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Director of Community Relations
Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership
The professional and personal commitments of Kelly Doucet are, as one colleague noted, “inextricably linked.” At their core, both involve strengthening community relationships and promoting economic mobility. As director of community relations for the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, Doucet works to increase awareness of homeownership programs and affordable-housing resources. “Seeing the direct impact of our programs on families who achieve homeownership and build generational wealth is incredibly rewarding,” she said. As president of the Indianapolis Urban League’s young professional auxiliary, The Exchange, she is building a mentorship network, “a dynamic space,” she said, “where young professionals can make a meaningful impact while advancing their careers and personal brands.” She has received the Black Rising Star Award from InnoPower, the Emerging Leader Award from the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis and the inaugural Mastermind Award from the Indianapolis chapter of the United Negro College Fund.
Getting here: At Leadership Indianapolis, she was the first to hold the position of office manager and executive assistant, where she cultivated relationships with key community members. At Meijer, she was the first to hold the position of regional community partnership specialist, where she developed a community engagement plan that aligned with the grocer’s goals of diversity, equity and inclusion; hunger relief; and environmental sustainability. “My passion for service and community development led me to INHP,” she said. At the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, she is the first to hold the position of director of community relations.
First job: summer camp tennis instructor
Givebacks: board member of the Indianapolis Urban League, Marion County Health & Hospital Corp. and the Citizens’ Police Complaint Board; advisory board member of the African American Legacy Fund of Indianapolis; member of the Ball State Alumni Council and WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee
Influential person: Her younger sister. “Seeing her grow and carve out her own path has pushed me to be a strong role model, step outside my comfort zone and advocate for those whose voices often go unheard.”•
Editor’s note: This profile has been updated to correct the name of Doucet’s organization.
Check out more Forty Under 40 honorees.
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