About MBCDC

Martindale Brightwood Community Development Corporation (MBCDC) is a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1992 to address the challenges and needs of residents living in the distressed neighborhoods. Located just northeast of downtown Indianapolis, Martindale Brightwood is the heart of the city. Despite decades of disinvestment and displacement, our community is home to nationally recognized educators, politicians, activists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. 

For three decades, MBCDC has cultivated partnerships to build a holistic community through housing and workforce development. We address critical housing needs by offering home repairs and working with real estate partners to identify safe and affordable housing. Our Individual Development Account (IDA) program assists low to moderate income neighbors reach financial goals through matched-savings incentives and financial education. 

MBCDC also offers the only mobile YES program in Indiana. This means we meet youth ages 16-24 where they are with job readiness training and paid workforce experience as well as help them eliminate barriers to success. Our small business resources help residents start and grow thriving businesses. 

We are committed to leading and organizing, engagement, and advocacy efforts for Martindale-Brightwood to foster a community of empowered neighbors who know each other and work together for a common good.  

Our Mission

Our mission is to be a catalyst in the sustainable development of the Martindale-Brightwood community through housing, employment, economic development, and environmental justice. 

Our Vision

We envision just and thriving neighborhoods in Martindale-Brightwood where all residents have the knowledge, social capital, and access to resources that allow them to sustain a prosperous, empowered, and healthy community. 

Our Team

Amina Pierson

Executive Director

Joi Harmon

Deputy Director

Dr. JoAnna Brown

Housing and Development Officer

Julie Barrett

Employment Services Director

Gina Coleman

Project Accountant

Keysha Toran

Program Coordinator

Briana Franklin

Communications Coordinator

Join Our Team

Are you passionate about economic and community development? We’re always looking for people dedicated to our mission to join us in the work. 

Our Board of Directors

Tosha Huddleston

Board President, Executive Committee Chair

Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI), Director of Human Resource

Daniel Kinnamon

Board Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair

 Kinnamon Financial, CPA

Julie Davis

Board Secretary

 IU Robert McKinney School of Law, Assoc. Director for Office of Student Affairs

Jean Breaux

Golf/Fundraising Committee Chair

State Senator, District 34

Jennifer Mentink

 Community Building Committee Chair

Citizens Energy Group, Marketing Coordinator

Onyette Hamiter

Community Building Committee

Entrepreneur

Delma Williams

 Housing Committee

Community Leader, Retired

Wendy Jenkins

Wendy Jenkins

Jenkins’ Career Corner Inc.

Durrell Cullens

Durrell Cullens

Grandview Lending, Inc.

DeVon Davis

DeVon Davis

 Bose Public Affairs Group,
Public Policy Specialist

Sandra Davis

Sandra Jones

 Raytheon Intelligence

History of Martindale Brightwood

Northeast neighborhood bounded by 30th Street, 21st Street/Massachusetts Avenue/10th Street, Sherman Drive, and the Monon Trail, the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood encompasses two previously independent settlements.