The 1828 Project is one of our signature programs at IndyHub and each year it’s full of incredible leaders between the ages of 18 and 28. MJ is a part of 1828’s Class VII. We sent her some questions and she responded. Keep reading to learn more about MJ!
How do you spend your days?
I am the Marketing Manager for Scotty’s Brewhouse and Thr3e Wise Men Brewing. My role includes: local store marketing for our combined 17 locations across 4 states, warehouse operations, delivery service communications and awarding sponsorships and donations.
Where are you originally from?
This hard to answer as an Army brat. I was born in South Korea and grew up in Los Angeles; however, I consider Central Texas (San Antonio and Austin) my hometown. Hook ‘Em Horns!
What made you decide to live in Indianapolis?
Indy surprised me. Living here was supposed to be temporary, but I caught my stride professionally and personally. Working and living in Indy was not only enjoyable and fun, but also, rewarding. There are endless professional and philanthropic opportunities for those that are passionate about this city. With all the inspiring people I regularly meet, it is impossible to not want to be a part of the positive change this city is seeing.
If you had to pick one way to get around our city, what would it be?
I wish I could bike everywhere, every day. I love my road bike and Indy is very flat- makes bike riding very easy! One of my favorite rides starts downtown via the Cultural Trail, over the White River to the Tow Path (passes by the beautiful 100 Acres) to the Art Walk, to Broad Ripple and then you take The Monon back downtown. It’s pretty much a nature tour of Indy.
Which local coffee spot if your favorite in Indy?
You can find me at Kaffeine on Fulton, behind the Circa Apartments downtown. The baristas are incredibly nice and I like how it is tucked away in a nondescript warehouse. Ordering an Americano before taking a long bike ride was my favorite summer pastime.
Who has been your favorite speaker thus far in 1828?
My favorite speaker thus far has been Melody Park. She has a wealth of knowledge and advice. I am very fortunate and grateful that Melody and I have been able to meet outside of the 1828 Project program and talk about life, work and balance.
What are you most excited about when thinking about the future of Indy?
I am most excited about the transportation development plans. Indy lacks convenient and efficient transportation, but the city is working diligently to change this. I am looking forward to seeing how the city’s distinct neighborhoods become better connected and accessible.
What was the best compliment you ever received?
The best compliment that I’ve ever received was being told that I have an innate ability to make meaningful, personal connections with others.
Does your family have any traditions? If so, which is your favorite?
I did not grow up with many, if any, family traditions. But we do have a weird one that I love. My dad is obsessed with the song, “Hotel California” by Eagles. Every time the song would play on the radio, he would immediately stop talking or interrupt anyone that was talking to turn up the volume. He’d go, “Oh man! Great song!” And he’d say it triumphantly, as though he hadn’t heard the song in years, when I knew for a fact that we heard the song on a weekly basis. Even though the song would be played very loudly, he’d sing along while simultaneously trying to teach us the meaning behind the lyrics. And by lyrics, I mean the same phrase, every time (“You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave” is the phrase, for those interested).
If we got to our destination before the song ended, we had to wait in the car for the entirety of the song while my dad jammed out. It was not that we couldn’t leave the car, but it would make him sad and he’d say, “You’re missing the best part!” But that was his response to every part of the song. You wouldn’t think it, but we found ourselves in this situation so many times! I think the local DJs were conspiring against us. Unsurprisingly, I intensely disliked Hotel California for years. But now, it is such a funny and sweet memory. It makes me laugh and the song reminds me of my silly dad. Now, we will blast the song while we’re in the car with him and interrupt him to sing along and explain lyrics to him.
What’s your dream adventure vacation?
My dream adventure vacation is an exploration with Indiana Jones and Short Round! Climb some mountains, swim across questionable waters and have a few close encounters with death- you know, the usual. Also, Short Round is the spitting image of my cousin, so I have always had a soft spot for him.
