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Meet Jessica Chapman, the Director of Marketing for Heartland Film, which hosts the Indy Shorts and the Heartland International Film Festival. Jessica is from Indianapolis and has been attending the Heartland Film Festival since middle school, so this job was truly a “dream come true” for her. After attending the University of Akron and moving back to Indy, Jessica worked as the Impact Manager for the WFYI Public Media and Ted Green Film documentary, “Eva: A-7063,” where she got to know Holocaust survivor and peace advocate Eva Mozes Kor and her son Alex — and the project is now part of a new exhibit at the Indiana Historical Society. Jessica says that “I’ve seen lives changed through film, and I love that my role at Heartland Film helps uplift stories from around the world.” Over to you, Jessica!
My Maven Superpower is … I believe in the good of people.
A fun fact about me is … I was fortunate enough to help paint the “E” on the Eva Kor mural by Pamela Bliss on the Indianapolis 500 Festival building. I’ve always admired Pamela’s murals around downtown, and it was amazing to go up in a cherry picker and put some brush strokes on the building in honor of Eva.
The best book I’ve read lately is … I just reread “Stargirl” by Jerry Spinelli, and I’m so happy I took a moment for one of my favorite books in middle school. It was a sweet reminder that there is mysterious beauty in random acts of kindness and authentically being yourself.
My first job was … I spent my summers in high school making huge fruit bouquets at Edible Arrangements.
My favorite nonprofit to support is … I’ve been a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters for almost a year now! My Little and I have so much in common. We love crafts, getting bubble tea, and all girlie things in life! I’ve also had the opportunity to help coach the Washington Township Special Olympics Swim Team this year. I had the best time getting to know all the athletes at the Summer Games in June.
One thing that I can’t believe happened to me is … I used to work for Two Men and A Truck® and would go on the news quarterly to show people how to make cardboard crafts. I used this skill to make cardboard headbands (like NYE headbands) that said “I ❤️ TS” when I went to a Taylor Swift concert. When we were there, Taylor’s mom picked us out of a crowd, and we got to meet her after the concert!
Self-care habit I swear by is … I always have fun nail polish and designs that match what’s happening in my life. I highly recommend Be.You.Tiful Nails in Carmel!
The best career advice I can offer is … I believe every interaction is an opportunity to be caring, creative and memorable. All the things I’m most proud of came from taking a risk and doing something slightly out of the norm. Examples include creating a pandemic-safe red carpet experience at the Heartland Film Festival by making a “Drive-Thru Red Carpet” out of red garage floor tiles. For the Eva Kor education program, we created a virtual reality tour of Auschwitz guided by Eva’s voice that we took to schools all over the state (now at the Indiana Historical Society). And when I worked for Two Men And A Truck®, we started a “Cardboard Boat Race” to raise donations for a local animal shelter. Unique ideas can have a big impact!
Favorite purchase lately is … A year ago, I purchased a walking treadmill with a desk, and I love it! I walk, talk, and type. When I’m not walking, I use it as a standing desk. This helps me feel more energized and keeps me active even when I work. The desk portion is a little low on this, so I got a laptop stand to go on top.
My favorite local drink is … The “Love Song Latte” at Prufrock Coffee Company! I’m obsessed with anything with lavender in it.
The thing I’ve been binging lately is … Short films that are a part of the Indy Shorts International Film Festival! Every year, I try to watch the films before the festival begins. This year we have 150 shorts, and I have less than ten left to watch.
A Maven you should know is … My lovely mom, Beth Breymier! She has the purest heart. Beth oversees the corporate events at the Indiana State Museum and exudes kindness, creativity, and joy. She makes my life and everyone’s lives around her better.
The thing I’ve achieved lately that I’d like to celebrate with the Maven community is … Being asked as a Maven to Know is pretty cool! This was during the pandemic, but in 2020, I received a regional Emmy for the Eva community outreach program. I never dreamed of ever receiving something like that, but it’s special to me because it was such a special project.
My favorite holiday is … Valentine’s Day, because everything is pink, red, purple, and covered in hearts. I also like the idea that it’s about sharing love with others.
One thing that I’d like to throw out into the universe to happen one day is … I want to be an attendee at the Academy Awards® and walk the red carpet.
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Stephanie Groves is the Executive Editor of Indy Maven.
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