Finalist Profile: Jaden Brown
Finalist: Jaden Brown
Award: Volunteer of the Year
Day Job: Director of Chapter Services, Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity
Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jaden-brown-191ba570/
In everything he does, Jaden takes a personal commitment to make others feel like they belong.
A long-time friend, fierce advocate and loyal supporter of IndyHub for several years, Jaden continuously seeks out opportunities to help individuals get connected, get involved, and shape our city. Regardless of their interests, career paths or passions, he approaches each conversation as an active listener eager to provide opportunities for them to plug in to the city, deepen their roots, and make their mark.
In addition to serving on the IndyVolved Planning Committee, Jaden is a member of the November Project and a mentor for Three to Abandon. Three to Abandon’s mission is to mentor, coach and create experiences that help people abandon the things that limit them, understand how they’re uniquely made, and unearth their life’s purpose.
Q: How did you react when you found out you were nominated for an ELEVATE Award?
A: When I found out I was nominated for an ELEVATE Award I was, first and foremost, humbled. I had to reread the email it a couple times and it was overall very humbling to receive.
Q: What is your vision for Central Indiana?
A: My vision for Central Indiana is to continue cultivating the young leaders to become the movers and shakers of the community. While our demographic has been praised as up-and-coming leaders, it’s time to step into the spotlight and have an impact on the world.
Q: Finish this sentence “Being a great volunteer means to me….”
A: Being your teammate/organization’s biggest fan!
Q: What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic and how has it affected your job, volunteering, etc.?
A: I have learned more about resiliency and what that looks like in a group setting. As an individual I am resilient, I have grit, I feel confident with taking on challenges. Put me in a team setting, especially in a pandemic, and that all changes. I have learned that fear is real, and it manifests in so many ways. Instead of fight or flight I saw so many people hit a pause button. I could see the worry, the uneasiness, and for some the fear of not knowing. I shifted towards engaging in more one-on-one conversations for those who just wanted to feel safer. I learned to not try and fix the problem but listen and share that whatever they were feeling was completely okay. This allowed me to form that hybrid leadership style, continuing to stay on track while keeping the team together.
Time for some favorites:
Q: Favorite spot in Indy?
A: Any of our great sports venues!
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Beach
Q: Favorite vacation song?
A: “Vacation” by Thomas Rhett
Q: Where will you travel to once it is safe to do so?
A: Australia
Q: Favorite podcast or book?
A: “Team Never Quit” podcast
Join Jaden at ELEVATE and don’t forget to RSVP, today!