Finalist Profile: Sarah Frey
Finalist: Sarah Frey
Award: Nonprofit Employee of the Year
Day Job: Director of Development and Marketing, Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfrey6/
Sarah founded and leads the Indianapolis Cultural Trail Young Professional Board, engaging young professionals in a variety of industries and providing opportunities for connection, collaboration and leadership. What started as a small group of five in 2018 has now grown to more than 25 early-in-career individuals dedicated to promoting the Trail. She has galvanized the group to make an impact in downtown Indianapolis, from fundraising to community events. Thinking outside of the box, Sarah has actively worked with stakeholders throughout the city to leverage other public places along the Trail such as Lugar Plaza, the Downtown Canal and Georgia Street.
Q: If you were meeting someone for the first time, how would you explain what you do and why Central Indiana is a great place to live?
A: My husband makes fun of me for this answer, but I’ve lived on the west coast and have lived with mountains and the ocean. There is a great environment out there. But when you are in Indianapolis you are two degrees from anyone you need to talk to. We don’t have mountains, but we have people. Over the past five years I’ve worked to bring people together, build a community and connect individuals to causes I believe in which right now are the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the Pacers Bikeshare.
Q: What is your vision for Central Indiana?
A: My vision for Central Indiana is to be better than all the rest. I love coming home to Indiana. Traveling to other cities I’m always reminded how lucky we are to live here. We’re two degrees away from anyone we may need to know. I want everyone to feel how I feel when I’m on the Cultural Trail. It’s fun, accessible, and you’re almost always guaranteed to run into someone you know. I want the next generation of professionals to not have to apologize or have excuses as to why they live in Central Indiana. I want them to own it and be proud they chose to live here.
Q: What does it mean to be a great employee?
A: Being a great employee means showing up every day as your best self and being there for others.
Q: What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic and how has it affected you and your job?
A: I’ve learned that routine is essential for me! I found it easy to slack on the things that are important to me, like getting enough sleep and exercising. I also learned how much I appreciate my co-workers. When we started working from home full time, it was sad to leave them all and the environment we had built in the office. We quickly pivoted and figured it out, but I’m very much looking forward to getting back in the office with them.
Time for some favorites:
Q: Favorite spot in Indy?
A: Cultural Trail (Would you expect any other answer?)
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Mountains
Q: Favorite Travel Partner?
A: My friend Yvonne and my husband Dustin
Q: Favorite vacation songs?
A: I always listen to the Vacationer album
Q: Where will you travel to once it is safe to do so?
A: California
Q: Favorite podcast?
A: “The Work, Play, Love” podcast with Lauren Fleshman and Jesse Thomas
Join me at ELEVATE and don’t forget to RSVP, today!