“I especially hope to positively impact the lives of young women —and all individuals—living in low-income neighborhoods.”
As part of the program, the 500 Festival Princesses are involved in personal, statewide outreach. They each plan, organize and implement four volunteer events throughout the community, while also participating in multiple other events. Spears’ first personal outreach focused on Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, a center located on the near southwest side of Indianapolis. Her second outreach is at St. Mary’s Child Center, a non-profit that offers “early childhood initiatives to positively impact the futures of young children.”
“The center’s mission is to serve preschool children whose families live in poverty,” explained Ashley. “They hope to propel these students to success – and so do I. Spending time with these children at St. Mary’s Child Center is incredibly rewarding. It means a lot to be able to grow and learn from each conversation I have. We even taught them a little bit about racecars, and we hope to inspire them for the future. This entire experience has truly been the greatest thing to ever happen to me.”
In the past two months alone, Spears has volunteered at dozens of events throughout the community.
The princesses also develop key leadership and professional skills throughout the program, by participating in its personal and professional develop initiative. Each princess is also paired with a professional mentor through the 500 Festival Board of Directors.
“This program has already helped me with my confidence and communication skills,” said Spears. “I’ve had networking opportunities I never would have had otherwise, and I’ve also developed lasting friendships with other like-minded women.”
Before she was accepted into the program, Spears was involved with the American Red Cross as a disaster action team volunteer. She helped in Kokomo after the tornadoes there.
“For other students looking to succeed in leadership roles in the future, I recommend they get involved with their community through leadership or volunteer roles,” said Spears.
“I received some good advice from Indianapolis civic leader Rebecca King, who came and spoke with the princesses. She told us to make sure you can be fully involved in your commitments. She recommended not to say yes to commitments you don’t fully believe you can devote the time to. Instead, offer one of your contacts you believe may be able to give more time. By not giving an organization 100 percent of your time, you’re creating a deficit for the ones who follow in your footsteps of your position.”
As a Kelley senior graduating in December, Spears says her “Kelley moment” was in professor Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfrow’s Effective Negotiations course.
“I feel like those classes prepared me for the world after college,” said Spears. “The course gave me the confidence boost needed to be out in the business world today.”
For other students, Spears passes along advice she heard from civic leader Zachary Scott, who is a member of the 500 Festival Board of Directors.
