About Us
Our staff
WEA Community Development Corporation
The WEA Community Development Corporation (WEA CDC) was created to bring new energy, opportunity, and investment to the Far Eastside of Indianapolis, Indiana. Rooted in the belief that strong neighborhoods are built by the people who live in them, we work alongside residents, businesses, and local partners to shape a brighter future for our community.
Our mission is simple: to expand access to employment, support local entrepreneurship, and strengthen neighborhoods. We do this through programs that:
- Connect residents to jobs and workforce training opportunities.
- Help small businesses and entrepreneurs grow right here on the Far Eastside.
- Invest in safe, healthy, and vibrant neighborhoods through housing, planning, and community-led projects.
WEA CDC is guided by the values of equity, collaboration, and resilience. We believe every resident deserves the chance to thrive, and every voice deserves to be heard in shaping the future of our community.
Together, with residents and partners, we are building a Far Eastside that is not only stronger today but sustainable for generations to come.
Our Mission
The WEA Community Development Corporation will work to expand access to employment, support local entrepreneurship, and strengthen neighborhoods on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis.
Through partnerships, resident leadership, and strategic investment, we create pathways for economic mobility, build community pride, and ensure that every neighbor has the chance to thrive.
The Vision
A thriving Far Eastside of Indianapolis where every resident has access to opportunity, every entrepreneur has the tools to succeed, and every neighborhood is safe, connected, and full of pride.
We envision a community defined by equity, resilience, and shared growth—a place where families want to live, businesses want to invest, and generations can flourish together.
Our Executive Director Yolanda R. Lamar
Our Executive Director Yolanda R. Lamar
Our Executive Director Yolanda R. Lamar
Ms. Lamar's provides leadership to the organization’s community development framework and organization initiatives. Her role includes overseeing neighborhood employment revitalization, nonprofit capacity building, and comprehensive community development and entrepreneurial strategies. Ms. Lamar manages the organization to achieve annual goals aligned with the organization’s strategic and work plans, while fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace. She connects and aligns efforts to advance a robust pipeline of economic development, small business opportunities, and employment projects. Additionally, Ms. Lamar will oversee the financial management systems, ensuring accurate budgets, funding transactions, and financial reporting, while cultivating diverse talent to support the organization's mission.
Our Program Director Angel Regis
Our Executive Director Yolanda R. Lamar
Our Executive Director Yolanda R. Lamar
Ms. Regis will collaborate on the development of bridging gaps within the employment and small business pipeline to support equitable economic growth. Ms. Regis leads the implementation of small business and entrepreneurial programs. She will focus on strengthening the local small business ecosystem by building the capacity of our Business and Entrepreneurial Development network. Ms. Regis will assess network needs and deploy tools and resources to empower entrepreneurs and foster economic growth across Indianapolis. She currently runs a Marketing agency and very verse in strategically bringing and coordinating career Opportunities programs, peer group meetings, and professional development for WEA CDC staff and other nonprofit organizations.
Strategic Plan (2025–2028)
Strategic Priorities
Priority 1: Employment & Workforce Development
Goal: Connect residents with good jobs and skills for long-term success.
- Launch job readiness workshops and training programs.
- Partner with local employers to create hiring pipelines.
- Expand access to digital literacy and career coaching.
Priority 2: Entrepreneurship & Economic Mobility
Goal: Support small businesses and build pathways to ownership.
- Provide micro-grants and business coaching for neighborhood entrepreneurs.
- Develop a Far Eastside business incubator or shared space.
- Connect minority- and women-owned businesses with procurement opportunities.
Priority 3: Partnerships & Leadership Development
Goal: Build strong collaborations and amplify resident voices.
- Partner with city agencies, schools, and nonprofits for aligned efforts.
- Create leadership training for youth and residents.
- Increase civic engagement around zoning, planning, and local policy.
Implementation Plan
- Timeline: Phased over 3 years (Year 1 = Foundation, Year 2 = Growth, Year 3 = Expansion).
- Roles: Staff, Board, Resident Committees, Partners.
- Metrics: Jobs placed, businesses launched, housing units improved, residents engaged.
Measuring Success
- Annual progress reports to the community.
- Dashboard tracking: employment outcomes, business growth, neighborhood improvements.
- Regular feedback sessions with residents and partners.
Funding & Sustainability
- Pursue a mix of foundation grants, city/state funding, corporate partnerships, and earned revenue.
- Build long-term sustainability through partnerships and diversified funding streams.
