Blog post written by current fellow Wodsander Maxime, Class of 2026
People often ask me why I’ve chosen to build my career in Indianapolis instead of moving somewhere bigger. It’s a fair question, especially in tech, where there’s often pressure to chase the next city or the next opportunity.
For me the answer has never been about the city itself but what the city has given me.
I moved to Indianapolis when I was nine years old after my little brother was born. At the time, it was simply where my family was starting a new chapter. I couldn’t have imagined that nearly every chapter after that would begin right here.
Growing up, Indianapolis was my classroom. I went through Indianapolis Public Schools, where every experience seemed to introduce me to someone who pushed me to become a little better than I was the day before. Whether I was competing in sports, performing music, participating in clubs, or working to stay on the honor roll, I was surrounded by people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself.
Looking back, I’ve realized that’s been a pattern throughout my life.
When I chose Indiana University, I wasn’t just following my sister. I was following someone I admired. The more I reflect on it, the more I recognize that many of my biggest decisions have been influenced by the people around me. I’ve always valued relationships over destinations because it’s the people who shape your future, not your ZIP code.
As life moved forward, so did my perspective on Indianapolis.
As a kid, I knew the city through school events, basketball tournaments, and family gatherings. As an adult, I’ve had the chance to experience a completely different side of Indy. I’ve grown to appreciate the city’s social scene, its restaurants, and the unique character of its neighborhoods. One evening might consist of meeting friends at The Rabbit Hole. Another might entail watching the sunset from Astrea Rooftop Bar, or ending the week with dessert from The Cake Bake Shop. These experiences remind me that Indianapolis isn’t just a great place to grow up; it’s a great place to build a life.
Today, I work as a Cyber/Data Engineer at MISO, where I focus on data management and governance. My role is about making sure data is reliable, well managed, and positioned to support informed decisions across an organization responsible for keeping the lights on for millions of people throughout the Midwest. It’s meaningful work, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the same community that invested so much in me.
When people ask why I’ve stayed in Indianapolis, they’re really asking why I chose to stay close to the people and places that shaped me.
The answer is simple.
I’ve watched this city grow, and in many ways, it’s watched me grow too. Indianapolis gave me coaches who taught me resilience, teachers who challenged me, friends who became family, and mentors who showed me what leadership looks like. It gave me opportunities to compete, to perform, to learn, and now, to contribute.
That’s why Indy.
Not because it’s where I happened to grow up, but because it’s where I found my community. It’s where I discovered that success isn’t just about where you go. It’s about who you grow with, who you serve, and where you choose to make a difference.
For me, that place has always been Indiana.
