Indy Design Week 2026

Oscar Toloza (b. 1992, Reseda, CA) is a Salvadoran-American painter based in Indianapolis, working in acrylics and oils to explore humanity’s connection to nature through surreal, vibrant dreamscapes. A self-taught artist, he draws inspiration from pre-Hispanic and Eastern art, blending cultural heritage with contemporary themes. His work reflects perseverance, animal instincts, and the silent bond between all living beings.  

Krissi Edgington is the owner of MIWI Marketing, a full-service brand-centric marketing agency based in Indianapolis. Krissi's background is rich with sports, entertainment, healthcare, higher education, real estate, and nonprofit experience, having worked with individual clients including Founder/CEOs, Olympians, and blue-chip professional athletes; as well as corporate clients including American Honda, NASCAR, NBA Players Association, Ascension Health, Butler University, Berkshire Hathaway, Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and others.

Krissi’s work has garnered media in outlets including USA Today, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, ESPN, NBC, CBS, FOX, and others. Representing her clients’ interests, Krissi has built programs with partners including Microsoft, Target, Under Armour, Coke, Subway, IndyCar, USA Track and Field, USA Gymnastics, USA Diving, and others.

Krissi is a graduate of Butler University and has served the university on its Young Alumni Board, Butler Giving Circle, and NIL collective All Good Dawgs. She proudly serves as Co-founder and Vice President of the Board of Project 44, and is an active LOC and grassroots volunteer with Indiana Sports Corp. She also enjoys volunteering as a coach for her kids’ community numerous sports teams.

Krissi and her family reside in Indianapolis, IN. In her free time, she enjoys discovering new restaurants, traveling, beach volleyball, and spending time in nature.

Tori is a Creative Director and Managing Partner at RADL, where she helps brands connect with audiences through thoughtful, story-driven creative. She also serves as Executive Director of Indy Design Week.

After joining the registry through Project 44 as a senior at Butler University, she matched with a patient nearly ten years later and donated peripheral blood stem cells in 2025—an experience she describes as one of the most meaningful of her life.

William Yank is a 4x cancer survivor who was diagnosed at the budding age of 21. Over 4 years he fought for his life through remissions, relapses, and a number of encounters with death. With over 5 years of survivorship under his belt, hours of therapy, journaling, reflection, and self-discovery, he shares his story and the wisdom we all desire in a youthful, energetic, and relevant package.

William is now a born thinker. By day he is the Director of Financial Planning for two successful financial advisors and by night he is a professional speaker, writer, and podcaster. Will has spoken on the TEDx stage, amassed over 100k followers on social media platforms, and has worked with household names and brands to inspire. He captivates audiences by teaching them how to live healthier and more meaningful lives.

Cristi Brewer is a Master Color Specialist, Educator, Mixed Media Artist, ISCC board member, and owner of Artsy Fartsy Creative Laboratory. She approaches color as both a science and a playful creative tool, helping participants notice, explore, and experiment.

Cristi has never met an art supply she didn’t like, collects color fan decks, pottery, and baby doll heads, and dreams of one day opening a color museum. She loves working with recycled materials and inspires artists and designers to see color, place, and process with curiosity and intention.

Amy is co-owner of Matinee Creative, a boutique branding studio located in Indianapolis.

Joey is the founder of Khamis Studio, a footwear design studio based in Indianapolis. Khamis Studio strives to push the boundaries of traditional footwear design by centering the process around innovative mediums like VR.

He has designed footwear for iconic brands and artists such as Kanye West, Columbia Sportswear, and Reebok where he designed the Cardi B Classic Leather.

Phil is the owner of Manning Design Works, his freelance graphic design practice, and a professor of visual communications at Ivy Tech Community College. He mainly develops brand visuals, logos, posters, websites, and annual reports.

Over his career Phil has worked for such clients as Humana, Honda, Sango Japan, and Salesforce, but mostly partners with small businesses and non-profits to help them make a visual impact.

After graduating as a Creative Writing major from DePauw University and serving as a United States Marine in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Ries studied Human-Computer Interaction at Indiana University, and began his career as a User Experience Researcher in 2020.

An avid fan of science fiction and fantasy, Ries’ work explores themes of technology, magic, and authenticity. When he isn’t writing or working, you can find Ries reading, watching movies, playing games, or spending time with his family. He lives in Indiana with his wife, two children, and cats.

Shantanu Suman is a graphic designer and educator from India, currently an Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Ball State University. With over two decades of experience, he has worked as a Creative Director and educator, earning international awards and features in leading print and digital publications.

After completing his undergraduate studies in New Delhi, he spent more than six years as an Art Director at major advertising agencies in New Delhi and Mumbai. In 2010, he moved to the United States to earn an MFA in Design from the University of Florida.

Aby Cortes is a multi-media artist based in Indianapolis, IN. She was born to immigrant parents in Los Angeles, CA, who later moved to the rural Midwest when Aby was 10 years old. Her family's move and the resulting cultural experiences helped to shape her artistic perspective. Early on, she was inspired by her educators and learned that art can exist in all spaces. Aby’s artistic focus and drive is rooted in storytelling. She enjoys creating pieces that convey her own life experiences, while still being accessible to others.

Amy Gastelum is a writer, garden designer and nurse in Indianapolis.

Raised in Mexico City and carrying her Mexican ancestry in her bones, Madeline was inspired to drive Indy’s Latino population to connection with their Latin roots. She founded Frida’s Flowers, a floral movement grounded in decolonized funk, fierce feminism, and ancestral connection—which creates beautiful florals for fiestas of all kinds. 

Amy Gastelum is a writer, garden designer and nurse in Indianapolis.

Brian is a landscape architect and urban designer combining appreciation for the broad impact of large scale planning and a passion for enabling the nuances of well-designed spaces to flourish. With a focus on urban landscapes, his experience is spread across regions and scales, from small urban plazas and productive rooftops to large waterfront parks and reclaimed lands.

Michael Angelo Washington is a Lawrence-based entrepreneurial sustainable designer and business operator with 10+ years turning creative ideas into real-world brands. He blends hands-on craftsmanship, sales strategy, and customer experience to build concepts that resonate and sell.

Hey, I’m Sarah! 

It’s a joy to design for environmentalists every day. Younger me would be pinching herself! As a teen, I planted 2,000 trees in Virginia Beach and Haiti. I’ve always felt a pull toward environmental action that blends creativity and strategy.

I hold a B.A in Environmental Studies from Virginia Wesleyan and a Graduate Certificate in Graphic Design from Parsons. My non-profit background has allowed me to get to know the needs of mission-driven organizations, and has informed my approach with Branch & Bay Design Studio. 

I’m originally from Virginia, but now I’m based in Southern Indy!

Siena Baldi is a Muralist & Illustrator based in Indianapolis, Indiana. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Washington University in St Louis in 2011 with a double major in Printmaking and Environmental Studies.

Siena specializes in large-scale civic projects (the largest spans six stories) and in pushing the boundaries of where a mural can go. She showcases the connections between all living things through imaginative, thought-provoking artwork, spreading bright colors and good cheer with her Magical Realism style. Some call it "Feel-Good Madness." Siena sees Public Art as interlinked with Public Health because it is a democratic way to uplift people's emotional well-being. 

Indy Design Week Executive Director Emeritus and product designer with 10+ years of experience across consulting and in-house environments. I focus on improving products people have to use, especially in complex, high-impact systems.

Poppe turns ambiguous problems into clear, actionable paths and brings humanity, structure, and a little fun to teams while balancing strategy and execution to create work grounded in real human needs.

Rockland Page is the Founder and CEO of ROCKaBLOCK, a creative design studio and apparel brand redefining how merchandise connects with people. A former art director at the Chicago Tribune and graphic designer at Jet Magazine, Rock blends storytelling, culture, and technology to create bold, high-quality apparel and brand experiences. He is the creator of ROCK AR, a platform that transforms traditional merchandise into interactive, measurable augmented reality experiences. Recognized as the 2022 Indiana Minority-Owned Business of the Year, Rock is passionate about innovation, community impact, and helping brands turn everyday merch into meaningful, trackable engagement.

Siena Baldi is a Muralist & Illustrator based in Indianapolis, Indiana. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Washington University in St Louis in 2011 with a double major in Printmaking and Environmental Studies.

Siena specializes in large-scale civic projects (the largest spans six stories) and in pushing the boundaries of where a mural can go. She showcases the connections between all living things through imaginative, thought-provoking artwork, spreading bright colors and good cheer with her Magical Realism style. Some call it "Feel-Good Madness." Siena sees Public Art as interlinked with Public Health because it is a democratic way to uplift people's emotional well-being. 

Bryn Jackson is an artist, curator and cultural advisor whose nationally recognized work has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Arts Midwest, and others. He is an inaugural member of the Association of Art Museum Curators Professional Alliance for Curators of Color, and serves on the Board of Step-Up Inc. Jackson chairs the museum’s Collections Council and previously served on the Community Board of Advisors.

Adam Pintar is Senior Director of Brand, Marketing & Communications for the Indianapolis Indians, where he leads brand strategy and fan experience for one of the city’s most recognizable sports organizations.

Since joining as the team’s sole graphic designer in 2012, he has built a full in-house creative department and led a comprehensive rebrand launched in 2025. Previously, he held a creative leadership role with USA Football, producing national campaigns and content at major NFL events. His work has earned multiple Emmy Awards and international recognition for excellence in visual storytelling.

Cahmelan Porter is the Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy at Downtown Indy Alliance, where he leads the vision, development, and execution of campaigns that shape how people experience Downtown Indianapolis.

His work spans brand strategy, storytelling, and large-scale event marketing, driving initiatives that connect residents, visitors, and businesses to the urban core. With a background in experiential design, apparel production, and cultural programming, Cahmelan brings a multidisciplinary approach to place-based branding—building narratives that elevate Downtown as a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic destination.

Jen Welch is the Director of Public Affairs for the Indianapolis International Airport, where she leads strategic communications, media relations, and community engagement for one of the nation’s top‑ranked airports.

Before joining IND, Jen built a strong foundation in storytelling and brand strategy through roles at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, where she supported marketing and communications initiatives, and at Well Done Marketing, where she helped deliver strategic, mission‑driven campaigns. She brings a collaborative spirit, a passion for elevating Indianapolis, and a commitment to crafting meaningful public experiences.

Joshua Shuck is the Associate Vice President of Marketing for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, where he oversees integrated brand and marketing strategy across the Indiana Pacers and Noblesville Boom.

In this role, he assisted in developing the strategic vision and rollout of the Noblesville Boom rebrand, helping reposition the franchise to better connect with its community, fans, and future growth. With a background in brand development, fan engagement, and integrated marketing, Joshua focuses on building emotionally resonant brands that drive both cultural relevance and business impact.

Megan Carrico is the Senior Director of Public Affairs at the Indianapolis International Airport, leading external communications and community engagement strategies that strengthen regional tourism, economic growth, and public trust.

With a decade of service at IND, she has advanced strategic partnerships, arts and culture initiatives, and civic collaborations. Megan serves on the Indiana Repertory Theatre Board, Creative Economy Leadership Alliance, and Indy Partnership Council. An engaged Ball State alum, she supports the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication and Women of Beneficence. Her leadership has earned recognition including IBJ’s 40 Under 40 and the PRSA Hoosier Catalyst Award.

Polina Osherov is the Executive Director of Pattern Inc and Editor-in-Chief of PATTERN magazine. Since co-founding pattern in 2010, she has led efforts to strengthen Indiana’s creative industries through strategic programming, publishing, and cross-sector collaboration. Her work centers on connecting creative talent with economic opportunity and shaping long-term growth for the state’s creative economy.

PATTERN is an economic development nonprofit focused on building infrastructure for creative industries. Its initiatives include the Indiana Creative Economy Summit and a statewide study, designed to align stakeholders, inform policy, and drive investment in sustainable, scalable creative businesses across Indiana.

After Daniel lost his career in 2020, he returned with his young family to the farmland he grew up on and restarted in a new-to-him creative field: letterpress design and printing.

He now crafts limited edition letterpress prints using antique and modern processes from his late grandfather’s studio space . Daniel also delivers in-person and virtual presentations to colleges, universities, and design organizations about the creative path as well as letterpress design. He lives with his wife and two children in rural, north central Indiana surrounded by familiar fields and acres of old and new memories.

Melissa is the owner and lead designer of Melissa Kiel Design and Interiors, where she works on projects ranging from intimate, small-scale updates to full home new builds. She and her husband also own Kiel Custom Renovation, a design-build firm in Indianapolis, where she leads all design efforts across renovation and construction projects.

She has a passion for creating warm, inviting spaces that blend eclectic vintage charm with modern influences. Melissa is equally driven by a desire to empower others—helping people understand not just the aesthetics of design, but the construction process that brings a vision to life.

Through her work, she aims to inspire confidence and creativity, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind every space.

"Transformation" has been the theme of my professional journey!

I spent over a decade transforming product assortments with major brands, as a Buyer/Category Manager for categories generating over $500M in average annual sales with Macy's, REI, etc. Returning to Indy after a decade-length departure, I bought a 100 year old house in 2020 and my journey into the Construction industry commenced.

I now own and operate one of the few firms in this industry that prioritizes integrity, quality and communication. At "DNA Development & Construction", we execute major remodels & interior design services for Residential and Commercial properties in Indiana!

After Daniel lost his career in 2020, he returned with his young family to the farmland he grew up on and restarted in a new-to-him creative field: letterpress design and printing.

He now crafts limited edition letterpress prints using antique and modern processes from his late grandfather’s studio space . Daniel also delivers in-person and virtual presentations to colleges, universities, and design organizations about the creative path as well as letterpress design. He lives with his wife and two children in rural, north central Indiana surrounded by familiar fields and acres of old and new memories.

Chris Albright is the Senior Creative Director of the Indianapolis Colts, where he leads design, photo and video production teams focused on building cohesive, story-driven brand experiences.

He began his career in sports design in 2012 and has had the opportunity to work with two NFL organizations: the Washington Commanders and the Colts. With East Coast roots and a proud Hoosier since 2019, his approach to leadership centers on consistency, creativity, and collaboration—building environments where strong ideas, strong teams, and strong brands can thrive.

Jeremy Sallee is the Senior Director of Design at Adidas Basketball, rejoining Adidas Group after more than six years with PUMA. During his tenure at PUMA, he progressed through key leadership roles, including Head of Footwear Design and Design Director for Basketball, helping shape the brand’s performance and lifestyle design direction. His work has been associated with several standout products, including the RS-Dreamer, MB .02, and Stewie.

Sallee is also the founder and creative force behind the independent lifestyle and apparel brand 

Earlier in his career, he held design roles at Reebok and Ralph Lauren. He attended the University of Akron, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on fashion design, graphic design, and business. Originally from Indiana and raised in Ohio, Sallee now lives in Indianapolis with his wife and young son.

Krissi Edgington is the owner of MIWI Marketing, a full-service brand-centric marketing agency based in Indianapolis. Krissi's background is rich with sports, entertainment, healthcare, higher education, real estate, and nonprofit experience, having worked with individual clients including Founder/CEOs, Olympians, and blue-chip professional athletes; as well as corporate clients including American Honda, NASCAR, NBA Players Association, Ascension Health, Butler University, Berkshire Hathaway, Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and others.

Krissi’s work has garnered media in outlets including USA Today, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, ESPN, NBC, CBS, FOX, and others. Representing her clients’ interests, Krissi has built programs with partners including Microsoft, Target, Under Armour, Coke, Subway, IndyCar, USA Track and Field, USA Gymnastics, USA Diving, and others.

Krissi is a graduate of Butler University and has served the university on its Young Alumni Board, Butler Giving Circle, and NIL collective All Good Dawgs. She proudly serves as Co-founder and Vice President of the Board of Project 44, and is an active LOC and grassroots volunteer with Indiana Sports Corp. She also enjoys volunteering as a coach for her kids’ community numerous sports teams.

Krissi and her family reside in Indianapolis, IN. In her free time, she enjoys discovering new restaurants, traveling, beach volleyball, and spending time in nature.

Lucas Huffman is a creative marketer and designer with over 12 years of experience turning bold ideas into polished, purposeful work.

He has collaborated with brands including Red Bull, Donut Media, Kahn Media, The Drive, BEIS, and Florence by Mills, shaping stories through design, photography, merchandise, and branding. Raised in a racing family, Lucas draws constant inspiration from motorsport culture, from crafting race weekend graphic packages for IndyCar teams to developing visuals for product launches and campaigns. Originally from Los Angeles, he now calls Indianapolis home, where he continues to blend speed, storytelling, and clean execution.

Megan Magiera is currently the Art Director for Indiana Sports Corp, where she leads the development of the organization's brand while managing visual identities for external events.

Sarah is a Senior Designer at Ophelia. When she's not working at her 9-5, she's obsessing over data visualization.

Courtney Gosser is a Central Indiana-based designer and illustrator known for her organic illustration style, bold color palettes, and optimistic approach to creative work. Through her studio, Courtney Gosser Design, she partners with brands to create thoughtful, personality-driven identities that balance visual impact with strategic intention.

With a background in both design and public relations, Courtney brings a holistic perspective to her projects, ensuring each brand not only looks good, but communicates clearly and connects meaningfully with its audience. Her work is rooted in storytelling, collaboration, and a genuine passion for helping others feel confident in their creative direction.

"Transformation" has been the theme of my professional journey!

I spent over a decade transforming product assortments with major brands, as a Buyer/Category Manager for categories generating over $500M in average annual sales with Macy's, REI, etc. Returning to Indy after a decade-length departure, I bought a 100 year old house in 2020 and my journey into the Construction industry commenced.

I now own and operate one of the few firms in this industry that prioritizes integrity, quality and communication. At "DNA Development & Construction", we execute major remodels & interior design services for Residential and Commercial properties in Indiana!

After years of witnessing the transformative power of authentic communication across corporate, nonprofit, and agency environments, Denise Herd recognized an opportunity to rethink how organizations connect with the people who matter most. In 2011, she founded Herd Strategies, a full-service public relations firm grounded in the belief that meaningful dialogue changes everything.

Denise specializes in creating environments where genuine conversation can thrive. Whether orchestrating town halls, coordinating media briefings, or leading interactive workshops, she brings a rare blend of strategic insight and human understanding to every engagement. She believes the most effective communication occurs when organizations don’t just speak — they listen. Through her work, she helps institutions build trust-centered relationships with stakeholders, rooted in transparency and mutual respect.

Her tailored communication training programs equip teams to navigate complex conversations with confidence, respond thoughtfully under pressure, and strengthen organizational credibility. Every strategy she develops emphasizes empathy, clarity, and real-world application, ensuring communication efforts are both polished and effective.

When reputational challenges arise, Denise is a trusted advisor. Known for her steady leadership in high-pressure situations, she helps organizations distill complexity into clear, credible messaging that protects and enhances brand reputation.

It takes a certain fearlessness to start a branding agency at age 25. For Jenn Schimmelpfennig, it felt less like courage and more like a calling. With a preternatural understanding of human behavior, she helps brands find their true voice, crafting narratives that resonate.

Equally comfortable in the boardroom and the brainstorm room, Jenn bridges the business and creative worlds, speaking the language of both strategy and storytelling. She ensures every client understands their audience and clearly articulates their purpose. This approach inspires her team to think deeply, embrace originality, and push boundaries, making branding a driving force for impact and growth.

In another life, she may have been a geneticist or teacher. In this one, she does a bit of both—diving deep into the quirks of human nature while leading a team of strategic (and quirky) creative minds. A lover of the outdoors, Jenn is a hiker, gardener, and board chair for The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis. When she’s not improving her little slice of earth, you’ll find her reading, practicing yoga, and cheering on her alma mater Notre Dame.

Katie Clements is all about people.

As a leader, a woman, and an artist, she understands the power of relationships. She is the culmination of her past experiences—both positive and negative—and uses those insights to inform the kind of leader she is and aspires to be. Katie finds inspiration in others, knowing that she has as much to learn as she has to teach.

As Partner and Co-President of CVR, she takes stock in the person, not the title. She welcomes every individual into the room because she believes there is a place at the table for everyone. 

Melanie Allen is the CEO + co-founder of Green Loop Marketing, a digital marketing agency serving mid-sized businesses in the midwest. Now in its ninth year, Green Loop loves to work with associations, professional services, nonprofit, education, and tech clients.

In addition, Melanie serves as the Board chair for Pattern and is a committee chair for the Indiana Sports Corp. She lives in Indianapolis with her husband, two kids, and two rescue dogs.