Staff

WhitAdam Velazquez
Executive Director
adam@groundworkindy.org

Adam Velazquez was born and raised in North West Indiana.  As the son of two Licensed Clinical Social workers he has always been passionate about helping others meet their potential and accomplish their personal goals. He has spent the last 6 years primarily focused on solving veteran homelessness in Marion county. Adam is very active in the community, enjoys engaging youth in positive activities, loves the outdoors, and has dedicated himself to learning something new everyday.

 

Montell Hendricks
Youth Program Manager (Green Team)
montell@groundworkindy.orgphoto of lightskinned Black man with long locs smiling

Montell’s work in nutrition and food education began while working in a rooftop greenhouse in the science department at the University of Southern Indiana. While studying at USI he was also able to help mentor local elementary students through the university’s college mentorship program. This work led to a passion in nutrition and working towards improving food conditions and access especially throughout urban communities. Montell joined the Groundwork Indy team in the summer of 2016, coming on as a Green Team Crew Leader responsible for leading youth and volunteers during projects. He is now a program coordinator with responsibilities including coordination and daily operations of the Green Team program as well as community outreach and engagement within Northwest Indianapolis and surrounding neighborhoods.

 

Ian Oehler
Land Stewardship Manager & Bike Program Coordinator
ian@groundworkindy.orgPhoto of white man with semi long braided hair smiling and holding a giant sunflower

Ian Oehler is a reluctant yet delighted farmer compelled toward work in ecosystem carrying capacity. Ian studied environmental science and ultimately earned a B.S. in environmental management from IU where he discovered a passion for the way water moves through landscapes. After 5 years of active observational learning and independent research in the central Indiana forest landscape, Ian began work as bicycle program coordinator and lead mechanic at Groundwork Indy, taking on the role of garden manager after achieving success with the Three Sisters Foodway. Ian finds fulfillment establishing self sustaining systems and through the arts in a variety of media, primarily the written and sung word.

 

Jasmine Tylor
Arts-Based Program Coordinator and Youth Programs Assistant
jasmine@groundworkindy.orgHeadshot of lightskinned Black woman with puffy curly hair smiling

Jasmine’s work in community development began while studying Nonprofit Management and Africana Studies at IUPUI. While at IUPUI, she was able to start a fellowship in 2018 that introduced her to Groundwork Indy. When she joined Groundwork Indy as a staff member, her responsibilities were to assist in the Green Team Program and coordinate various projects that Groundwork is involved in, such as days of service, annual fishing events, artist opportunities, etc. In addition to her love for community development, youth, and the environment, she is also an artist and owns a business that specializes in plant-based skincare.