Voices of New Hope

19 Feb Voices of New Hope

by Margo Green, HR Director

I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and I graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor Degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision. After graduating, I moved to Indianapolis and have lived here since. I have been a member of Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis since 1995. I enjoy reading, music and playing volleyball.

As the HR Director, I am honored to serve on New Hope’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, leading the organization’s DEI efforts. I am proud to draw on my own experience as a black woman in this role. Growing up, the people in my schools and immediate surroundings were predominately black. Due to this experience, I’ve often said that I never felt like a “minority” until I came to Indiana. It wasn’t until then that I could relate to the experience of my brother, who is almost six years older than me. He was often the only black person working at some companies in the suburbs of Detroit. For me, New Hope is the most diverse organization that I have ever worked in. I love that fact about New Hope!

My father’s side of the family hosts biennial reunions. I have cousins all over the country and some outside of the country. Our family tree has been traced back to the 1800s. Sadly, that research uncovered a mortgage document denoting the sale of my great-great grandmother as a slave.

Many African Americans have a family history similar to this, and it is one of the reasons that I think Black History is important. We often hear of the positive accomplishments, but there is an ugly side of our history as well. I believe it is important to understand all of aspects of our history to be able to move forward.

Black History Month has served as focal point for talking about our history in America, but I think it has become apparent that truly acknowledging our history and culture can’t be contained to one month . I am happy to see conversations about the Black experience in America moving beyond being a Black History Month activity.

New Hope has been a wonderful experience for me! I’m learning new things (non-profit work, service to individuals with disabilities) and experiencing new opportunities as an HR professional. My manager is very supportive and my HR team is awesome. I’m happy to be here and I look forward to growing with New Hope!