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I recently had the opportunity to join more than 100 professionals from across central Indiana in Washington, D.C., to dive into the complex subject of health. The Indy Chamber regularly convenes grassroots and grass tops leaders to learn, share and connect with one another and other communities.
The overarching theme for this convening was Health is Wealth, which aligned perfectly with the Indianapolis Foundation’s Strategic Plan, particularly our health pillar.
Prior to our arrival in D.C., we were invited to a series of prep conversations to establish a data baseline and set context. From recent legislative actions seeking to address health care costs to Indiana’s concerning rankings related to obesity, tobacco usage and other outcomes, the work ahead seems daunting. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
This pachyderm that we are confronted with will require synchronous bites among multiple systems, organizations and people. What gives me hope that we can address social determinants of health, enhance access to healthier choices and increase preventative measures through this city’s legacy of bringing people together to solve complex problems.
One element of the convening that left a lasting impression was the walk-and-talk through the historic Anacostia neighborhood. As a native Washingtonian, I am quite familiar with the southeast area of D.C. Its reputation has reached legendary—if not infamous—status as notoriously crime ridden. A group of 20 of us traversed the Anacostia community on a guided tour, exploring what was described as a “bridge project.” It turned out to be so much more.
The project, centered around the transformation of an old freeway bridge into vibrant public spaces, stood as a visible sign of what intentional investment and community voice can accomplish. Where rusting concrete once divided the neighborhood, we walked along new greenways and bike paths lined with native plantings. We passed colorful murals painted by local artists that tell the stories of Anacostia’s families and history. Outdoor gathering spaces are being built not just for recreation but also for fostering connection.
What struck me most was that residents had shaped nearly every facet of the project: from decisions about environmental features to the kinds of small businesses invited into nearby storefronts. It wasn’t just infrastructure; it was community vision realized.
From environmental enhancements to true quality-of-life investments, this generational project was both inspirational and motivational. If this can be done in D.C., why not Indianapolis?
Other parts of the program deepened this reflection. My small group visited two more impactful sites: the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the House of Ruth, a trauma-informed organization providing housing and support services to women, children and families facing domestic violence, homelessness, mental health challenges and poverty. These visits fostered deeper conversations within our group about the historical, systemic and social factors that contribute to health inequities. The museum reminded us that to drive meaningful change, we must first understand and learn from the past. Personally, I found it deeply inspiring, and it served as a prompt to continue learning and reflecting on the historical narratives that shape today’s policies and outcomes.
From this experience, several key takeaways remain with me:
◗ Centering community voice and lived experience: Health equity work must be driven and informed by those directly impacted. Their perspectives are essential to building authentic, inclusive and sustainable solutions.
◗ Leading with empathy and compassion: When policy is guided by compassion, the focus shifts from fixing problems to honoring people. Relationships rooted in dignity and respect are foundational to creating a human-centered health equity ecosystem.
◗ Breaking down silos for collective impact: Avoiding duplication and fostering cross-sector collaboration will amplify our collective efforts and drive sustainable change.
Fortunately, the work is already underway at home. From the Indy Health District’s efforts to reduce health inequities to the Far Eastside’s community-driven revitalization, we are gaining momentum. The Indianapolis Foundation is ready to invest, inspire and convene—building on what we’ve learned nationally and locally—to make Indianapolis a healthy city for all.•
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Young became president and CEO of The Indianapolis Foundation on Sept. 1.
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