When Lucy started college, she was surrounded by a family of healthcare professionals and planned to follow in their footsteps. She studied biology and loved her science classes—organic chemistry, physics, and problem-solving lit her up. But as graduation drew closer, she realized she wasn’t drawn to the clinical path she always thought she’d take.
Instead, she wanted to jump right into the workforce and find a career where she could apply her skills in a meaningful way.
“I knew I loved science, the mindset of figuring out a problem and solving it. But working in a lab didn’t excite me,” she says. “I wanted to make an impact, I just didn’t know exactly where that would be.”
That decision—choosing to explore rather than follow a predetermined path—led Lucy to the Orr Fellowship, a post-grad program in Indianapolis that gives early-career professionals opportunities to work, grow, and lead within Indiana’s innovation economy.
“It gave me a career, a community, and the confidence to figure out what I wanted to be. It also connected me to The Heritage Group, and that changed everything.”
Finding the Right Career Fit
Lucy joined The Heritage Group, first as an Orr Fellow and then was hired from her fellowship to a full-time role. Based in Indianapolis, the company spans several industries—from construction to sustainability to specialty chemicals—but it was their focus on people that drew her in.
Today, Lucy serves as the Strategic Partnerships and Experiences Lead at the company’s corporate level, where she leads philanthropy and social impact efforts. She spends her days creating partnerships that align with the company’s values and investing in the communities where their employees live and work.
“Doing the right thing is one of our core values, and in my role, I get to live that out every day,” she says. “We focus on areas like food security, housing, workforce development, and STEM education—and we don’t just give money. We use our time and our expertise to make a real difference.”
One of Lucy’s proudest accomplishments is Kids Science Camp, a three-day hands-on event for employees’ children. It teaches young learners about the industries in which their parents work, using fun experiments in asphalt, chemicals, and sustainability.
“It’s not only a way to invest in our employees’ families—it’s a chance to show kids that science can be creative, exciting, and relevant to their everyday lives,” Lucy says. “When you see that lightbulb go off for them, it’s extraordinary.”
Advice for Anyone Figuring Out What Comes Next
Looking back, Lucy never imagined that her love for science and her passion for people could come together so seamlessly in one role. But that’s precisely what happened.
“I never thought there’d be a career where I could combine purpose-driven work, relationship building, and science,” she says. “But now I wake up excited to go to work. I feel fortunate.”
For anyone just beginning their journey, wondering how to build a career they love, Lucy offers three pieces of practical advice:
- Get organized.
“Organization is my superpower. I use to-do lists, pre-reads, agendas—anything to keep myself on track. If you can stay organized, you can manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines without feeling overwhelmed.”
- Be an empathetic communicator.
“Asking questions, following up, and learning how to give and receive feedback are important skills. But equally important—if not more so—is listening. Some of the strongest relationships I’ve built at work have come from just being a good listener and being open to hearing others’ perspectives.”
- Manage your time with intention.
“I’ve learned to break big projects down into smaller, doable steps. It makes things less intimidating and helps me stay consistent over time, especially when a project lasts months.”
- She also stresses the importance of finding peer mentors.
“Connecting with someone at a similar stage in their career can be incredibly grounding. You learn together, support each other, and share insights from your different experiences.”
- And above all else, Lucy says, focus on what you can control.
“Early on, I spent too much energy worrying about things outside my control—how others responded, big organizational changes, outcomes I couldn’t predict. But once I shifted my focus to my effort, attitude, and how I present myself every day, everything became clearer. It gave me confidence and made me more resilient.”
Why Indianapolis?
For Lucy, what’s kept her in Indianapolis isn’t just the job—it’s the community, the opportunity, and the support.
“There’s a real sense of trust and growth here. Heritage is the kind of place where I’ve always felt believed in, where I’ve had the freedom to try new things and the support to learn from them.”
Indianapolis gave Lucy the space to explore, connect, and contribute on her terms. It became a place where she could shape a career using her skills and values to what her company needed.
And it can be that place for you, too.
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