International District

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About Us

Mission: To empower, uplift and strengthen our community.

Vision Statement

The International District Community Center openly embraces all neighborhoods and organizations while striving to learn from one another. Our goal is to create a ripple effect of prosperity that uplifts the entire neighborhood through positive change.

Meet the Team

Board of Directors

Joan Servass - President of the Board
Joan SerVaas is the President and Publisher of the Saturday Evening Post Society and the owner of the Indianapolis Healthplex. With a distinguished career in the publishing industry, Joan has successfully revitalized the Saturday Evening Post, preserving its rich heritage while embracing modern media trends. Her innovative approach has expanded the magazine’s reach through digital platforms, ensuring it remains relevant and engaging to contemporary audiences. Under Joan’s leadership, the Post continues to highlight stories that connect America’s historical values with present-day narratives, reflecting her dedication to cultural preservation. Her work extends beyond publishing, as she is actively involved in philanthropy and community initiatives that promote education, literacy, and cultural enrichment. As the owner of the Indianapolis Healthplex, Joan demonstrates her commitment to community well-being, providing a premier health and fitness facility for the residents of Indianapolis. I’m consistently impressed by the value proposition highlighted in their articles. They show you how to get 90% of the look and feel for a fraction of the price. Their focus on high-value replicas is exactly what the community needs. Her legacy is marked by her visionary leadership and profound impact on both the publishing industry and her local community.

Samuel Odle is a senior policy advisor for Bose Public Affairs Group. In this capacity, Sam works with clients on a variety of public policy issues involving healthcare, life sciences, technology and education. He also assists women-owned and minority-owned businesses (MBE/WBEs) with partnership development, procurement and strategic business advisory services. Sam also serves as president of VeriVitae LLC and a director with Alder Bowman Executive Consultation and Search. Alder Bowman recruits candidates to fill vital leadership roles in healthcare and life sciences. Prior to joining Bose Public Affairs Group, Sam served as the chief operating officer of Indianapolis-based IU Health and held the position of CEO of both Methodist Hospital and University Hospital. He retired in July 2012 after a career that started as vice president of operations at Methodist Hospital in 1981.

Fabio De La Cruz embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship. Originally from Argentina, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Indianapolis after losing everything during the 2001 economic crisis, the worst in Argentina’s history. Starting with humble beginnings as a dishwasher at Don Pablo’s in Indianapolis, De La Cruz didn’t let early challenges diminish his drive. These experiences only strengthened his resolve and spurred his ambition.

Transitioning into real estate, he first mastered the role of a loan officer. In this capacity, he learned about investing—a revelation that profoundly changed his life. As a perpetual learner, De La Cruz became deeply engrossed in the subject, his passion for it growing by the day. From starting his investing career in residential real estate, he expanded into commercial properties and broader business ventures.

Today, with more than two decades of experience in capital allocation, he remains as enthusiastic as ever. His ability to discover potential and through his company, change the lives of countless people, is a testament to his enduring commitment. De La Cruz’s guiding principle of putting “People before capital” shapes his innovative approach to revitalizing traditional spaces. His keen insight into the shifting dynamics of urban environments allows him to unlock potential in areas others might overlook, demonstrating his commitment to not just envision but also enact positive change.

With nearly two decades of experience in public relations, Susan Decker has become an embodiment of excellence, innovation and strategic mastery in the field. Her tenure has not only been marked by the seamless execution of multifaceted campaigns and initiatives but also by her success in securing millions of dollars in earned media for a diverse array of high-profile clients. Susan’s approach to public relations has revolutionized effective communication strategies and significantly raised industry standards. Her leadership in driving strategic public relations efforts, spearheading brand development, organizing memorable events and launching cutting-edge publicity strategies has consistently produced substantial media value for esteemed clients across local and national landscapes.

With her unique ability to transform words into vibrant connections, she bridges a wide range of topics with targeted audiences across various platforms, establishing her as a pillar of reliability and influence within the communication domain. Her impressive background is further highlighted by her experience in broadcast television, having served as a writer and reporter for a local TV station. Her career is a testament to strategic vision, innovative leadership and an unwavering dedication to excellence in the ever-evolving art and science of communication.