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January 21, 2025

Volunteer Spotlight: Maithilee Das Lappin

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By: Jeremy Kranowitz

This month, we are thrilled to shine a light on an exceptional volunteer, KIB Board Member, Adopt-A-Block Captain, Tree Tender, and Ambassador, Maithilee Das Lappin. Maithilee has been a driving force in the KIB community since she moved to Indianapolis after graduating from Purdue in 2015. Always eager to make a difference, she quickly became involved in local volunteer efforts, and her passion for environmental justice has only grown since then.

A Love for Volunteering

Maithilee’s journey with KIB began in the fall of 2015 when she attended a tree planting event. She recalls that the experience was so impactful that she immediately signed up to become an Ambassador later that year. “The satisfaction and warmth I feel leaving a KIB volunteer event is incomparable,” she shares. “Getting to spend a few hours of your Saturday morning outdoors, connecting with old friends and making new ones, and being able to give back to your community is a blessing.”

Her deep connection to KIB led to further involvement as a Block Captain in 2021, after she and her husband purchased their first home in Fall Creek Place. This spring, Maithilee also became a certified Tree Tender, a step she’s been eager to take for years.

Volunteerism and Personal Growth

Maithilee’s commitment to volunteering has shaped her life in profound ways. “Volunteerism has changed my life,” she says, quoting Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Growing up, Maithilee was always encouraged to give back to her community, and her passion for environmental sustainability has only strengthened over time. “I always knew I would end up making a career, or at the very least, a hobby, out of caring for the planet and helping people,” she reflects.

Fun, Hobbies, and Giving Back

When she’s not volunteering with KIB, Maithilee enjoys exploring the trails around Indianapolis with her husband. They love off-the-beaten-path adventures and traveling to new destinations. “We have a very full and fun social calendar,” Maithilee laughs, “or, as my husband says, ‘we have too many friends!’”

Her commitment to KIB extends beyond just planting trees and picking up litter. Maithilee has become an advocate for the Plogging Series, a KIB initiative that combines picking up trash with jogging, which takes place from May to October. “If I have time left over, I love to grab a beer after a plogging event,” she adds with a smile.

Advice for New Volunteers

For those who might feel intimidated about attending their first volunteer event, Maithilee has some great advice: “Bring a friend, coworker, family member, or your dog! Some of my favorite memories volunteering with KIB involve connecting with people (and finding neighborhood cats to pet). Everyone is friendly and nice. I guarantee you will leave the event feeling energized and happy.”

A Larger Connection to KIB’s Mission

In addition to her volunteer work with KIB, Maithilee also works with Marion County’s water systems, helping communities design better urban environments. Her professional work aligns perfectly with KIB’s mission to help people and nature thrive. She was a key part of the Ten Thousand Trees Initiative, which ties directly into her current work on combined sewer overflow (CSO) design efforts in Indianapolis. She is also managing the design of a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) storage facility project and assisting with the management of the lead service line replacement program led by Citizens Energy Group.

Maithilee is deeply committed to environmental justice and equity, and she is passionate about supporting initiatives that positively impact both people and the planet.

Categories: Adopt-A-Block, Clean Neighborhoods, Engaged Citizens, KIB Ambassadors, Tree Tenders, Volunteers