From biology major to purpose-driven professional, Lucy Wehlage recently stopped by See Yourself IN to share how she built a career she loves in Indianapolis—and what advice she has for others looking to start strong.
Q: Tell us a little about your background. What did you study, and how did you get started in your career?
Lucy: I grew up in a family surrounded by healthcare, so I thought I might follow in their footsteps. I studied biology in college and loved science, especially organic chemistry and physics. I loved the mindset of solving problems and thinking critically. However, by my junior year, I realized I didn’t want to attend graduate school. I wanted to go straight into the workforce.
That’s when I discovered the Orr Fellowship, and it felt like this starry, bright opportunity—perfect for someone who’s driven but still figuring out exactly what they want to do. It provided me with a community, a career, and opportunities for continued learning, all right here in Indianapolis. That’s how I got connected to The Heritage Group.
Q: What was it about science that always drew you in?
Lucy: It always felt like solving a puzzle—sometimes complicated, sometimes unclear—but there was always a solution. I’ve carried that mindset into my work today.
Q: You’ve talked about your love of science and people. How do you blend those two in your current role?
Lucy: In high school and college, I threw myself into clubs and organizations where teamwork and shared purpose created powerful, lasting connections. I’ve always really valued relationships and building community. Now, I’m able to use those people skills alongside the problem-solving skills I developed through science. That combination is what makes me successful and my work so fulfilling.
Q: What do you do now at The Heritage Group?
Lucy: I’m the Strategic Partnerships and Experiences Lead. That means I drive our corporate philanthropy and social impact initiatives. At The Heritage Group, we think about philanthropy as more than just writing checks—we ask how we can use our time and our talent, not just our treasure, to benefit our community.
We focus on six main areas: food security, housing, workforce development, STEM education, families, and sustainability. My role is to establish purposeful partnerships that align with these pillars and to help engage our employees in meaningful community work.
Q: Can you give an example of a project that excites you?
Lucy: Absolutely—Kids Science Camp is my favorite. It’s a three-day camp for our employees’ children, where we teach hands-on science tied to our work at The Heritage Group—everything from asphalt to chemicals to environmental sustainability.
We’re not just giving our employees something valuable for their families; we’re also helping kids connect what their parents do to the real world. It’s incredible to see a child realize, “Oh! That’s what Mom or Dad was talking about.” Science becomes something tangible, exciting, and essential.
Q: What makes STEM education so important to you—and to Indiana’s future?
Lucy: We’re at a moment in Indiana where hard tech is booming, and we need strong STEM education to keep that momentum. It’s not just about awareness—it’s about building a talent pipeline for Indiana’s advanced industries. The more we can expose students to what STEM looks like in real life, the stronger our workforce and economy will be.
Q: Where does your passion for STEM come from?
Lucy: STEM has always been part of my family. My parents worked in healthcare, and I grew up hearing about their work at the dinner table. They also sent me to science camps when I was young, and I remember feeling that spark—that aha moment when you realize science is everywhere. It’s creative, it’s grounded, and it’s powerful. And now I get to work at a company that lives and breathes STEM every day.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting in their career?
Lucy: Three things have made a big difference for me:
Organization – I treat it like a superpower. I make to-do lists, plan backwards from deadlines, and always come to meetings with a clear agenda. Being organized helps me balance multiple projects without feeling overwhelmed.
Communication – That means asking good questions and explaining your ideas clearly, but it also means listening. Active, empathetic listening has helped me build stronger relationships and become a better teammate.
Time Management – I’m still working on this every day. When I have a long project, like Kids Science Camp, which takes about eight months, I break it into chunks. I also use project plans to track progress, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
Q: What’s one lesson that’s stuck with you?
Lucy: Focus on what you can control. Early in my career, I spent a lot of energy worrying about things outside of my control—how others responded, long-term outcomes, and organizational shifts. Now I focus on my actions, my attitude, and my effort. That mindset shift made me more confident and resilient.
Q: What’s the culture like at The Heritage Group, and what’s kept you there?
Lucy: I’ve been here since I joined through the Orr Fellowship, and I’ve stayed because it’s a place that bets on people. I’ve always felt trusted and supported, even when I was taking risks or learning something new. There’s a fundamental belief in personal growth and a culture of feedback that helps you get better.
Q: Final question—what would you say to someone trying to figure out where to begin?
Lucy: Start with what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and where you want to make an impact. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to be open, ask questions, and say yes to opportunities that stretch you. That’s how I found a career I love—and I never saw it coming.
If you have a passion for science, math, or problem-solving, Indiana’s advanced industries may have a job for you. Discover tools, stories, and opportunities to help you take the next step at See Yourself IN.
Looking for careers in Indiana’s advanced industries?
Want to learn more about building your future in Indiana’s advanced industries? Explore more career stories and resources at See Yourself IN.