INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Intend Indiana has announced the selection of two emerging community leaders as its newest Trent L. Garrett Fellows. Lauren Warfield and Brian Parks will participate in the two-year fellowship, which provides professional development, hands-on learning, and exposure to the fields of real estate development and community development finance.
The Trent L. Garrett Fellowship was established to honor the legacy of the late Trent Garrett, a dedicated community leader who championed equitable housing and inclusive neighborhood revitalization. Through this program, Intend Indiana prepares the next generation of professionals to carry forward his vision of addressing housing disparities and fostering community growth across Indiana.
Lauren Warfield has spent over two decades engaging with youth and families through organizations such as WFYI, the Edna Martin Christian Center, and Freetown Village. A dedicated advocate for youth empowerment, Lauren is guided by her philosophy of HUGs — Healing through Understanding and Growth — and her belief in the power of community collaboration. Her background in Spanish language and culture, gained at IU Indianapolis, and her faith-based leadership experience at Light of the World Christian Church continue to inform her servant-leadership approach.
Brian Parks, an MBA graduate from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, brings a strong background in real estate and entrepreneurship. As owner of Parks Legacies LLC, he manages multiple rental properties in Indianapolis and leads renovation projects focused on financial literacy and pathways to homeownership. His career also includes leadership roles at IU Health, where he managed public health initiatives, and with Young Life, where he mentored youth and supported community programs.
“Trent Garrett devoted his life to building stronger, fairer communities and expanding access to quality housing,” said Intend Indiana President Stephanie Quick. “Through this fellowship, we’re honoring his legacy by supporting emerging leaders who share his commitment to equity and community impact.”
As Intend Indiana welcomes the third cohort of Trent L. Garrett Fellows, past participants reflect on their experience and shared how the fellowship shaped their early career: “Coming straight out of college, this was my second professional job aside from an internship a year before. There were a few obstacles in professional development that I needed to overcome, and the team helped me confront those, such as learning to vouch for my work, finding my voice, and building accountability.”
Intend partners with community-based organizations, nonprofits, foundations, banks, and state and local governments to leverage resources and deliver impactful programs designed to meet the needs of the community. Intend Indiana is also a chartered member of NeighborWorks America. To learn more about Intend Indiana and its mission-driven initiatives, visit www.intendindiana.org.
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Kierra Santillan
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About Intend Indiana:
Intend Indiana, Inc. (Intend) is a nonprofit that connects people to opportunity and advances collaborative community development through equitable financing and housing solutions. Incorporated in 1987 to serve the near northside neighborhoods of Indianapolis, Intend has grown to provide community solutions across the state.