momentum can be attributed to situational awareness.

Black Leaf Vegan, owned by Taria Slack, opened its first brick-and-mortar at 335 W. 9th St. in October of 2022. (Photo provided/Black Leaf Vegan)

“There is a pretty decent sized Black vegan population in Indianapolis, and it’s crazy because a lot of us are entrepreneurs as well,” Wiggins said. “The pandemic slowed a lot of things down, so it gave us time to really sit back and realize that we have gifts, we have talents, and that we have something that we can offer the community, and [that] really does help change the narrative.”

Wiggins decided to go vegan in 2018 after struggling with digestive issues. Although she is not a dietitian, Wiggins said going vegan led to less bloating and constipation, a more balanced gut, clearer skin, better vision and more energy.

Kadeesha Wiggins initially operated Burgeezy alongside co-owner and husband Antoine Wiggins as a test kitchen out of Indy’s Kitchen in 2021. Less than a year in, they were selected to be part of BeNimble Foundation and Melon Ghost Kitchen’s Food Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program at The AMP at 16 Tech.

Thanks to this grant, the vegan burger joint opened its first brick-and-mortar location, on the Canal Walk, on Sept. 9, 2023. Since then, Wiggins said they have seen three times the amount of business.

Burgeezy serves many purposes, Wiggins said, such as offering the community accessible vegan comfort food and bringing the community together around healthier alternatives. Growing up, a lot of the food they ate was based on accessibility, and Wiggins said she wanted to recreate some of those comfort dishes for the community but “veganize them.” 

Good Vegan/Bad Vegan were the champions of The Food Truck Battle Royale at the 2023 Melanin in May. (Photo provided/Raheem Malik Abdullah)
Good Vegan/Bad Vegan were the champions of The Food Truck Battle Royale at the 2023 Melanin in May. (Photo provided/Raheem Malik Abdullah)

“I think it’s important that there are vegan options so that everyone knows that there are alternatives that are healthier without actually having to sacrifice the food,” Wiggins said. “You can still have a delicious burger that is plant-based but you wouldn’t be able to tell from the taste.”

Raheem Malik Abdullah, owner of Good Vegan Bad Vegan, shared a similar sentiment, having made the decision to go vegan about four years prior after having struggled with high blood pressure, diabetes and weight — health concerns the Black community experiences at a much higher rate. When medication did not work, he decided to go the holistic route, cutting dairy and red meat from his diet.

“I’m gonna be honest, just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it’s like the best option for you,” Abdullah said. “But we try to put the better options there.”

Abdullah hails from a family of entrepreneurs and cooks, so he decided to use his culinary skills to open Good Vegan Bad Vegan, a food truck often found off 25th Street and Burdsal Parkway, near Riverside Park, in August 2022. 

The food truck offers an array of vegan options, from vegan burgers and fries to alkaline options, such as salads and raw tacos, he said.

“There’s actually a food desert right there,” Abdullah said. “We’re some of the number one people that have these high blood pressure, diabetes issues, you know, the Black community does. If you look around in those areas … there’s definitely a lack of that. You can go find all the bad foods that cause these issues, but you can’t find any healthy food to combat that.”

Making that transition

Tasheka Brewer, owner of Brewer Bakes, has been baking and selling plant-based cookies since 2017, a year after she decided to switch to an entirely plant-based diet in an effort to lose weight and avoid complications with diabetes and high blood pressure — which ran in her family.

Tasheka Brewer has been baking and selling plant-based cookies out of her online-based bakery Brewer Bakes since 2017. (Photo provided/Tasheka Brewer)

Brewer said she decided to use her baking skills, which she learned from her grandmother, to start a business to help people transition into a plant-based lifestyle.

“It would be a great way to introduce the vegan lifestyle to the African American community because the number one question a vegan gets is, ‘Well, if you don’t eat meat, what do you eat?’” Brewer said. “I thought it would be really cool to introduce them to a sweet but more so a healthier version, so that’s why I chose cookies.”

Brewer’s cookies are now found all over the city, from Cleo’s Cafe and Bodega to The Alkaline Electric Goddess and soon to be in Georgetown Market. Although, if you see Brewer driving around the city, you can always call the number on her car, and she will pull over to sell you some cookies.

Going forward, Brewer said she shares the same hope for the vegan community as Wiggins, Abdullah and Slack, which is to hopefully expand their businesses and see more people become conscious of their diets and try plant-based foods in response. 

“I believe that the plant-based community here in Indianapolis is continuing to grow,” Brewer said. “And I plan on continuing to grow my business along with the community.”
Although they are certainly not here to turn everyone vegan, Wiggins said it would be nice to see more people choosing options that are “just as delicious but a little bit better on the heart or a little lower on the cholesterol.”

Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.

Create.Connect.Collab.: The community for boss women

Jade Jackson
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Create.Connect.Collab.: The community for boss women

What started off as a focus group in Starla Mathis’ living room in 2017 has grown into a virtual community for women offering professional development, accountability and networking.

Create.Connect.Collab., co-owned by Starla Kay Mathis and Lateva Woolfork, cultivates a community that provides leaders and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive.

“I noticed I was starting to get stagnant in my goals that I had for my life then. I wasn’t even trying to reach them or even take a little step towards them, and a lot of my friends from college, we had big dreams,” said Mathis.

“Each month, I saw this amazing synergy, and we started sharing resources and connections that we didn’t know about or have access to. It was just amazing seeing that.”

The fifth annual Unstoppable saw over three dozen participants, panelists and local-women vendors. (Photo/Jade Jackson)

Calling them Monthly Mastermind Meetings, the group tackled bringing to life the visions they had for their professional goals.  

That turned into a private Facebook group, which eventually turned into a retreat for women across the city.

“Star and I met through the Creator Society, which is a local influencer, creative minds collective. I saw her and a friend out in the world being bosses, and I was like, I want to know this energy,” said Woolfork.

“I came to my first Create.Connect.Collab. meeting, and I said, ‘I want to be in this; I want to create more conversations.’ Starla and I had a conversation of a lifetime where two girls who didn’t know each other at all come together.”

Woolfolk, an Indy transplant from Detroit, was looking for minority women who were likeminded.

RELATED: Maven Space: Where women thrive and ideas come alive

“So, I asked her what are you going to do with this? Because either I’m going to create a space, or we can do it together.”

They just celebrated their four-year friendship anniversary on Facebook.

Create.Connect.Collab. eventually started hosting their annual “Unstoppable” retreats for women across the city. With a membership of over 100 women who are entrepreneurs and business owners, the co-owners cultivated a boss sisterhood.  

It started with the first retreat Mathis held in 2019 at an Airbnb.

They hosted their fifth annual retreat at Maven Space in November 2023. Over three dozen participants, panelists and local women vendors made the retreat a success.

Using a term they heard from Patricia Gamble-Moore with PNC Bank, the retreat focused on B.A.I.L., which stands for banker, accountant, insurance and lawyer – the components a business owner needs to have in their corner for success.  

A’Bryanna Williams, co-owner of HBH (Hello Beautiful Hair) Professionals – a haircare line for Black textures – was given business strategy and operation tips from Create.Connect.Collab. before she became a vendor at the event.

“It’s our second year of being a part of the annual retreat. It’s great to be a part of and just build a community that matters. You never know what kind of connections you’re going to make that are going to help you and vice versa. Even with the retreat, I see growth from last year,” said Williams.

Lateva Woolfork and Starla Mathis open the 2023 Unstoppable Retreat inside Maven Space on Nov. 11. (Photo/Jade Jackson)

Monica Warren, founder of the accounting firm Face Finances, felt a similar sense of community.

“I had several people that came to the retreat last year, and they told me it was just an amazing experience. I followed the ladies on social media, and I liked their personalities. I wanted to look forward to how I can further my business,” said Warren.

Woolfork said because collab is in their name, the organization allows women to link arms to bring each other up, especially if they are in the same industry.

“I feel like we’re moving mountains together. The goal was to just get women together, and to just do the things that we said we’re going to do, and just have that support and accountability,” said Woolfork.

To become a member of the organization, visit CreateConnectCollab.com.
Membership benefits include Monthly Master Mastermind sessions, monthly master classes and a monthly check-in.

Walk down memory lane: a commentary on reclaiming the Black narrative of Indiana Avenue

Noral Parham
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Walk down memory lane: a commentary on reclaiming the Black narrative of Indiana Avenue

Despite Black Americans comprising around 10% of Indiana’s population, only 3% of businesses in the state are Black-owned.

The disparity in Black businesses in Indiana, as well as the country as a whole, is a result of systemic racism and discrimination that has historically prevented Black entrepreneurs from accessing the same resources and opportunities as their white counterparts.

Indiana Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana, was also once known as “Black Wall Street.” It was a thriving center of Black business and culture in the early 20th century. The first Black-owned businesses on Indiana Avenue opened in the 1860s, and by the 1920s, the avenue was home to a wide range of Black-owned businesses.

“The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis,” a book authored by David J. Bodenhamer and others, thoroughly discusses the history of Indiana Avenue and its predominantly Black community at the beginning of the 20th century.

“The ‘Great Migration’ from the south to northern cities after World War I brought thousands of new African-Americans to the neighborhood around Indiana Avenue,” Bodenhamer said. “The Black population of Indianapolis more than doubled between 1910 and 1930, increasing from nearly 22,000 to nearly 44,000. Most of these new arrivals squeezed into the thriving westside area centered on Indiana Avenue.”

Related: What really happened on Indiana Avenue? a Story Untold

In the 1950s, Indiana University began to expand its medical campus, acquiring land and displacing residents near and on Indiana Avenue through eminent domain.

“After World War II, construction of interstate highways once again placed Indianapolis at the confluence of a national transportation system,” Phillip Scarpino said in his publication “Indianapolis Past and Present.” “Interstates 65, 69, 70, and 74 met in the middle, simultaneously making Indianapolis “The Crossroads of America” and tearing through lower-income, often African American, neighborhoods.”

The city also declared a large portion of the neighborhood to be blighted and substandard, which allowed the government to seize the land and demolish the buildings. The construction of Interstate 65 displaced many Black residents and businesses. As a result of these factors, the once-thriving Black business district on Indiana Avenue was decimated.

“Educational facilities expanded to serve the waves of postwar baby boomers who sought college and professional degrees,” Bodenhamer said. “IUPUI began to consolidate its facilities near the medical and dental schools along Michigan Street west of the downtown. To provide land for the new campus, another 16 blocks of slum housing was cleared.”

A photo of Indiana Avenue ('Indiana Ave') prior to the expansion of Indiana University and Interstate development. (Photo/Indiana Historical Society)
A photo of Indiana Avenue (‘Indiana Ave’) prior to the expansion of Indiana University and Interstate development. (Photo/Indiana Historical Society)

And the rest, as they say, was history. Black-owned businesses never truly recovered from attacks on their economy, like the Black Wall Street massacre. As a result, Black-owned businesses today are often underfunded and understaffed and struggle to compete with larger companies.

However, there are some positive developments for Black businesses in Indiana. Recently, initiatives jumpstarted by Black Business Matters, the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine and the Indiana Black Expo (IBE) have proven fruitful in providing resources, education and visibility for Black entrepreneurs and businesses in Indiana.

Currently, there are approximately 915 Black businesses in the Indianapolis metropolitan area (including Carmel and Anderson). According to the Brookings Institute, Black businesses in the Indianapolis metropolitan area pay their employees an average salary of $30,795. The research also suggests that if the number of Black businesses in the Indianapolis metro area matched the population size and the employees per company matched the average business, it would generate more than 170,000 new jobs.

Many consumers are actively seeking out and supporting Black-owned businesses in Indianapolis, recognizing the importance of encouraging diversity and equity in the economy. By supporting Black-owned businesses, we can help to level the playing field and create a more just and equitable society for all.

It is important to recognize that supporting Black-owned businesses is not just a matter of charity but also a matter of economic justice. By empowering Black entrepreneurs, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive economy that benefits everyone.

“For many years, Indiana Avenue was almost exclusively a Black phenomenon,” Bodenhamer said.

Contact multi-media staff writer Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. For more stories from Noral, click here.

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