Spotlight: Olivia West

Before every First Friday, the Harrison Center partners with the Indianapolis Recorder and InnoPower to host a networking series designed to build social capital for a range of professionals. The Art of Networking grows relationships and builds bridges among diverse individuals living and working in Indianapolis. Through the monthly event, we have been fortunate to meet many inspiring professionals, some of whom are eager to work with the Harrison Center on exciting projects that contribute to the betterment of our city. This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight the efforts of a recent Art of Networking attendee, Olivia West.  

Olivia was born and raised in LaPorte, Indiana. She recently moved to Indianapolis in July after graduating from Purdue University. Of her decision to relocate to central Indiana, she states, “I knew I wanted to be in a place where I could wake up each day and feel inspired by my surroundings.” Olivia has undoubtedly hit her stride here - she now works at Eli Lilly and recently founded her own business, The Speaking Company. 

Olivia started The Speaking Company to help others share their stories. She has always been passionate about storytelling and believes that sharing this gift with others is a way to help her community realize its greatness. As she navigates life in Indianapolis, she’s made it a goal to become involved in cultural events as often as possible, which is how she discovered the Harrison Center.

Last month, Olivia came across an Eventbrite invitation for the Art of Networking. It was kismet. She wound up attending the February event and stayed for First Friday - which in part featured the unveiling of the latest Greatriarch paintings. That night, Olivia met Eunice Trotter in the City Gallery, giving a talk on her recently published book Black in Indiana. She was honored to get elbow-to-elbow with Eunice and a few other Greatriarchs and was eager to learn more about the Greatriarch program. 

Olivia’s interest in storytelling has immense crossover with a few Harrison Center creative placemaking initiatives. When we spoke, she posited that storytelling is among the most powerful assets that we have today in conveying information from generation to generation. In the coming months, we look forward to expanding on individual Greatriarch’s stories with the help of Olivia, who has volunteered her informational interviewing abilities to contribute to the program’s ongoing legacy. Of her interaction with HC so far, she writes, “When you come to the Harrison Center, you leave better and more inspired than when you first arrived.” We admire and appreciate Olivia’s drive to contribute to culture-building initiatives in Indianapolis. 

If you would like to attend the next Art of Networking event on Friday, March 4th, please sign up on our Eventbrite page. The event is free to attend, and snacks and drinks are provided. We hope to see you soon!