Amber leads the charge as Orr Fellowship’s first-ever Head of Partnerships and alum on the leadership team, driving efforts to expand and strengthen relationships within our Partner network. Amber also actively recruits new hiring partners with presences in the Indianapolis business community who are aligned with the Orr Fellowship’s values and are excited to provide graduates with early-career employment opportunities.
Her role is all about building meaningful connections—whether it’s engaging with executives, attending local business events, or fostering a positive experience for both Partners and Fellows. Amber’s work helps shape the future of Orr Fellowship and its Fellows for years to come. Now, let’s learn a little bit more about Amber!
Take us on your career journey — what led you to this role?
In the summer of 2023, I contracted with Orr to launch an updated website which is what first connected me to the Orr executive team in recent years. In mid-2024, I was in between roles and the opportunity to get involved with Orr as the Head of Partnerships popped up and felt like this awesome marrying of a lot of areas I’ve explored in my career so far.
As an Orr Fellow alum, I started my career in the Indy tech scene which led to being on the founding teams of three different tech startups along with a stint in freelance work partnering with some of my former leaders helping tech startups with marketing and demand generation. I’ve always worn many hats in my roles across marketing, brand, sales, partnerships, and chief of staff duties, predominantly in HR Technology, and I was excited about the opportunity to continue to work on a small team at Orr and give back to the organization that helped me start my career.
What does your role entail? What are you most excited to work on?
I’m the point person for all net-new and existing partner companies in regard to hiring Orr Fellows and employing them throughout their two-year Fellowship. I’m a relationship builder, so whether I’m connecting with Partners, or getting to know Fellows, establishing trust and being available to brainstorm and problem-solve across a variety of areas really energizes me.
What excites you about the future of Orr Fellowship and its impact on young talent across Indianapolis?
The Fellows are our glimpse into the future leaders of our city’s top industries. We have such good ingredients across our leadership both at the strategic level and Fellow-led teams to continue up-leveling the leaders that come out of Orr.
How do you spend your time away from work? What is one thing you wish people knew about you?
I consume a lot of streamed media. Ask me for show recommendations! Avid reader, enjoy seeking out new dining spots/coffee shops whether in Indy or while traveling. I wish people knew that if it has rhubarb in it, I am going to try it.
How has your experience as a past Fellow shaped your perspective now that you are working for Orr Fellowship?
Understanding what makes an Orr Fellow’s experience in Orr and at their Partner Company both effective and special from my first-hand experience — as someone who has helped hire Orr Fellows at previous companies, and now as I work alongside Partners — presents a well-rounded view into the opportunity to continue evolving our programming from a variety of angles.
What advice would you offer to young professionals who are just beginning their careers?
“Assume positive intent,” and “Obstacle is the way.” I’m handing these down from some leaders who gifted it to me early in my career. But they’re good guide posts for most anything. Usually, people are doing what they think is best — if you assume positive intent from the get-go, you’ll show up with much more grace in every situation. And if something seems tough, it probably is, and a lesson is waiting on the other side, so if you’re being challenged, jump on it and let that challenge shape you. Obstacle is the only way.
In what ways do you get to engage with Fellows to support them during their professional and personal growth?
Connecting Fellows to companies, our alumni network, and each other. 1:1 coaching on ways to navigate challenges and opportunities when it comes to roles and responsibilities both inside and outside of Orr. Hoping to expand upon this now that recruitment season is on pause!
If you could describe your experience as an Orr Fellow (and working for Orr Fellowship) in just a couple of words, what would you say?
Maximum involvement yields maximum results. Say yes! To experiences. Connections. Friends. What you put in is what you’ll get out.
What is a hobby or interest that you have that may surprise people?
I play NYT Connections almost every day. Big fan of Broadway. Thrifter. Dabble in flower arranging and interior design projects. My closet is more equipped to support the outfit you need for a themed event (read: costume) than it is for a typical Tuesday.
