Ariez Christmon was recently hired as a DIP-IN project manager for the Near West community. Assisting the Near West steering committee and creating connections with partners in the Near West community will be her primary roles. Read on to learn more about Ariez’s experience working in the DIP-IN and greater Indianapolis communities.
How long have you been a part of the DIP-IN team and what is your role?
My first day was November 7. I've been here for a week at the time of writing this and will be here many more weeks to come.
Tell us more about your background working with Indianapolis communities.
Once I graduated from my undergrad school, Purdue University, I came back here to Indianapolis permanently. I joined an organization called AmeriCorps and we would do volunteer and outreach work across Indy. I've worked with communities that have HIV, Hepatitis C, are homeless, or victims of domestic violence. Coincidently, I volunteered for four years with one of our key partners (Christamore House) before I became aware of DIP-IN.
Has there been a particular moment in the project you felt like you made a significant impact?
Since I just started, I'm hoping there are plenty of moments like this! A big goal of mine is to see the Black community thrive and overcome diabetes and I hope to be part of that every step of the way.
What are you looking forward to in the coming years of DIP-IN?
Eventually, I would like to help the Near West community with diabetes prevention, while also helping tackle other social determinants of health the community faces. I want to see the children thrive as well so they can have things to do after school and have a positive environment. I also would like to see DIP-IN have tons of partnerships so we can regularly have community events in our project-focused neighborhoods.
When you are not working, what are you up to?
I love spending time with my mom and other immediate family. My friends and I love trying new restaurants in Indy and finding hidden gems to explore. I love watching movies and TV series. Traveling to more countries or new cities is always on my bucket list.