Why This Indianapolis Neighborhood Is Changing Fast | Sharon Clark and Marvin Smith, Aspire Higher

On today's show I sat down with Sharon Clark, founder of the Aspire Higher Foundation, and board member Marvin Smith about revitalizing Indianapolis' Near Northwest neighborhoods.

After a 30-year collegiate volleyball coaching career at Butler, Clark transitioned into nonprofit leadership in 2023, building on years of grassroots community support. The effort centers on restoring an 1897 firehouse purchased at a Marion County tax sale in 2012 and reopened in February 2024 after a $1.6M renovation that now features community space, the RyZe Kitchen, and four apartments.

Aspire Higher's pillars include community development, health and wellness, and technology-focused youth programming, including Girls in Tech trips and career exposure. They address a major food desert, transportation barriers, housing density, and plans for a small-format marketplace with financial services while preserving local history impacted by I-65 and redlining.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - Sharon Clark's Transition from Coaching Volleyball at Butler to Nonprofit Leadership - The Founding and Mission of the Aspire Higher Foundation - RyZe Kitchen Addressing Food Scarcities and the Future Marketplace

Thank you to our partners: Elements Financial

Check out these great clips from the show: 01:39 Guest Introduction: Sharon Clark and Marvin Smith, Aspire Higher 03:05 From Coaching To Community 06:27 Near Northwest Explained 07:40 Finding The Firehouse 10:44 Tax Sale And Cleanup 15:17 From Art Hub To Mission 20:43 Four Pillars And Programs 27:51 Food Desert Reality 32:46 Marketplace And Housing Plan 34:34 Second Space Across Street 36:10 Neighborhood History Question 36:32 Highway And Redlining 37:37 Neighborhood History Discoveries 38:39 Saving Library And Landmarks 40:56 Elder Diggs Hidden Gem 43:41 Marketplace And Housing Vision 44:28 Community Needs And Amenities 46:32 Impact Over Numbers 48:28 Co Creating With Residents 52:04 After Hours Youth Spaces 53:46 Career Pathway Programs 55:49 Lightning Round Indiana 01:02:03 Make Local Impact 01:05:44 Hidden Gems And Hoosiers

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