Our alumni podcast is back with all-new success stories from real Elevate alumni!

Join us this month as we sit down with Mikhail, an Arsenal Tech graduate and Elevate alumnus, to discuss how he went from quiet to bold confidence and lived out his commitment to his siblings that "we can still go out there and do something with ourselves," as he shares how his apprenticeship at Forvis helped him tackle his goals.

Elevate Indianapolis President and CEO Aaron Story continues the Elevate Long-term Life-changing Legacies Podcast Series.

This episode features Javeauhn Holmes, a 2025 Lawrence Central graduate now attending Indiana University Bloomington. Javeauhn shares his journey as a first-generation college student, his love for Indianapolis, and the importance of giving back — building a future rooted in purpose, discipline, and community connection in the city that raised him.

Elevate Indianapolis President and CEO Aaron Story continues the 10th anniversary alumni series with a focus on Purdue Poly High School. This episode features Victoria Anderson, a 2025 Purdue Poly graduate now attending Founders College at Butler University, and co-interviewer Gabe Story, a Purdue Poly alumnus and current Hanover College student. Victoria shares her journey graduating high school early, balancing college and work, becoming a first-generation college student, and building a future rooted in purpose, discipline and community connection in Indianapolis.

Imani, a George Washington High School graduate and IU Indianapolis student, joins Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington to share how perseverance, faith, and family shaped her path toward a career in public health and nursing. In this episode of “10 Years of Long-Term Life-Changing Legacy of Elevate,” she opens up about overcoming academic setbacks, discovering her purpose, and how Elevate’s mentorship helped her thrive through adversity.

Union ironworker Chris Estrada joins Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington to share his inspiring journey from homelessness on Indy’s west side to building a thriving career and mentoring others. A 2019 Arsenal Tech graduate, Estrada reflects on lessons from Elevate mentors, how hard work and integrity shaped his life, and what “thriving” really means. This episode celebrates 10 years of Elevate Indy’s long-term, life-changing legacy.

Elevate Indianapolis presents another inspiring story in our 10-year legacy series. Elevate Indianapolis President Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington sit down with David Leye, a George Washington High School graduate and college basketball player at the City College of New York. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised on the west side of Indianapolis, Le reflects on his journey from being cut from multiple basketball teams to earning his spot on a college roster. He shares how discipline, faith, and family shaped his resilience—and how thriving means pushing forward when life doesn’t go as planned.

In this Elevate Indianapolis alumni podcast, President and CEO Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington speak with Mariana, a 2022 Arsenal Tech graduate and current senior at the University of Indianapolis. Mariana reflects on her journey growing up in Fountain Square, attending local schools including William McKinley School 39 and Harshman Middle School, and eventually graduating from Arsenal Tech. Now preparing to graduate in 2026 with a degree in elementary education and a minor in child and youth programming, she shares how her family and community have been her foundation through challenges such as childhood medical issues, a serious car accident, and the demands of her education major.

In this Elevate Indianapolis alumni podcast, President and CEO Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington speak with Te’Niah Evans as the organization marks its 10th anniversary. Evans, a 2022 graduate now studying business at Indiana Wesleyan, reflects on her journey from North Carolina to Indianapolis, her experiences with IPS and township schools, and how Elevate mentors like Ms. Garza and Ms. Banks shaped her path. She shares candid insights about bullying, resilience, motherhood, college, and her vision for financial freedom.

In this first episode of Elevate Indianapolis’ 10th anniversary alumni podcast series, President and CEO Aaron Story and leadership coach Gisela Perez introduce George Washington High School graduate Calvin Washington. Calvin shares how Elevate’s mentors shaped his life, from middle school fights to launching his own car detailing business and preparing for Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He reflects on core childhood memories, the impact of family support, losing a close friend, and his vision for Indianapolis’ youth.

00:00 Show Me Your Friends, Show Me Your Future

00:31 Welcome and Elevate Indy Overview

01:11 Meet the Hosts and Special Guests

01:55 Introducing Calvin: Background and Story

03:13 Growing Up in Indianapolis

04:28 Family Support and Influences

06:41 Core Childhood Memories

08:17 Fighting, Mentorship, and Turning Points

10:08 Discovering Elevate and Its Impact

12:21 Powerful Mentors and Influence

13:03 Life-Changing Trips and Experiences

14:32 Loss, Legacy, and Friendship

15:53 Lessons Learned for the Next Generation

16:25 Becoming a Young Entrepreneur

18:49 Launching the Car Detailing Business

20:15 Building Connections and Planning Ahead

21:38 Thriving and Giving Back

23:04 Consistency, Listening, and Growth

24:04 Current Life, College, and Goals for the Future

25:34 Paving the Way: Education and Family Legacy

27:03 Role Models and Breaking Cycles

28:08 Challenges in Indianapolis: Family, Youth, and Solutions

30:32 Support, Advice, and What Needs to Change

31:04 Elevate's Impact: Growing the Legacy

32:20 Final Thoughts, Invitation, and How to Get Involved

In this special trailer, Elevate Indianapolis President and CEO Aaron Story introduces 10 Years of Long-term Life-changing Legacy of Elevate, a podcast celebrating the organization’s 10th anniversary. Since 2015, Elevate has built long-term, life-changing relationships that equip students to thrive and contribute in their communities.

The series features stories from alumni, students and mentors across Indianapolis—highlighting resilience, transformation and the truth that no one gets there alone. Subscribe to hear how Elevate is shaping the next generation of leaders and how you can join the mission.