LINDSEY NIERMAN
SOLAR Member Spotlight
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a full-time pilates instructor for Circle City Pilates and other Indianapolis area clients. I’ve lived in Indianapolis for almost six years. Living in Indianapolis has given me so many opportunities to become involved as a donor, committee member or volunteer in many organizations like Girls Inc, Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library, International Center of Indianapolis and KIB. I am also an active member at the Indianapolis Fashion Collective and Planned Parenthood Young Leaders.
I enjoy cycling, dancing, photography, art, writing, fashion and pilates. My husband, Joe, and I are PBS and WFYI addicts and get really competitive when we play Wii Sports. We have a chihuhua named Maggie Doodles, and all three of us despise Indiana winters.
Why did you first support SOLAR?
I was working for the International Center of Indianapolis as their volunteer coordinator when I first heard about KIB. The Center was honoring Governor Mitch Daniels that year as the International Citizen of the Year and briefly considered honoring him with a memorial tree planted along the Gene and Marilyn Glick Cultural Trail, so I began researching KIB and the Neighborwoods Projects around town. I signed up for an educational SOLAR event and was hooked.
Do you have a favorite KIB experience or memory?
My most memorable KIB experience is not exactly my favorite, but pretty funny, and involves a run in with a cow during a SOLAR group field trip to Trader’s Point Creamery. I won’t elaborate, but it was definitely the last time I’ll get that close to a cow. I’d have to say my favorite memory of a KIB experience would be my first tree planting. The people in the north east side neighborhood planting the trees were so impressed by the number of SOLAR members and KIB volunteers who came out to help them plant these trees. I really felt their appreciation of the outpouring of support to enrich our city, and it was amazing.
What keeps you involved?
Many of the friends I had growing up in Indiana chose to use their talents in other cities outside of the Midwest and don’t experience and see the potential to make a difference in their cities in the way that I can. They sometimes criticize my choice to make my home here due to the stereotypical outlook they have of a Midwestern city. I’m motivated to keep Indianapolis moving toward becoming a “World Class City” unlike other Midwestern cities. I stay motivated by surrounding myself with amazing people who have visions for Indianapolis’ future and are excited about its potential. I’m motivated by breaking stereotypes and creating new growth and diversity in our city. I love knowing that my friends and I are shaping the culture of our city through our involvement at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.
Do you have a favorite place in the city?
It’s hard for me to choose a favorite place in Indianapolis, though I’ve always felt my heart belongs in the Cottage Homes or Woodruff Place neighborhoods. My first apartment was a tiny 500 square foot nook on West Drive. I became familiar with the area and the active neighborhood associations which cared so deeply for Woodruff Place, its beautification and history. I truly fell in love with its quirky fountains, mature trees and impressive homes. My favorite view of the city, however, is seen from the Skyline Club in the One American Building. My husband and I are members there, and the view of Monument Circle over a romantic dinner never gets old for me!
