10 Years of Long-term Life-changing Legacy of Elevate https://www.elevateindy.org/ en All Rights Reserved 10 Years of Long-term Life-changing Legacy of Elevate is a special anniversary series from Elevate Indianapolis that marks a decade of impact with urban youth across the city. Since 2015, Elevate has built long-term, life-changing relationships that equip students to thrive and contribute in their communities. In this series, host Aaron Story, president and CEO of Elevate Indy, talks with alumni, students, mentors and supporters about their stories of resilience, transformation and hope. From first-generation college students and young professionals to community leaders and parents, each episode highlights how mentoring, life skills and character-building relationships shape the next generation of leaders. As Elevate celebrates 10 years, these stories underscore one truth: No one gets there alone. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7216b6ce-8458-11f0-9e3f-2fac57bb08fc/image/193be6dd650eb61987905179b29146c9.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress 10 Years of Long-term Life-changing Legacy of Elevate https://www.elevateindy.org/ no episodic Elevate Indy 10 Years of Long-term Life-changing Legacy of Elevate is a special anniversary series from Elevate Indianapolis that marks a decade of impact with urban youth across the city. Since 2015, Elevate has built long-term, life-changing relationships that equip students to thrive and contribute in their communities. In this series, host Aaron Story, president and CEO of Elevate Indy, talks with alumni, students, mentors and supporters about their stories of resilience, transformation and hope. From first-generation college students and young professionals to community leaders and parents, each episode highlights how mentoring, life skills and character-building relationships shape the next generation of leaders. As Elevate celebrates 10 years, these stories underscore one truth: No one gets there alone. 10 Years of Long-term Life-changing Legacy of Elevate is a special anniversary series from Elevate Indianapolis that marks a decade of impact with urban youth across the city. Since 2015, Elevate has built long-term, life-changing relationships that equip students to thrive and contribute in their communities.

In this series, host Aaron Story, president and CEO of Elevate Indy, talks with alumni, students, mentors and supporters about their stories of resilience, transformation and hope. From first-generation college students and young professionals to community leaders and parents, each episode highlights how mentoring, life skills and character-building relationships shape the next generation of leaders.

As Elevate celebrates 10 years, these stories underscore one truth: No one gets there alone.

]]> Elevate Indy chris@chrisspangle.com Elevate Alumni Spotlight: Purdue Poly Grad Victoria Anderson on College, Work and Finding Her Path Elevate Indianapolis President and CEO Aaron Story continues the 10th anniversary alumni series with a focus on Purdue Poly High School. This episode features Victoria Anderson, a 2025 Purdue Poly graduate now attending Founders College at Butler University, and co-interviewer Gabe Story, a Purdue Poly alumnus and current Hanover College student. Victoria shares her journey graduating high school early, balancing college and work, becoming a first-generation college student, and building a future rooted in purpose, discipline and community connection in Indianapolis. Sun, 01 Mar 2026 23:38:00 -0000 full Elevate Indy Elevate Indianapolis President and CEO Aaron Story continues the 10th anniversary alumni series with a focus on Purdue Poly High School. This episode features Victoria Anderson, a 2025 Purdue Poly graduate now attending Founders College at Butler University, and co-interviewer Gabe Story, a Purdue Poly alumnus and current Hanover College student. Victoria shares her journey graduating high school early, balancing college and work, becoming a first-generation college student, and building a future rooted in purpose, discipline and community connection in Indianapolis. Elevate Indianapolis President and CEO Aaron Story continues the 10th anniversary alumni series with a focus on Purdue Poly High School. This episode features Victoria Anderson, a 2025 Purdue Poly graduate now attending Founders College at Butler University, and co-interviewer Gabe Story, a Purdue Poly alumnus and current Hanover College student. Victoria shares her journey graduating high school early, balancing college and work, becoming a first-generation college student, and building a future rooted in purpose, discipline and community connection in Indianapolis.

]]> 1889 no Imani’s Journey: From Elevate Indianapolis to a Future in Nursing Imani, a George Washington High School graduate and IU Indianapolis student, joins Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington to share how perseverance, faith, and family shaped her path toward a career in public health and nursing. In this episode of “10 Years of Long-Term Life-Changing Legacy of Elevate,” she opens up about overcoming academic setbacks, discovering her purpose, and how Elevate’s mentorship helped her thrive through adversity. Sun, 01 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full Elevate Indy Imani, a George Washington High School graduate and IU Indianapolis student, joins Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington to share how perseverance, faith, and family shaped her path toward a career in public health and nursing. In this episode of “10 Years of Long-Term Life-Changing Legacy of Elevate,” she opens up about overcoming academic setbacks, discovering her purpose, and how Elevate’s mentorship helped her thrive through adversity. Imani, a George Washington High School graduate and IU Indianapolis student, joins Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington to share how perseverance, faith, and family shaped her path toward a career in public health and nursing. In this episode of “10 Years of Long-Term Life-Changing Legacy of Elevate,” she opens up about overcoming academic setbacks, discovering her purpose, and how Elevate’s mentorship helped her thrive through adversity.

]]> 2082 no Chris Estrada’s Story: From Homeless Teen to Union Ironworker Union ironworker Chris Estrada joins Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington to share his inspiring journey from homelessness on Indy’s west side to building a thriving career and mentoring others. A 2019 Arsenal Tech graduate, Estrada reflects on lessons from Elevate mentors, how hard work and integrity shaped his life, and what “thriving” really means. This episode celebrates 10 years of Elevate Indy’s long-term, life-changing legacy. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full Elevate Indy Union ironworker Chris Estrada joins Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington to share his inspiring journey from homelessness on Indy’s west side to building a thriving career and mentoring others. A 2019 Arsenal Tech graduate, Estrada reflects on lessons from Elevate mentors, how hard work and integrity shaped his life, and what “thriving” really means. This episode celebrates 10 years of Elevate Indy’s long-term, life-changing legacy. Union ironworker Chris Estrada joins Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington to share his inspiring journey from homelessness on Indy’s west side to building a thriving career and mentoring others. A 2019 Arsenal Tech graduate, Estrada reflects on lessons from Elevate mentors, how hard work and integrity shaped his life, and what “thriving” really means. This episode celebrates 10 years of Elevate Indy’s long-term, life-changing legacy.

]]> 1327 no “Sometimes You Can’t Take No for an Answer”: Lessons from David Leye Elevate Indianapolis presents another inspiring story in our 10-year legacy series. Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington sit down with David Leye, a George Washington High School graduate and college basketball player at the City College of New York. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised on the west side of Indianapolis, Le reflects on his journey from being cut from multiple basketball teams to earning his spot on a college roster. He shares how discipline, faith, and family shaped his resilience—and how thriving means pushing forward when life doesn’t go as planned. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full Elevate Indy Elevate Indianapolis presents another inspiring story in our 10-year legacy series. Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington sit down with David Leye, a George Washington High School graduate and college basketball player at the City College of New York. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised on the west side of Indianapolis, Le reflects on his journey from being cut from multiple basketball teams to earning his spot on a college roster. He shares how discipline, faith, and family shaped his resilience—and how thriving means pushing forward when life doesn’t go as planned. Elevate Indianapolis presents another inspiring story in our 10-year legacy series. Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington sit down with David Leye, a George Washington High School graduate and college basketball player at the City College of New York. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised on the west side of Indianapolis, Le reflects on his journey from being cut from multiple basketball teams to earning his spot on a college roster. He shares how discipline, faith, and family shaped his resilience—and how thriving means pushing forward when life doesn’t go as planned.

]]> 1975 no Elevate Indianapolis Alumni Spotlight: Mariana, Arsenal Tech ’22 In this Elevate Indianapolis alumni podcast, President and CEO Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington speak with Mariana, a 2022 Arsenal Tech graduate and current senior at the University of Indianapolis. Mariana reflects on her journey growing up in Fountain Square, attending local schools including William McKinley School 39 and Harshman Middle School, and eventually graduating from Arsenal Tech. Now preparing to graduate in 2026 with a degree in elementary education and a minor in child and youth programming, she shares how her family and community have been her foundation through challenges such as childhood medical issues, a serious car accident, and the demands of her education major. She talks about the impact of Elevate programs, from her early involvement through her older sister at Harshman, to her own experiences with classes, mentorship, and internships that confirmed her calling as a teacher. Mariana highlights the role of mentors like Ms. Garza, Bralyn, and Jackson in shaping her path and preparing her for leadership. In this conversation, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance, support systems, and the lessons learned through both family and community. She also offers insights into what it means to thrive as a young adult, the challenges facing youth in Indianapolis, and why investing in kids is critical for the city’s future. This episode is part of the “Long-Term Life-Changing Legacies” series, celebrating Elevate Indianapolis alumni who are becoming thriving contributors to their communities. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:29:00 -0000 full Elevate Indy In this Elevate Indianapolis alumni podcast, President and CEO Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington speak with Mariana, a 2022 Arsenal Tech graduate and current senior at the University of Indianapolis. Mariana reflects on her journey growing up in Fountain Square, attending local schools including William McKinley School 39 and Harshman Middle School, and eventually graduating from Arsenal Tech. Now preparing to graduate in 2026 with a degree in elementary education and a minor in child and youth programming, she shares how her family and community have been her foundation through challenges such as childhood medical issues, a serious car accident, and the demands of her education major. She talks about the impact of Elevate programs, from her early involvement through her older sister at Harshman, to her own experiences with classes, mentorship, and internships that confirmed her calling as a teacher. Mariana highlights the role of mentors like Ms. Garza, Bralyn, and Jackson in shaping her path and preparing her for leadership. In this conversation, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance, support systems, and the lessons learned through both family and community. She also offers insights into what it means to thrive as a young adult, the challenges facing youth in Indianapolis, and why investing in kids is critical for the city’s future. This episode is part of the “Long-Term Life-Changing Legacies” series, celebrating Elevate Indianapolis alumni who are becoming thriving contributors to their communities. In this Elevate Indianapolis alumni podcast, President and CEO Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington speak with Mariana, a 2022 Arsenal Tech graduate and current senior at the University of Indianapolis. Mariana reflects on her journey growing up in Fountain Square, attending local schools including William McKinley School 39 and Harshman Middle School, and eventually graduating from Arsenal Tech. Now preparing to graduate in 2026 with a degree in elementary education and a minor in child and youth programming, she shares how her family and community have been her foundation through challenges such as childhood medical issues, a serious car accident, and the demands of her education major. She talks about the impact of Elevate programs, from her early involvement through her older sister at Harshman, to her own experiences with classes, mentorship, and internships that confirmed her calling as a teacher. Mariana highlights the role of mentors like Ms. Garza, Bralyn, and Jackson in shaping her path and preparing her for leadership. In this conversation, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance, support systems, and the lessons learned through both family and community. She also offers insights into what it means to thrive as a young adult, the challenges facing youth in Indianapolis, and why investing in kids is critical for the city’s future. This episode is part of the “Long-Term Life-Changing Legacies” series, celebrating Elevate Indianapolis alumni who are becoming thriving contributors to their communities.

]]> 1589 no Elevate Indianapolis Alumni Spotlight: Te’Niah Evans on Perseverance and Thriving In this Elevate Indianapolis alumni podcast, President and CEO Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington speak with Te’Niah Evans as the organization marks its 10th anniversary. Evans, a 2022 graduate now studying business at Indiana Wesleyan, reflects on her journey from North Carolina to Indianapolis, her experiences with IPS and township schools, and how Elevate mentors like Ms. Garza and Ms. Banks shaped her path. She shares candid insights about bullying, resilience, motherhood, college, and her vision for financial freedom. Watch to hear Te’Niah's story of overcoming challenges, finding community support, and defining what it means to thrive as a young adult in Indianapolis. 00:00 Sacrifice for Your Goals 00:22 Welcome to Elevate Indianapolis 10-Year Series 00:55 Meet the Host and Calvin Washington 02:30 Introducing Our Guest: Tania Evans (T) 03:40 Growing Up and Moving to Indianapolis 04:28 Adjusting to New Schools and Fitting In 05:25 Overcoming Childhood Challenges 06:30 School Experiences Across the City 07:52 Early Days with Elevate and Getting Involved 09:05 Elevate: High School Reflections and Support 10:35 Mentors Who Made a Difference 12:17 Core Memories and Elevate Impact 13:08 Overcoming Adversity with Mentor Support 17:00 Post-High School Struggles and Sacrifices 18:32 Balancing Goals, Parenting, and Adult Life 19:50 Big Dreams: Education, Work, and Financial Freedom 20:44 Finding Fulfillment and Thriving as a Young Adult 21:17 Advice for the Next Generation 22:34 Reflections on Growing Up with Elevate 24:11 Challenges Facing Indianapolis Youth Today 26:25 What Needs to Change for the Next Generation? 27:49 Celebrating 10 Years of Elevate and Alumni Stories Sat, 27 Sep 2025 17:36:00 -0000 full Elevate Indy In this Elevate Indianapolis alumni podcast, President and CEO Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington speak with Te’Niah Evans as the organization marks its 10th anniversary. Evans, a 2022 graduate now studying business at Indiana Wesleyan, reflects on her journey from North Carolina to Indianapolis, her experiences with IPS and township schools, and how Elevate mentors like Ms. Garza and Ms. Banks shaped her path. She shares candid insights about bullying, resilience, motherhood, college, and her vision for financial freedom. Watch to hear Te’Niah's story of overcoming challenges, finding community support, and defining what it means to thrive as a young adult in Indianapolis. 00:00 Sacrifice for Your Goals 00:22 Welcome to Elevate Indianapolis 10-Year Series 00:55 Meet the Host and Calvin Washington 02:30 Introducing Our Guest: Tania Evans (T) 03:40 Growing Up and Moving to Indianapolis 04:28 Adjusting to New Schools and Fitting In 05:25 Overcoming Childhood Challenges 06:30 School Experiences Across the City 07:52 Early Days with Elevate and Getting Involved 09:05 Elevate: High School Reflections and Support 10:35 Mentors Who Made a Difference 12:17 Core Memories and Elevate Impact 13:08 Overcoming Adversity with Mentor Support 17:00 Post-High School Struggles and Sacrifices 18:32 Balancing Goals, Parenting, and Adult Life 19:50 Big Dreams: Education, Work, and Financial Freedom 20:44 Finding Fulfillment and Thriving as a Young Adult 21:17 Advice for the Next Generation 22:34 Reflections on Growing Up with Elevate 24:11 Challenges Facing Indianapolis Youth Today 26:25 What Needs to Change for the Next Generation? 27:49 Celebrating 10 Years of Elevate and Alumni Stories In this Elevate Indianapolis alumni podcast, President and CEO Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington speak with Te’Niah Evans as the organization marks its 10th anniversary. Evans, a 2022 graduate now studying business at Indiana Wesleyan, reflects on her journey from North Carolina to Indianapolis, her experiences with IPS and township schools, and how Elevate mentors like Ms. Garza and Ms. Banks shaped her path. She shares candid insights about bullying, resilience, motherhood, college, and her vision for financial freedom. Watch to hear Te’Niah's story of overcoming challenges, finding community support, and defining what it means to thrive as a young adult in Indianapolis.

  • 00:00 Sacrifice for Your Goals
  • 00:22 Welcome to Elevate Indianapolis 10-Year Series
  • 00:55 Meet the Host and Calvin Washington
  • 02:30 Introducing Our Guest: Tania Evans (T)
  • 03:40 Growing Up and Moving to Indianapolis
  • 04:28 Adjusting to New Schools and Fitting In
  • 05:25 Overcoming Childhood Challenges
  • 06:30 School Experiences Across the City
  • 07:52 Early Days with Elevate and Getting Involved
  • 09:05 Elevate: High School Reflections and Support
  • 10:35 Mentors Who Made a Difference
  • 12:17 Core Memories and Elevate Impact
  • 13:08 Overcoming Adversity with Mentor Support
  • 17:00 Post-High School Struggles and Sacrifices
  • 18:32 Balancing Goals, Parenting, and Adult Life
  • 19:50 Big Dreams: Education, Work, and Financial Freedom
  • 20:44 Finding Fulfillment and Thriving as a Young Adult
  • 21:17 Advice for the Next Generation
  • 22:34 Reflections on Growing Up with Elevate
  • 24:11 Challenges Facing Indianapolis Youth Today
  • 26:25 What Needs to Change for the Next Generation?
  • 27:49 Celebrating 10 Years of Elevate and Alumni Stories
]]> 1718 no From Fights to Focus: Calvin Washington’s Elevate Story In this first episode of Elevate Indianapolis’ 10th anniversary alumni podcast series, President and CEO Aaron Story and leadership coach Gisela Perez introduce George Washington High School graduate Calvin Washington. Calvin shares how Elevate’s mentors shaped his life, from middle school fights to launching his own car detailing business and preparing for Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He reflects on core childhood memories, the impact of family support, losing a close friend, and his vision for Indianapolis’ youth. 00:00 Show Me Your Friends, Show Me Your Future 00:31 Welcome and Elevate Indy Overview 01:11 Meet the Hosts and Special Guests 01:55 Introducing Calvin: Background and Story 03:13 Growing Up in Indianapolis 04:28 Family Support and Influences 06:41 Core Childhood Memories 08:17 Fighting, Mentorship, and Turning Points 10:08 Discovering Elevate and Its Impact 12:21 Powerful Mentors and Influence 13:03 Life-Changing Trips and Experiences 14:32 Loss, Legacy, and Friendship 15:53 Lessons Learned for the Next Generation 16:25 Becoming a Young Entrepreneur 18:49 Launching the Car Detailing Business 20:15 Building Connections and Planning Ahead 21:38 Thriving and Giving Back 23:04 Consistency, Listening, and Growth 24:04 Current Life, College, and Goals for the Future 25:34 Paving the Way: Education and Family Legacy 27:03 Role Models and Breaking Cycles 28:08 Challenges in Indianapolis: Family, Youth, and Solutions 30:32 Support, Advice, and What Needs to Change 31:04 Elevate's Impact: Growing the Legacy 32:20 Final Thoughts, Invitation, and How to Get Involved Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:59:00 -0000 full Elevate Indy In this first episode of Elevate Indianapolis’ 10th anniversary alumni podcast series, President and CEO Aaron Story and leadership coach Gisela Perez introduce George Washington High School graduate Calvin Washington. Calvin shares how Elevate’s mentors shaped his life, from middle school fights to launching his own car detailing business and preparing for Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He reflects on core childhood memories, the impact of family support, losing a close friend, and his vision for Indianapolis’ youth. 00:00 Show Me Your Friends, Show Me Your Future 00:31 Welcome and Elevate Indy Overview 01:11 Meet the Hosts and Special Guests 01:55 Introducing Calvin: Background and Story 03:13 Growing Up in Indianapolis 04:28 Family Support and Influences 06:41 Core Childhood Memories 08:17 Fighting, Mentorship, and Turning Points 10:08 Discovering Elevate and Its Impact 12:21 Powerful Mentors and Influence 13:03 Life-Changing Trips and Experiences 14:32 Loss, Legacy, and Friendship 15:53 Lessons Learned for the Next Generation 16:25 Becoming a Young Entrepreneur 18:49 Launching the Car Detailing Business 20:15 Building Connections and Planning Ahead 21:38 Thriving and Giving Back 23:04 Consistency, Listening, and Growth 24:04 Current Life, College, and Goals for the Future 25:34 Paving the Way: Education and Family Legacy 27:03 Role Models and Breaking Cycles 28:08 Challenges in Indianapolis: Family, Youth, and Solutions 30:32 Support, Advice, and What Needs to Change 31:04 Elevate's Impact: Growing the Legacy 32:20 Final Thoughts, Invitation, and How to Get Involved In this first episode of Elevate Indianapolis’ 10th anniversary alumni podcast series, President and CEO Aaron Story and leadership coach Gisela Perez introduce George Washington High School graduate Calvin Washington. Calvin shares how Elevate’s mentors shaped his life, from middle school fights to launching his own car detailing business and preparing for Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He reflects on core childhood memories, the impact of family support, losing a close friend, and his vision for Indianapolis’ youth.

00:00 Show Me Your Friends, Show Me Your Future

00:31 Welcome and Elevate Indy Overview

01:11 Meet the Hosts and Special Guests

01:55 Introducing Calvin: Background and Story

03:13 Growing Up in Indianapolis

04:28 Family Support and Influences

06:41 Core Childhood Memories

08:17 Fighting, Mentorship, and Turning Points

10:08 Discovering Elevate and Its Impact

12:21 Powerful Mentors and Influence

13:03 Life-Changing Trips and Experiences

14:32 Loss, Legacy, and Friendship

15:53 Lessons Learned for the Next Generation

16:25 Becoming a Young Entrepreneur

18:49 Launching the Car Detailing Business

20:15 Building Connections and Planning Ahead

21:38 Thriving and Giving Back

23:04 Consistency, Listening, and Growth

24:04 Current Life, College, and Goals for the Future

25:34 Paving the Way: Education and Family Legacy

27:03 Role Models and Breaking Cycles

28:08 Challenges in Indianapolis: Family, Youth, and Solutions

30:32 Support, Advice, and What Needs to Change

31:04 Elevate's Impact: Growing the Legacy

32:20 Final Thoughts, Invitation, and How to Get Involved

]]> 1914 no 10 Years of Life-Changing Legacy: An Introduction to Elevate’s Anniversary Podcast In this special trailer, Elevate Indianapolis President and CEO Aaron Story introduces 10 Years of Long-term Life-changing Legacy of Elevate, a podcast celebrating the organization’s 10th anniversary. Since 2015, Elevate has built long-term, life-changing relationships that equip students to thrive and contribute in their communities. The series features stories from alumni, students and mentors across Indianapolis—highlighting resilience, transformation and the truth that no one gets there alone. Subscribe to hear how Elevate is shaping the next generation of leaders and how you can join the mission. Thu, 28 Aug 2025 21:48:00 -0000 trailer Elevate Indy In this special trailer, Elevate Indianapolis President and CEO Aaron Story introduces 10 Years of Long-term Life-changing Legacy of Elevate, a podcast celebrating the organization’s 10th anniversary. Since 2015, Elevate has built long-term, life-changing relationships that equip students to thrive and contribute in their communities. The series features stories from alumni, students and mentors across Indianapolis—highlighting resilience, transformation and the truth that no one gets there alone. Subscribe to hear how Elevate is shaping the next generation of leaders and how you can join the mission. In this special trailer, Elevate Indianapolis President and CEO Aaron Story introduces 10 Years of Long-term Life-changing Legacy of Elevate, a podcast celebrating the organization’s 10th anniversary. Since 2015, Elevate has built long-term, life-changing relationships that equip students to thrive and contribute in their communities.


The series features stories from alumni, students and mentors across Indianapolis—highlighting resilience, transformation and the truth that no one gets there alone. Subscribe to hear how Elevate is shaping the next generation of leaders and how you can join the mission.

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