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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowHuman Resources Associate, Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion Office | Eli Lilly and Co.
Founder | Indy Networking
Age: 24
Hometown: Indianapolis
Education: bachelor’s in political science and critical communications and media studies, Butler University
Family: parents, Lidia and Henry; siblings, Eduardo, Frida and Anthony; dogs, Bobby and Benji
Years with organization: Eli Lilly and Co., 2; Indy Networking, 1
First job: farmer, Indy Urban Acres, as part of TeenWorks, a summer program that engages teens in community-based work and professional development
Givebacks: member, TeenWorks’ Young Professional Council; board member, Domestic Violence Network; social impact chair, Latinx Butler Alumni Association; member, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana; steering committee member, AXIS Mayor’s Latino Leadership Program
Coffee order: Spanish latte or vanilla latte with oat milk
As a human resources associate in Eli Lilly and Co.’s Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office, Maria De Leon supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the company’s external reputation by fostering diverse and inclusive practices to promote the company’s commitment to DEI. As founder of Indy Networking, she has led the development of a social media platform that promotes the importance of networking. De Leon initially wanted to pursue a career in not-for-profit and government and completed nine internships while in college—most falling in those areas, including with the city of Indianapolis, Indiana Latino Expo and Conexus Indiana. In summer 2021, she interned with Lilly’s HR department, and that led to a full-time offer. In July 2023, she founded Indy Networking, which promotes and hosts networking events across Indianapolis. “As a first-generation college graduate, I understand firsthand the significance of cultivating a supportive network that encourages personal and professional growth,” she said. De Leon co-led the planning and event coordination for Indy Latino Connect, a networking event that attracted more than 200 attendees.•
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