About Us
Our Mission is 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
Abby Harlan
Executive Director
Abigail Harlan is a native Hoosier and bilingual career non-profit professional. She fell in love with cause-driven work as a Program Director with the YMCA after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2002, where she studied Cultural Anthropology and Sociology. She spent nearly four years working for international agencies in Costa Rica and Guatemala before settling in Miami, Florida for over a decade. There she grew into executive leadership with the YMCA of South Florida and later led national program development and fundraising initiatives for Best Buddies International, an organization that advocates for and empowers people with disabilities. Upon returning to Indianapolis in 2018, she assumed the role of Executive Director for Pack Away Hunger, a non-profit whose mission is to end hunger through nutritious food, education, and service. Throughout her career and travels, she has learned the importance of cultural tolerance and advocating for equitable resources in all communities. Program development, fundraising, and community engagement are all things she enjoys in her career.
Abigail currently sits on the boards of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis and the Eagle Creek Sailing Club. She is a lifelong sailor, chairing the Safety and Education Committee as well as the DEI Initiative for the club. She loves dogs and fosters for Indianapolis Animal Care Services, much to her dog Suzie Q’s dismay. She lives in Zionsville with her partner Rick Graef—sailor, dog-lover, and classical musician with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
David Rivas
Business and Compliance
David Rivas oversees our business operations and ensures compliance with all regulations. His expertise in financial management and organizational governance is instrumental in maintaining the integrity and sustainability of our center.
Cristian Ortiz
Operations Manager
Introducing Cristian Ortiz, a new member of the IDCC team. Cristian brings a charismatic approach to supporting others, with a strong capacity for learning and teaching within a team environment. Passionate about sports, outdoor activities and animals, Cristian completed his studies in veterinary medicine at the University of La Salle in Colombia. With 15 years of business experience in real estate and relocation services, Cristian’s greatest strengths lie in interpersonal relations and the development and execution of innovative ideas that contribute positively to society. Additionally, he has experience in leadership coaching, which he actively applies to benefit the community. Cristian truly enjoys working with the community and is eager to start contributing and being part of the great team at the International District Community Center (IDCC).
Sarah Machado
Program Director
Sarah Machado is a multicultural marketing and program management professional dedicated to fostering inclusive and supportive communities. Born and raised in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Sarah is committed to creating spaces where diverse communities can come together and thrive - a mission inspired by her own lived experience as an immigrant. She discovered her passion for community-driven work while studying Marketing at Michigan State University. As President of TEDxMSU, she became actively involved in cultural programming and non-profit partnerships, leading a large team to organize a sold-out conference that celebrated cross-cultural dialogue. After graduating, she became the Marketing & Project Manager at DNOVA in Indianapolis, where she developed partnerships and implemented its first comprehensive marketing strategy and project management framework. In addition to her work, Sarah is deeply invested in the arts, often attending theater, ballet, and symphony performances. A traveler at heart, she has also lived in Rome, Italy, and enjoys hosting gatherings with friends and family. As a member of Young Professionals of Central Indiana and the Membership Director of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, she is committed to nurturing vibrant, cross-cultural connections.
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. Her legacy is marked by her visionary leadership and profound impact on both the publishing industry and her local community.
Oscar Hernandez - Treasurer
Oscar Hernandez is a highly accomplished accounting and audit professional with more than seven years in the industry. Through his various accounting roles, Oscar has demonstrated a profound ability to research and analyze financial statements, leveraging electronic databases and auditing software to review and compile financial information. His ability to identify and communicate accounting and auditing matters to higher management parallels his leadership and technical acumen.
At Sojos Capital, Oscar manages accruals, fixed assets, invoicing, collections and financial reporting. His excellence in financial management is further demonstrated through his involvement in cash forecasting, financial auditing and maintaining stringent procedural documentation. Oscar’s exceptional analytical skills, combined with a strong ability to communicate effectively across all levels of personnel, distinguish him as a leading professional in his field.
Sam Odle- Secretary
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
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.
Susan Decker
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.