Brooke Klejnot's discovery of Broad Ripple as a college student and later as a resident has led to a rebirth in the area and in her career as Broad Ripple Village Association's Executive Director.

"My first introduction to Broad Ripple was as a visitor; I used to visit Broad Ripple as a college student about once a month. And, I loved it! So much so, I moved to Broad Ripple in 2005 while I was still completing my undergraduate degree. So, for over 7 years now, I've been a resident in the area. I love the restaurants here and the Monon Trail. Whenever I have family or friends visit, I really enjoy showing them all the things that make Broad Ripple such a unique community," Ms. Klejnot explained.

A Fort Wayne native, she earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Ball State University. Her non-profit work early in her career eventually led to her current position.

"My supervisor at the Indianapolis Art Center told me about the position and recommended I apply for it. She was a Broad Ripple resident and was super excited about the prospect of me leveraging my skill sets at the BRVA. At the time, I had a few other employment opportunities that I was considering, so I really had to evaluate what I wanted and what was important to me and ultimately, where I could do the most good. I have a passion for the area - living and working here - and I have a passion for community development and planning. The BRVA was positioned to make a huge impact in the community in those areas and I decided that we were a match made in heaven! So, I applied and after a few months of interviewing, had the great pleasure of accepting the position," she mentioned.

Ms. Klejnot discussed the goals of the BRVA. "The BRVA is focusing on programs and initiatives that enrich the community, attract investment, amplify public spaces, and improve quality of life. One of our goals is to preserve the character of the Village; which touches on both business mix and the natural environment. Broad Ripple has the highest concentration of independently-owned businesses in the city and we are working to keep it that way. It's part of what makes Broad Ripple, Broad Ripple. We are also improving the natural and built environment. Right now our Land Use and Development committee uses the principles and guidelines in the Broad Ripple Plan (adopted by the City last fall) to improve the Village property-by-property and parcel-by-parcel. Other projects we are working on include pedestrian scale lighting, a residential parking permit program, and block club program.

Availability of funds has been challenging for communities, both locally and nationally, as they determine what and where to invest for the future.

"When municipalities are crunched on their budgets, it forces community organizations, like the BRVA, to think creativity about how to do it on their own. BRVA has always been proactive and continues to create its own destiny. We will find a way to do what needs to be done for Broad Ripple. One thing I think is unique to this organization is that BRVA is managed almost completely by volunteers, with the exception of myself. Board members serve three years and also commit to serving on committees devoted to various activities. There are 10 standing committees (Land Use and Development, Beautification, Public Safety, Business Division, Membership, Governance, Farmers Market, Historic Home Tour, Gallery Tour, Lights Up) that work mostly year-round," she said.

Future events, news, public safety and economic development initiatives can be found at www.brva.org, in addition to a current fund drive to raise $175,000 to commemorate Broad Ripple's 175th anniversary. According to their website, money raised will go towards community improvement projects including green space, public art, bike corrals, and pedestrian scale lighting.

You can also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BroadRippleVillage and follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/Broad_Ripple. Questions can be answered at (317) 251-2782 or by e-mailing info@brva.org.

Brooke Klejnot's plans for BRVA are as bright as a sunny springtime day as she and her fellow board members create their vision for its future.