Mayor's Office of International and Latino Affairs - Indianapolis

12/05/2026

Congratulations to the finalists and winners of this year’s 🏁 5 for 500 Conexión Awards presented by the Indy Chamber Hispanic Business Council! It was inspiring to learn more about the diverse businesses driving growth across Central Indiana and the impact they continue to make on our regional economy.

Interested in getting involved or learning more about membership opportunities? Visit https://indychamber.com/entrepreneur-services/indy-chamber-programs/hispanic-business-council/

12/05/2026

Join the Indy Arts Council for an artist talk with the Latina artists of Conectadas: A Shared Heritage at Gallery 924 on Thursday, May 21. Doors open at 6pm, with the talk beginning at 6:30pm. RSVP is encouraged, but not required.

RSVP LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conectadas-a-shared-heritage-artist-talk-tickets-1988325138012?aff=oddtdtcreator

Conectadas: A Shared Heritage brings together eight artists from Indy Latina Artists whose practices span a range of mediums, perspectives, and lived experiences. While their approaches differ they are connected through a relationship to heritage: something inherited and reimagined.

The artworks reflect the multiplicity embedded within Latina identity. The artists trace personal and collective histories shaped by memory, language, family, and place. Their works celebrate the complexities of belonging—holding space for contradiction, legacy, and transformation.

What unites these artists is not a fixed definition of identity, but a shared need to question, honor, and redefine it. Their works offer layered narratives that challenge predominant representations while affirming the richness and diversity within Latina communities.

01/05/2026

01/05/2026

🌍✨ Ready to take your leadership beyond borders?

Applications are now open for the Indianapolis–Cologne Youth Leadership Exchange! 🤝 Indianapolis-Cologne Sister City Partnership

This is your chance to connect with peers from around the world, explore a new culture, and grow as a citizen diplomat through hands-on experiences, dialogue, and collaboration. Selected participants will travel, build lasting relationships, and gain the skills to make an impact in their communities.

Apply now! ✈️🌎
Application Link: https://form.jotform.com/261174124363047

21/04/2026

We’re excited to announce the 3rd Annual Backpack Giveaway hosted by the Mayor’s Latino Advisory Council! 🎒✨

We’re currently looking for community partners to join us in supporting local families and students as they prepare for the 2026-2027 school year. This is a great opportunity to connect with the community, share resources, and be part of a meaningful event.

📅 July 12, 2026
⏰ 1 PM – 3 PM
📍 Shepherd Community Center
Community Partner Registration link: https://forms.office.com/g/E1PHmuTE9e

📝 Registration closes June 21, 2026

Spots are limited—sign up today!
For questions, contact Director Ruth Morales at [email protected]

14/04/2026

❗Nominations are still open for the three of the four Indianapolis Access & Inclusion Awards for 2026! ❗

Supported by the Office of Disability Affairs and the Mayor's Office, each year, the Mayor's Advisory Council on Disability grants these awards to recognize individuals and companies going above and beyond to support and celebrate people with all types of disabilities.

🏆🤝The Accessibility Award (May 31, 2026 nomination deadline)
▪This award is designed to recognize an individual, business, or organization in the Indianapolis community for making exceptional contributions to eliminate barriers and ensure persons with disabilities can access and participate in events, programs, and activities.
▪Contributions to any and all aspects of community life in Indianapolis are to be considered, including art, culture, recreation, leisure, commerce, travel, worship, and social life.
▪Past recipients include Servants at Work, Inc., Indianapolis Airport Authority, SITE Program IPS, Indy Pride, and more.
To submit a nomination for the Accessibility Award, use this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAotnlvEu4SKXzEZ7ioCFKMfJCi78_ToUexaOkGZqPgJwUeQ/viewform

🏆💼The Employer Award (August 31, 2026 nomination deadline)
▪This award is designed to recognize an individual, business, or organization in the Indianapolis community for demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to providing career training, employment, and/or advancement opportunities to persons with disabilities.
▪Past recipients include Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana Bosma Enterprises, Nishida Services, HANDS in Autism, Community Health Network, and more.
To submit a nomination for the Employer Award, use this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb7ccakQW31Y7APbssfyCjN-Ufpf8d2xBby1bY7xAau0kUCA/viewform

🏆📣The James Pauley Lifetime Service Award (November 30, 2026 nomination deadline)
▪This award was established in memory of James K. Pauley, an early leader of the Indianapolis Mayor's Advisory Council on Disability and Chairperson from 1978 to 1980. As a person with a disability, Pauley was a lifelong advocate and active volunteer in the disability community.
▪The recipient of this award should be an individual who has demonstrated outstanding contributions promoting the inclusion and independence of persons with disabilities within the Indianapolis community.
▪Past recipients include Amber O'Haver, Lou Moneymaker, Vivian Maley, and more.
To submit a nomination for the James Pauley Lifetime Service Award, use this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6X0W9A63CzYtyfEzWjRxeLxJ5sw7gcLQQQNaey54n4staZw/viewform

This award was established in memory of James K. Pauley, an early leader of the Indianapolis Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability, and Chairperson from 1978 to 1980. As a person with a disability, Mr. Pauley was a lifelong advocate and active volunteer in the disability community. The recipient ...

04/04/2026

A lot happening this weekend! Head downtown and experience the Final Four community activities! 🏀🎶🎨

02/04/2026

Have a youth program in mind for this summer? 🤸🛝🛹
APPLY!

BID OPPORTUNITY: Summer in the City 2026 ☀️🏙️

OPHS is looking for qualified organizations to provide a youth program outline/curriculum, staffing, and budget proposal. 📚👥💼 Interested parties can access the Summer in the City RFQ through the City’s Bid Opportunities page, using the Reference Number RFQual-19PHS-41. 🔍

Please note that this is a bid only. ⚠️ Do not submit budget or compensation information at this stage. Any Vendor submission of compensation/budget will cause your submittal to be rejected.

27/03/2026

Happy Women’s History Month! Today we honor 💐Dr. Joy Usigbe💐

When you meet Dr. Joy Usigbe, the first thing you notice is her presence—steady, compassionate, and deeply grounded in purpose. She is the kind of leader who doesn’t simply talk about equity or community well-being; she builds the systems, relationships, and momentum that make those ideals real.

Her journey spans more than fifteen years across public health, philanthropy, and academia, with a consistent through line: a commitment to improving the conditions in which people live, learn, and thrive. Today, as the Director of Impact and Evaluation at The Indianapolis Foundation, she brings a rare blend of analytical rigor and human centered leadership. Her work strengthens the Foundation’s ability to understand its impact, respond to community needs, and advance its mission, vision, and values with clarity and integrity. She is also a trusted educator and beloved mentor to emerging public health leaders, who describe her as the educator who sees them, challenges them, and inspires them to imagine what is possible.

Her influence extends far beyond her professional commitments. Globally, through the Osezele Foundation—where she serves as Founder and CEO—she leads grassroots initiatives focused on education, economic advancement, and health practices, always grounded in humility, accountability, and deep respect for the communities she serves.

Dr. Usigbe is not a leader who operates from theory alone. She leads through action, collaboration, and a steadfast belief that healthier, more equitable communities are within reach when we commit to the work together. She is, quite simply, one of those rare individuals who elevates every space she enters and inspires everyone she meets.

Thank you Dr. Usigbe for your leadership! 👏

26/03/2026

Save the date!

Asian Fest 2026 is Right Around the Corner! Click the link to get all the information and to registration forms for vendors, performers, sponsors, volunteers, and youth awards!

https://mailchi.mp/bc90b19da223/aaai-asianfest2026

25/03/2026

Welcome Dr. Shellye Suttles 👏

✨ Meet Dr. Shellye Suttles, Community Nutrition & Food Policy Administrator at the Office of Public Health & Safety.

With MS and PhD degrees in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, Dr. Suttles’s work focuses on improving food access, strengthening food security, and advancing sustainable food systems. She brings over a decade of experience across academia, federal research, and policy advising.

Prior to joining OPHS, Dr. Suttles served as a Research Agricultural Economist with the USDA’s Economic Research Service and as an Assistant Professor at Indiana University Bloomington’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Her expertise and dedication play a vital role in supporting healthier, more equitable communities.