Reimagining Talent Attraction and Retention: Inside Business Equity for Indy’s People Community of Practice
At the heart of inclusive economic growth is the ability to recruit, retain, and elevate diverse talent. Business Equity for Indy’s (BEI) People Community of Practice (PcP) was created with this mission in mind—recognizing that long-term equity requires intentional action in how companies across Central Indiana hire and support their people.
“We created the People Community of Practice to serve as a trusted space for hiring professionals and HR leaders to share challenges, collaborate on solutions, and walk away with practical strategies they can use in their workplaces,” said Kristen Lampkin, Director of Business Equity for Indy. “Our goal is to ensure the access and advancement of all professionals through talent development, employee support, and corporate resource-sharing.”
The PcP focuses on three key areas:
- Attracting diverse talent through inclusive job marketing and equitable hiring processes.
- Retaining that talent by creating a culture of belonging and opportunity.
- Advancing employees through leadership development, mentorship, and succession planning.
With BEI’s PcP, participating companies access actionable data, real-time insights, and a community of like-minded professionals invested in workforce equity. According to a recent McKinsey & Company study, organizations with diverse executive teams are 33% more likely to outperform their peers regarding profitability. Yet, data shows that many Indiana companies struggle to create pipelines for underrepresented professionals to thrive.
That’s where PcP makes the difference. Through quarterly events and curated sessions, HR leaders receive the tools they need to implement change—whether revamping their hiring practices, reviewing promotion data through an equity lens, or developing programs that foster employee retention.
“We know HR professionals are often at the frontlines of driving internal change,” Lampkin added. “The PcP equips them with the community and resources to not only do that work, but to do it well—and do it sustainably.”
Quarterly PcP workshops are designed to be interactive, peer-led, and rooted in local context so that companies can learn what works in Central Indiana and adapt it to fit their corporate culture, industry, and workforce.
At our most recent People Community of Practice event, “Shining a Light on Executives Leading with Equity,” we heard directly from top leaders on what it takes to champion an inclusive culture from the top.
Special thanks to our incredible panelists:
- Fred Payne, United Way of Central Indiana
- Scott Davison, OneAmerica Financial
- Faith Mbabazi, Cummins Inc.
And to our moderator, Casey Harrison of Polished Strategic Communications, for guiding a powerful and insightful conversation.
Together, we’re reimagining leadership and building workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
As BEI continues to build this community of practice, it remains committed to documenting and promoting best practices—because progress isn’t just about ideas, it’s about action.
Want to get involved? Learn more about the People Community of Practice and future events at businessequityindy.com.
Project Indy: Empowering Youth and Reducing Violence Through Workforce Skills
Summer months often bring with them the concern over youth violence in Indianapolis. To address this issue, Project Indy is playing a pivotal role in creating safer communities by equipping young people with essential workforce skills and experiences.
Project Indy, Mayor Hogsett’s summer youth employment program, targets individuals aged 16-24 in Marion County. By connecting these youths with local employers, the initiative not only provides job opportunities but also fosters the development of soft skills and job readiness. This structured engagement helps deter involvement in negative activities, reducing the likelihood of youth violence.
The Impact of Youth Violence in Indianapolis
Youth violence remains a significant challenge in Indianapolis. According to recent data, there has been an alarming number of incidents involving young individuals, particularly during the summer months when school is out, and idle time can lead to risky behavior. Engaging youth in meaningful employment during these critical months is a strategic approach to counter this trend.
Project Indy’s Multi-Faceted Approach
Project Indy addresses youth violence through three, primary aspects: job opportunities, skill development, and community engagement. By providing paid employment, Project Indy helps youths gain financial independence and responsibility while participants simultaneously earn badges through the Job Ready Indy initiative—which validates their job skills via online and in-person courses. These skills are crucial for long-term employability. Finally, employers who partner with Project Indy contribute to building a stronger community by mentoring and supporting young people.
Project Indy’s success is evident in the numerous positive outcomes reported by participants. For instance, many youths have shared how their summer jobs helped them stay focused, learn new skills, and envision a brighter future. Employers, too, have noted the benefits of engaging with motivated young workers who bring fresh perspectives and energy to their businesses.
Project Indy is more than just a summer job program; it is a community-driven initiative aimed at reducing youth violence and fostering a safer, more prosperous Indianapolis. By providing meaningful employment and skill-building opportunities, Project Indy helps young people develop into responsible, productive citizens. This, in turn, creates a positive ripple effect throughout the community, highlighting the importance of investing in our youth.
For more information on Project Indy and how you can get involved, visit the website.
