Finalist: Sara Hindi
Award: Community Ambassador
Day Job: Community Engagement Coordinator, Exodus Refugee Immigration
Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahindi/
Sara Hindi strives to be a community ambassador in both her daily work and her volunteering, serving others in all that she does. Her work at Exodus Refugee Immigration centers on welcoming others, creating an environment where those fleeing violence and persecution are welcomed to Indianapolis warmly and with what they need to thrive. Sara is engaged across Central Indiana in fighting for equality and positive change with an eye to defending human rights. She volunteers with numerous organizations, and has recently been elected to the ACLU Indiana Board of Directors.
Read further to learn more about what it means to be an ambassador to Sara!
Q: What is your vision for Central Indiana?
A: My vision for Central Indiana is that it becomes a place where everyone is able to thrive and succeed. I hope it becomes a place where no one is dehumanized or criminalized for their identity or pure existence because everyone is seen as human and not “the other.” Let’s work to ensure that everyone is not only seen and protected, but also ensured equal access to housing, medical and mental health services, education, and other basic needs that some communities have been denied access to or struggle to access .
Q: Finish this sentence ““Being a great Ambassador means to me….”
A: Showing up as your authentic, true self.
Q: What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic and how has it affected your job, volunteering, etc.?
A: I have always known that I have a great support system (at home, my friends and colleagues), but it really has shown me how important my circle is to me and all the people I cannot live without. They inspire me and motivate me to fight for more every single day.
I have also learned that I really don’t have a lot of hobbies, especially ones that are COVID-friendly, so I have been watching a lot of Netflix (I just finished watching Schitt’s Creek) and reading more than usual to keep myself entertained. I have also been going out on more walks outside and hiking. I have learned that it is important to spend time with yourself as much as it is important to spend time with other people.
Time for some favorites:
Q: Favorite spot in Indy?
A: Mass Ave
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Beach
Q: Favorite vacation song?
A: Hah! All of my flights are very early in the morning, and I am usually half asleep, so I listen to whatever is on the radio, but now I feel like I need a vacation playlist, so I will probably make one. I already know that Beyoncé, Drake and Future will be included in the playlist.
Q: Where will you travel to once it is safe to do so?
A: I’d probably start with somewhere in the United States, likely California, then Jordan to visit my extended family.
Q: Favorite podcast or book?
A: “We Are Not Here to be Bystanders” by Linda Sarsour
Join Sara at ELEVATE and don’t forget to RSVP, today!
Written by Caitie Deranek Stewart
