Meet Kyler Bourne, a second-year Orr Fellow and a proud graduate of Huntington University (‘23), where he earned a BS in Business and Marketing. Currently, Kyler works at eimagine as part of their training and development team, leveraging his skills to foster growth and innovation. Within Orr Fellowship, he wears multiple hats, serving as the Programming and Events Coordinator for the DEI team and a Co-School Lead for Southern Indiana recruitment efforts.
Kyler’s passions extend far beyond his professional life. Guided by his faith, he is deeply committed to creating spaces where people of all backgrounds feel valued, loved, and welcomed. Whether championing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives or advocating for belonging and authenticity, Kyler strives to build communities where everyone’s story matters.
Outside of work, Kyler is an avid volleyball player. He participates in CCA teams and is a member of the Naptown Nitros, a professional grassroots team in the Volleyball League of America (VLA). He also picked up crochet and modeling part-time since moving to Indianapolis. At home, Kyler spends time with his beloved cat, Suki, who is his work from home partner and supporter. Based in Indianapolis, he is always eager to connect with others and explore new experiences.
What inspired you to join the Orr Fellowship, and how has the experience shaped your personal and professional growth?
It’s quite uncanny how I came to learn about the Orr Fellowship. When I graduated in 2023, Huntington University had never had an Orr Fellow alumnus in the 22 years of the Fellowship’s existence, unlike its sister schools such as Bethel, Taylor, and IU, which had many. Consequently, there was no active recruitment for Fellows on our campus. I discovered Orr through two alumni, Lucy Wehlage and Lauren Kenny, who were working at partner companies where I interviewed for internships. Both suggested I apply for Orr Fellowship at the start of my senior year. For me, it felt like a divine call to action and the right next step for my career. The prospect of joining a diverse group of individuals from across the state and country, and starting adulthood with people who shared similar values, was incredibly appealing.
My experience as an Orr Fellow has been profoundly impactful. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression, the program has provided me with opportunities to step out, swap stories, and build connections with others. The relationships I have formed are invaluable. Professionally, Orr Fellowship has given me a support network and a platform for guidance and connection. The leadership training and workshops have equipped me with the tools to make difficult work decisions, and I have leaned on my Fellows for advice and companionship through the peaks and pits of starting our first jobs.
Can you share a pivotal moment that influenced your commitment to championing DEI and belonging?
Throughout my life, I have engaged with diverse communities, including sports teams, volunteer groups, close-knit friend circles, retail and fast food teams, and a Christian university. These experiences have highlighted the rich diversity that exists among us, regardless of our environment or activities.
Two significant moments have shaped my commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and belonging. Firstly, my college roommate and best friend, Cydney Bridges, profoundly influenced my perspective. Cydney, the first Black Miss Indiana (2023) to win with braids and the Second Runner-Up at Miss America, also earned Miss Congeniality. Through our college years and beyond, living with Cydney allowed me to learn from her diverse experiences, upbringing, and values, broadening my understanding of different communities.
Secondly, my passion for DEI was further ignited when I lost my job as a Spiritual Mentor in college due to my LGBTQ+ identity. The ultimatum to either remove a post and deny this aspect of myself or resign, without any discussion, was deeply troubling. This experience underscored the importance of not just recognizing diversity but actively championing it to foster better understanding and inclusion for all individuals, marginalized or not.
Volleyball is clearly a big part of your life! What has playing professionally taught you about teamwork and leadership, and how do you apply those lessons in your professional life?
Playing volleyball at a professional level, especially after focusing on track in college and not playing organized volleyball since high school, has been a dream come true. My passion for the sport fuels my dedication, and gratitude helps me maintain a balanced mindset throughout the seasons.
Through playing with various teams and individuals, I have learned that players bring not only their skills but also their unique personalities and stories. People lead in different ways: with intensity, positivity, analytical thinking, or leading by example. Playing professionally has taught me the importance of leveraging each other’s strengths and addressing struggles to enhance team performance. We invest significant time in building connections off the court, such as through dinners and hangouts, and we may select players to start based on the energy the team needs to compete successfully.
This experience has translated into my professional life, enabling me to recognize my own strengths and areas for improvement, contribute effectively, and create a space for others to express their authentic selves. This approach fosters positive collaboration and diverse training outcomes.
You’ve been living in Indianapolis for a while now. What’s your favorite thing about the city, and what’s one local spot you’d recommend to someone new?
I appreciate the proximity of the various communities within Indianapolis, offering numerous opportunities to explore food, culture, and more. I frequently visit areas such as Westfield, Broad Ripple, Downtown, Speedway, Castleton, and Fishers. However, it is the people who truly make a place feel like home, and I am grateful to Orr Fellowship for providing the opportunity to build a community of friends in this vibrant city.
One of my favorite experiences in Indy was attending the Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. I enjoyed a fantastic buffet dinner followed by an exceptional performance of “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” which was a wonderful experience to share with friends. Additionally, I loved visiting Urban Apples Cidery & Restaurant to enjoy drinks, live music, and hang out with Fellows.
Your faith plays a significant role in your life and values. How has it shaped the way you approach your career and relationships?
I believe it is crucial, regardless of religion, to lean into our “Why” for life. Continuous curiosity, unconditional love, and unreserved forgiveness have saved me in many ways, and these will remain my aspirations as I navigate my roles as a business professional, volleyball player, best friend, family member, and more. My faith has illuminated the power of story and connection in my life. Through my personal relationship with my faith, I have gained a deeper understanding of my purpose and how I can best serve my Creator and my communities. My values and faith are deeply personal, and I am committed to advocating for others to discover their own beliefs and identities. I will remain an advocate for individuals to utilize their insights and findings as a guide to improve the lives of others and themselves.
Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals, whether personal, professional, or both?
As Orr Fellowship concludes, I aim to avoid setting restrictive and specific goals, as they may limit my openness to new opportunities. Professionally, I plan to prioritize my passions and invest in continued learning. In the coming years, I want to feel that I am making a meaningful impact at work while enjoying what I do. I also intend to focus on personal development, whether through reading more, attending graduate school, or pursuing certifications and training.
On a personal level, I strive to maintain connections as I transition to alumni status. I want to continuously pursue relationships and networking, recognizing the importance of sustaining my communities without the structure of the Orr event calendar. Through these aspirations, I hope to become a better version of myself for both me and those I choose to share my life with.
