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

Jasmine Buchanan

Executive Administrator

Julie Barrett

Employment Services Director

Keysha Toran

Program Coordinator

Chenille Barrett

Microenterprise Navigator

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

Durrell Cullens

Board President

Grandview Lending, Inc.

Julie Davis

Board Vice President

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

Sandra Davis

Sandra Jones

Board Secretary

Raytheon Intelligence 

Dorothy Price

Board Treasurer

PNC Bank

Jennifer Mentink

 Community Building Committee Chair

Citizens Energy Group, Manager, Brand & Corporate Engagement| Corporate and Public Affairs

JoAnna M. Brown Ph.D.

Housing Committee Chair

Heartland School of Leadership and Development

Dawn Lindsey, Ph.D.

Housing Committee

Vari-Teck LLC

Robert Hailey

 Housing Committee

Old National Bank

Jean Breaux

Golf/Fundraising Committee Chair

State Senator, District 34

DeVon Davis

DeVon Davis

Innovation Committee 

 Bose Public Affairs Group,
Public Policy Specialist

Sandra Davis

Bria Kemp, Esq.

Golf Committee 

Marion County Prosecutor’s Office  

Wendy Jenkins

Wendy Jenkins

Innovation Committee 

Mary’s Little Lamb Day-care and Jenkins Career Corner, Owner 

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.