Nick Abstract is a colorblind muralist and designer specializing in large-scale geometric and abstract compositions. Over the past six years, he has completed more than 40 murals across the U.S. and internationally, blending bold shapes with dynamic movement. His unique approach to color selection and design allows him to navigate public art in innovative ways, using context, color theory, and architecture to inform his work. Through his creative process, Nick has learned to turn challenges into strengths, proving that seeing differently can be an advantage in art and design.

I’m a storyteller. My main method of storytelling is podcasting, whether it’s the regularly scheduled shows I’m already involved in or partnering with organizations, companies, and other entities to develop something new. I also work with some of those same entities to bring stories directly to them via keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and more. Lastly, I keep it real personal on my social media pages, sharing my own story in real time from adoptee stuff, to Asian American stuff, to parenting, and beyond.

You’d think I would have embraced fashion at an early age, coming from a family of Colombian seamstresses and tailors. But instead of learning sewing from my parents, I taught myself in 2007 after getting an acting degree and trying to make my own costumes. I started The House of Bretón (formerly Curvy Custom Bride) in 2014 as a home for the queer and plus-size communities in the wedding industry.

I’m Lí Bretón  and I’m calling “bullshit” on the bridal industry. They’ll tell you that your wedding day will be gorgeous and the best day of your life… except if you’re queer, plus-size, live in the Midwest, and make less than six figures. These are lies, my friend, and I’m using my business to spread the good word.

With over 35 years in print and digital marketing experience, Tom Britt has built a community magazine + digital franchise serving Indiana and Kentucky.

Sonya Anaya Chevigny is the founder of Latinos Indy, a bilingual digital platform dedicated to empowering and uniting the Latino community in Indianapolis. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, she created Latinos Indy to bridge the gap between Latinos and businesses, nonprofits, and organizations looking to connect authentically. Through news, resources, and community engagement, Sonya is committed to amplifying Latino voices and fostering a thriving, connected community.

As the designer behind NO BiAS, I strive to be a visionary in the fashion industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. My designs blend streetwear with chaotic luxury, creating an aesthetic that is truly unique and captivating. I am dedicated to fostering a more sustainable lifestyle and promoting the beauty of one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story.

In addition to my entrepreneurial pursuits, I am also a high school fiber arts teacher. This role allows me to share my passion for creativity and sustainability with the next generation, inspiring them to think differently about fashion and its impact on the world. I work closely with my students, cultivating strong relationships and fostering a supportive and encouraging environment.

Meet Arianna Cruz, a 28-year-old community connector who resides in the Indianapolis area with her husband and two dogs. As the founder and owner of MORE Magazine, she’s on a mission to Make Opportunities Reachable for Everyone. Her passion for education and inspiration inspired her to start a magazine, calling on those wanting more for themselves, the people they love, and the communities they are in. In her day-to-day life through work and play, she looks to build tables that have seats for all to sit and to have intentional conversations that lead folks to innovate in business endeavors, consider how they might create equitable pathways, and how collaboration breeds more opportunities than competition might.

Lauren is a natural convener, perceptive listener, and connector of like-minded people. As the founder of Canopy, she helps individuals and organizations gain clarity, focus, and direction through intentional discussions and workshops. Working with nonprofits, creative small businesses, large corporations and foundations alike, her work centers on creating space to refine the vision, map a clear path forward, and have a thought-partner along the way.

Lauren is also the founder of WriteShop, a reflective writing group that has met regularly since 2018, and she hosts gatherings and retreats across the country.

With an extensive background in both operational management and financial strategy, Marissa brings a comprehensive skill set to the table and is the driving force behind the smooth functioning of day-to-day activities, project management, and overall efficiency. In addition to her expertise in operations and finance, Marissa plays an integral role in supporting the design process at THREAD Design Group.

Marissa’s unique fusion of operational prowess, financial expertise, and hands-on involvement in design positions her as a key player in achieving extraordinary results. Her thoughtful, strategic direction ensures that THREAD continues to deliver unparalleled customer experiences, where empathy, efficiency, and a forward-thinking, solution-oriented approach harmoniously converge in every facet of the business.

Colin M. Gray is an Associate Professor in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University Bloomington, where they are Director of the Human-Computer Interaction design (HCI/d) program. They hold appointments as Guest Professor at Beijing Normal University and Visiting Researcher at Northumbria University. Colin’s research focuses on the ways in which the pedagogy and practice of designers informs the development of design ability, particularly in relation to ethics, design knowledge, and design methods. Colin’s research and engagement activities cross multiple disciplines, including human-computer interaction, instructional design and technology, law and policy, design theory and education, and engineering and technology education.

Megan Hovious is an founder and advisor dedicated to changing minds about mental health. With a background in organizational design and cognitive psychology, Megan launched here*, transforming mental health at work for Millennials and Gen Z. here* ignites change through training, consulting, and mental health advocacy, all aimed at fostering comprehensive transformation within organizations and communities.

Megan has served as Chief People Officer for Pete Buttigieg’s presidential primary campaign and as an advisor for Senator Mark Kelly’s reelection campaign.

Ryan Hunley works as an Art Director in Indianapolis. An accomplished brand and digital designer, he collaborates with a talented network of creatives to build thoughtful brands and web products with emotion and expertise. Ryan also serves as the Director of Creative Mornings/Indianapolis, speaking frequently on creativity and community. He spends most of his time laughing with his family, snowboarding, and giving unsolicited lectures on the social dynamics of Orca whales.

After Daniel lost his career in 2020, he returned with his young family to the farmland he grew up on and restarted in a new-to-him creative field: letterpress design and printing.

He now crafts limited edition letterpress prints using antique and modern processes from his late grandfather’s studio space . Daniel also delivers in-person and virtual presentations to colleges, universities, and design organizations about the creative path as well as letterpress design. He lives with his wife and two children in rural, north central Indiana surrounded by familiar fields and acres of old and new memories.

Carl creates experiences where people work together to solve complex problems. He designs cooperative games, and organizes gaming and playtesting events. He pays his bills by designing software.

As the Director of Marketing, Emily is all about creating vibrant, impactful campaigns that shine a spotlight on how Counterpart’s innovative software changes the game for our clients. With a decade of experience in marketing and communications, Emily thrives in the whirlwind of creativity and fast-paced projects, blending charisma, relationship-building skills, and a touch of flair into everything she does.

When she’s not busy crafting marketing magic, you’ll find Emily leading high-energy F45 classes, dining out with family and friends, or soaking up the live music scene with her husband Billy at some of Indianapolis’ favorite spots. back to our team

Zach leverages his film and improv background to guide brands in shaping their identity. His creative vision helps align brands with the evolving cultural landscape.

Maria De Leon is a first-generation Butler University graduate and dedicated advocate for first-generation Latinx students and community empowerment. Born and raised in Indianapolis to Guatemalan immigrant parents.

Beyond her career, Maria actively serves her community. She has held leadership roles with the Domestic Violence Prevention Network, TeenWorks, Butler University’s Latinx Alumni Association, and Big Brothers Big Sisters’ JEDI Committee. She also co-led Indy Latino Connect, a networking event that brought together over 200 professionals and major Latino organizations.

In July 2023, she founded Indy Networking, a platform that promotes professional connections and creates spaces for Latino professionals in Indianapolis. Her commitment to fostering inclusion and empowerment earned her recognition as one of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 20 in their 20s. Maria strives to leave a lasting impact through leadership and advocacy.

Madeline is a soulful, heart forward friend and leader in her community. Her life purpose is to be a fiery oxygen that beckons aliveness and calls forth hope. She believes that beauty and color play central roles in the flourishing of humanity, and orients her work around community development through the arts.

Madeline's background is in global child education, community development, and music, so she brings an eclectic, well-rounded, wholehearted presence to the work she gets to do with Frida's Flowers. Because of her childhood in Mexico City and Costa Rica she loves to integrate international perspectives into her work and  play, making Frida's Flowers a perfect blend of creativity and international relationship building.

Madeline and her husband Caleb are opening a climbing gym in Broadripple and developing a housing initiative called Milkweed to help house those on the margins while providing excellent care as landlords. She and her family are incredibly connected to the Indianapolis community and are delighted to continue doing faithful work to enrich the city and be lights to their neighbors.

Amanda is dedicated and passionate about leading and continually developing the team. One of the most crucial pieces of this development is communication and genuine relationships – both within the company and with clients and others they meet along the way. Connection and trust are the cornerstones of IDO’s practice, and they are passionately committed and devoted to their client’s success.

With over 20 years of experience at IDO, Amanda has had the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the design process and of the business itself. Amanda has acquired NCIDQ and LEED AP ID+C professional design accreditations as a commitment to her profession and professional development. In addition, she is also a Registered Interior Designer (RID) in the state of Indiana. Amanda is also deeply committed to her community by serving in several volunteer roles within the Indy Chamber, Indy Crew, and NAWBO, to name a few.

As an artist, I explore materials and concepts. I make work that is autobiographical, exploratory, and based deeply on the process. I see my work as a visual connection between what I am, what my beliefs and curiosities are, where I am going and how the path I am on intersects with the world around me. I feel deeply connected to place, people, and the relationships between them. I grew up in a region of Indiana where flat rural land transitions sharply to rolling hills. This transition from one dynamic to another has fascinated me ever since and the majority of all of my major works originate from the concept of shifting, corresponding, and contradicting systems. One can consistently find a marriage of chaos and order in my work that is carefully fashioned to remind the viewer of this tension. My end goal is to create work that is honest. At times I hope it is also considered beautiful. This is all true and good but it doesn’t capture the energy, playfulness, and spirit embodied by my work. My paintings are fluid. The colors are vibrant and rich. Movement is vital. My sculptural works can be rigid and geometric or whimsical and fun. I play with sounds and experiment with lights. I am a husband and father of five children. I love having the curiosity of my children. I love having the passion of a spouse. I love opening my studio door every day, walking in, and making something from nothing.

Jon Racek is a multidisciplinary designer with expertise in architecture, landscape, and industrial design. His research focuses on creating systems where design emerges from the process, blending high-tech tools like parametric modeling and VR/AR with low-tech co-design in developing countries.

In 2008, he founded Play360, a nonprofit that trains NGOs to create low-cost educational resources, building over 130 playgrounds in 17 countries, including Ethiopia’s first universal design playground.

Racek has earned recognition such as the AIA Los Angeles design award (2001), Building Design and Construction’s “40 Under 40” (2012), and the Sanctae Crucis Award (2016). A LEED Accredited Professional, he previously ran an architectural and furniture design studio in Los Angeles, with work featured in The New York Times and Time.

Alex Richardson, Ph.D. (he/him/his) is a digital strategist, ethics educator, and experience designer. He is Associate Director for Content Strategy and Engagement at the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics, based at DePauw University, where he also teaches courses in ethics and political philosophy. Alex is a strong believer in the power of good design to create community, meaningful space for the exploration of complex ideas, and transformative learning experiences. He serves on Boards of Directors of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics and Indy Pride.

Jordan Ryan is the City-County Archivist for the City of Indianapolis. They work on records compliance, reference requests, and other special projects.

Jeremy Sallee is the Design director of Footwear and Apparel, at PUMA basketball. He’s also the founder of his own clothing and accessories brand, Freeman Plat.

Sallee has been with PUMA since 2019 and has played a key role in shaping PUMA basketball’s design direction. He has been credited with creating product for many of the brand’s noteworthy past/present assets including : Lamelo Ball, Breanna Stewart, J. Cole and newcomer Tyrese Haliburton.

Before joining PUMA, Sallee worked his way up the ranks, holding various design roles, including Senior Designer and Creative Director at several other footwear and fashion companies, including Reebok, Adidas and Ralph Lauren. He attended University of Akron, where he played basketball and received a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in fashion design, graphic design, and business.

Originally from Indianapolis, Sallee grew up in Ohio, but has lived in the northeast (Boston, NYC) for majority of his adult life. During the pandemic he moved back home and currently resides in Carmel, Indiana with his wife and two children.

Sloane is an Indy native that got their official start in design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC 10 years ago. Since then, their eye for hues has manifested in various marketing capacities for corporate entities, sports venues, non-profits, and most recently a health equity ed-tech firm. Sloane is currently creating in a consultant capacity at Get OUT + About, a business they founded in 2022, developing marketing + event strategies for business that want to put their best social foot forward. And as a gender fluid queer person of color, their personal interest in design is focused on how the industry is currently addressing the shift in DEI programming, resources, and promotion.

Leila Spann, originally from New York, has called Indianapolis home for the past 11 years, building a successful marketing career and business. She founded her company while working full-time, and after experiencing three layoffs in seven years, she took a leap of faith to bet on herself.

With over 15 years of experience, she has scaled mission-focused brands, led marketing teams at tech startups, and managed national campaigns for brands like Ball® and Kerr® mason jars. She also spearheaded the marketing campaign for the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Indianapolis, driving the largest franchise ticket sales in the company’s history.

Passionate about helping organizations move beyond reactive marketing, Leila serves as a Fractional CMO, guiding businesses toward strategic, sustainable growth. She is also committed to sharing her experiences as a mother, aiming to destigmatize challenges that are often left unspoken.

When she’s not working or dancing salsa, she enjoys Broadway, traveling, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and their two oversized lap dogs.

Brian’s fascination with branding and advertising started in an unexpected place: the Wieden+Kennedy auditorium in Portland. The Portland Institute of Contemporary Art held meetings there after hours, and he found himself drawn to the space. The massive black-and-white employee portraits, the human-sized bird’s nest in the corner, the feeling that creativity was happening all around him. It was the first time he saw branding as something more than just business. It could be art.​

That curiosity led him to VCU Brandcenter, where he graduated in 2008 and began a career working with some of the world’s most recognized brands. He’s collaborated on campaigns with teams at The Martin Agency, Ogilvy, TBWA\Chiat\Day, and McGarryBowen, shaping work for Nissan, Disney, Dove, Walmart, and GameStop.​Beyond the work itself, Brian believes in building up the next generation of creatives.

He’s taught at Chicago Portfolio School and regularly hosts industry workshops to help brands define their purpose and connect with audiences in more meaningful ways.​He’s also a multi-disciplinary artist who never stops creating.

During the worldwide lockdown, he self-published Quarantined Portraits, a collection of remote-painted portraits and interviews with artists and creatives around the world, capturing a moment in time through art and conversation. He and his spouse live in the woods with their five kids, three cats, three dogs, two birds, one bunny and one gecko.

Emma Vosicky JD MAT (she/her) is a former business/business litigation attorney, now serving as Executive Director of GenderNexus, an Indiana agency which empowers gender-diverse people and their loved-ones to lead healthy, authentic, and joyful lives. Emma’s LGBTQ+ advocacy has included education, training, and fundraising with Youth Outlook, working with Transformative Justice Law Project's name change initiative, and serving Equality Illinois as a CAG member and Project Manager for its Boards & Commissions Project. Emma is also a published writer, storyteller, and public speaker. While Emma hardly considers herself a fashion maven, she and so many people in her community have faced the challenge of turning on a dime to find, define, and refine their expression of self via fashion.