Profession: Actor/Artist
City of Residence: Gary, IN
Age: 65

Why did you choose to live in the region?
The dune grasses and beaches of Lake Michigan drew me here with their bewitching beauty.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
I’ve become more educated and now have a better understanding about systemic poverty and racism.

What is your neighborhood like?
My home is in a lovely section of Gary called Miller. It’s a neighborhood close to the lake and most people here are open minded and liberal.
I also rehabbed an abandoned home into an art studio/Airbnb/community meeting place.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love the edginess and grit of Gary. Diversity is important to me regarding race, sex, and religion. Sometimes it feels like the Wild Wild West here and I LOVE that.
We have a lot of abandoned structures that should come down as they are hazardous. That said, there are important ‘ruins’ that should be preserved.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Be kind. Be open. Be yourself. Be inclusive. Share your wealth whether it be in knowledge or finance. And CREATE the environment you want that makes you happy and fills your soul.

Profession: Evolving self
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 44

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I moved to Indiana from the south suburbs of Chicago. At the time it was to give my kids and safe neighborhood with good schools.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
I have met so many wonderful people who’ve been willing to share a piece of themselves with me. I think the region is just “small towny” enough to allow people to be vulnerable and neighborly.

What is your neighborhood like?
I moved to the Miller section of Gary about 4 years ago. I wasn’t lucky enough to snag one of those houses by the beach lol. Gary is full of surprises. Some days it’s full of community and vision. Other times, frustration and sadness. I’m grateful for the eclectic group I’ve been lucky enough to call friends. As well as nature in my backyard.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love the friendly nature of the region’s people. I hope as times change, we take time to respect that NWI will never look like it did 50 years ago again.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
One of my favorite quotes is “damned is the man who abandons himself.” Living in Miller has allowed me the absolute freedom to be me.

Profession: Psych Nurse
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 40

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I choose to stay where I have built roots alongside my parents. I can travel anywhere and experience a different scenery, but this area is ancestral. The loves of my life are here living with me because I am very family-oriented.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
This region has taught me that if I can survive here, I can flourish anywhere. This area comes with harsh weather conditions and tough personalities to please in literally every professional sector. The financial opportunities are also very limited, so my talents and abilities must outshine my competition.

What is your neighborhood like?
My neighbors are slowly being replaced with new faces and blended families. It was an aging community of proud retirees, full of nuclear families, who kept up their property. The pride has not changed. My neighborhood still feels walkable and safe.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love exploring our uncrowded, untamed beaches, morphing dunes, scattered swamp lands, and untamed wild life. To be so engrained in an urban area that so uniquely merges with uncivilized terrain fascinates me, especially during the spring and early summer months.

I'd love for visitors and natives to be more mindful of keeping our communities cleaner by recycling, not littering, and engaging in more renovations and nature cleanups. In order for us to focus on the new and improved, means when have to take care of and clean up what we already have.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Everywhere you place your feet is your home.

Profession: Assembly/ production
City of Residence: Crown point
Age: 43

Why did you choose to live in the region? Quiet, laid back, cheaper. Less crime nature preserves and wildlife.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
I'm not sure

What is your neighborhood like?
Quiet, friendly, diversified

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
Open spaces of nature and wildlife. Cheaper cost of living. Friendly neighborhoods.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

Profession: Accounting
City of Residence: Lake Station
Age: 52

Why did you choose to live in the region?
Born here and love it so I have stayed.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
I like that we have a wide variety of things to do with Chicago and Indianapolis close by. If you want city life you got it, and if you want to relax and do something in the country you've got it as well.

What is your neighborhood like?
We have a lot of 40-50 year olds, but a few new younger families with littles have moved in recently. Most of my neighbors are Hispanic so the family unit is strong and nice to see.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love the seasons which is one big thing that keeps me here.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Work hard and be respectful. Treat people the way you want to be treated and you'll always lead a great life.

Profession: Steelworking Musician
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 52

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I was born and raised in the region so of course there’s the family aspect. I’ve also been working to build a fan base for my music and productions.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Living in this region has shaped me to be assertive without being aggressive ,layered. Able to take a joke as well as constructive criticism. My hardships have fortified me, making me a little stronger for the next trial. I guess that would make me resilient.

What is your neighborhood like?
A melting pot, a little bit of everything

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love the beach and its communities. It’s like a pause button on a rough day. Something about the combination of waves crashing to the shore and breeze blowing through the high grass, is soothing and relaxing to the soul. Bring back Glen Park bakery!! Ijs

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Never burn your bridges, the people you step over on your way up will be the same people you see on your way down. Stay humble.

Profession: Mufti-style Yoga Teacher/ Visual art Teacher/Crystal-Reiki Therapist
City of Residence: Hobart
Age: 38

Why did you choose to live in the region?
The beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. I'm originally from Illinois. As a child my mom would take my friends and I to the beaches, at any opportunity she had. This was something I pay forward to my son and stepchildren, along with their friends. From hiking to swimming and to yoga & meditation-- the beach is a destined place to be. I moved to Portage in my late 20s and attended Indiana University Northwest. From the different jobs I had within the region, I built up a solid community and relationships with some amazing souls. I am blessed by the support and love I received from the friends and family that reside in this region.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
The relationships I’ve made, the eco-system that surrounds us, but most of all, the soul recognition. I always dream of moving somewhere that is warm all year long but the hardest thing would be to leave the relationships I’ve made here. Anywhere I go I am in good company and know I will run into someone who cares. I am inspired to build strength and resiliency to individuals that are need. There is a quality of peace and refuge within this region being a community as a whole. IUN also provides this attribute through means of education and creativity. IUN has some of the best artists running studio classes compared to the art schools in Chicago.

What is your neighborhood like? Our neighborhood is full of friendly faces. As this being a different town, I’ve never resided in before I still get the friendly comforts of NWI being home. I love meeting new people and I look forward to extending my connections to unique individuals.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area? I love the beaches, the parks, the libraries, the organizations of art and yoga programs. I also love the schools, IUN, the churches, and the historic downtown areas of Hobart, Crown Point, Gary/Miller Beach, Michigan City, Chesterton, and Valparaiso. All the support of the “mom and pop” restaurants and small businesses are an enjoyable exploration. I love working at the Blue Butterfly in Portage running yoga and meditation classes, Crystal Energy Healing sessions and tarot/Oracle readings. Being surrounded by precious stones and crystals is definitely a bonus too. Such great energy just walking through the doors.

I would love to encourage change in the recovery, assistance, and mental health programs in making it easier to access and get help where and when it is needed with affordability. Changing these dynamics could restore more faith in humanity itself. Such as an open door organization to offer support to aid someone without being scared of opening up to then get committed into a facility. I would also vouch for the improvement in offering teen support groups and fun programs based on music and art. Programs that help focus on creative outlets to improve the quality of life of our adolescents to deter away from getting in trouble or even feelings of boredom. I know there are some programs out there but not enough available in certain cities and towns in this region that are free or affordable.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
What we want must be who we are. Live in love.

Profession: Retired Broker and Entrepreneur. Elected Official
City of Residence: Hammond
Age: 73

Why did you choose to live in the region?
Born into.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
It doesn't.

What is your neighborhood like?
Diverse. Transit.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
Proximity to Chicago, Ill. More employment opportunities for youth. More descent housing and transportation.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
To stand up to injustice everywhere!

Profession: Semi-retired Waitress and Internet TV Station Manager
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 43

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I chose to live in this region because I can live in a beautiful natural area which is also affordable. I have nice neighbors, friends very near, and Chicago is just close enough.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Living in Gary, Indiana affords me the ability to live simply and work on whatever my current obsession is. Lately I have been creating the Internet TV Station: NojennoPressCorpseTV.com which is 99% people free news. I love filming the nature here as well as the abandoned buildings.

Gary supports me and stays out of my way.

What is your neighborhood like?
My neighborhood is really cute IMO. Lots of Sears kit homes from the 50's and then a mix of other modest houses. We live near train tracks, nature trails and we are close enough to go to the beach easily without living in a beach culture area. Not that there is anything wrong with that!

People here say hello and keep an eye on each other’s cars, houses, and the stray cats.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love the open space. I love being able to see a massive amount of sky. I love having a quiet place where I feel like I live in the woods on one side of my house and on the other I step out into an urban environment.

As for improvements I would really love to see the city of Gary prioritize improving our common areas. I specifically mean spaces people can go to for free and that are in walking distance from their home. While great improvements have been made to certain places like Marquette Park, I would like to see this done in such a way that is best for the community and without the expectation of making money. Like in Bellingham WA where they had a goal to have a trail or park within a quarter mile of every home. This takes long term commitment and long-term fundraising. I think it would be amazing for our city.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
I remember 2 specific times coming home from work to my roommate Cas and mine's apartment way back when we were 25. Cas would have the most intense conversations with their mom. We have been friends since 1st grade so we all go way back.

One time the essence of it was that there will always be good years and bad years. Even when you are having a good year, you will have another bad year. And even when you are having a bad year you will have another good year.

The other time the argument was that there is Plan A, but there is also a Plan B and even a Plan C and D. When Plan A doesn't work out don't get discouraged. Work on Plan B. And when that doesn't work take what you learned and make a Plan C and D. It will probably be nothing you would have expected.

Profession: Project Manager at Large, Realtor, Founder of Region Arts Network / Retown
City of Residence: Dyer
Age: 67

Why did you choose to live in the region? Financially I could not afford to live in the area of Chicago where I grew up. As a downtown commuter, and being pregnant, I wanted to be close to Chicago, The Indiana side of the border was familiar to me from previously working at Pullman Standard in Hammond. My husband grew up in the region so when we could purchase a home, we chose Dyer. Our home borders a park and is blocks from the elementary school. Indiana taxes were a big part of our choice.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
The region is just that, a big area where many people have migrated to, many from Illinois. Not cohesive, not coordinated in any meaningful way. People with common backgrounds and interests tend to find each other. I have a strong union background that endears me to the area's industry. Closeness to open land also appeals to me. Low local wages are what forced us both to commute to Chicago. Region people have to make do with the jobs here, commute or move. The slow ravaging of union jobs has taken its toll.

What is your neighborhood like?
My neighborhood is eclectic. Built in the early1970s, the homes are geared to single families with children. One apartment complex is here, but mostly One and 1/2 bathroom houses with a good size yard. There are some regulations of course, but no HOAs and so each house looks very different, and in region style, homeowners feel free to show their hobbies, opinions, and styles. Very much a "you do you" neighborhood. A big park is the anchor of my subdivision, where sports are played into the night, and winter sledding is a big attraction.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
There are a lot of people who shine really brightly here and make a big difference in community-building projects and cultural businesses. Identifying as "The Region" makes town borders mostly meaningless and people welcome you wherever you are when you say you are from the Region. The universities add a lot, by way of outreach and the arts thrive here, though not in a way that supports the artists.

Employment could use a boost, and there is no public transportation south of Hammond and Gary. The train coming to Dyer is huge, but there are still no buses. More affordable and flexible housing is urgently needed, and my personal peeve is that towns need to change zoning laws to allow big homes to be converted into smaller ones and allow multi-units to be built.

There is a legacy of prejudice and exclusion that needs to go. I can't say that more clearly. It is not pervasive thankfully and most of my neighbors are wonderful open-minded people, but the chatter in community forums is often awful and disheartening.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
"Live many lives in your lifetime.” Branch out and try new things...new careers. Make new friends. It's never too late to live one more "life."

Personally, I think if you don't like the way your area is, you can try to get to know more of the people in it and maybe your mind will change, or maybe even theirs. "Lend a hand" and "Show up" are also good pieces of advice I have received.

Profession: Interior Designer
City of Residence: Gary, Indiana
Age: 35

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I fell in love with the unique natural environment of the Indiana Dunes. The winding roads in Miller Beach reminded me of my hometown in New Jersey. My husband and I love the beach and hiking / biking the trails. When we were looking to buy a home, the proximity to nature and to Chicago made Miller Beach a no-brainer.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
I'm an introvert, and I love the quiet and the privacy of not living directly on top of my neighbors. Walking out the back door and into the woods to feel totally alone is such a calming, grounding experience for me. It is how I used to play as a child, and I think why I've always had such a big imagination. Lots of time to think and explore creative thoughts!

What is your neighborhood like?
I live in an area where everyone waves to each other. I thought it was so funny at first, but now it's a reflex. Everyone is friendly but also generally minds their own business. It gets very quiet at night except for holidays, and summer nights when everybody is outside at a bonfire or a barbecue. You really get the sense that the people who live here love where they are.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love that we can walk to the beach, and the proximity to the national park. Most of my work is in Chicago, and the commute is short, which is also important. My wish list includes more walkable areas where you can spend a day without a car and get a lot done, more programming at the library for young children, more infrastructure set up to accommodate electric car parking, multi-use trails to make it safe for bikes and pedestrians on major roads (County Line Rd, for example).

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
My mom always says, "Ride the ox until you find a horse."

Profession: Small businesses owner
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 48

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I choose to live in this region because I grew up here. I stay here because I identify with the people in this area.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Living in this area has shaped me to know how to survive and hustle for what I want.

What is your neighborhood like?
I grew up in a middle-class neighborhood on the westside of town. All the families knew each other which is rare these days.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
The aspect of the region I love the most is the closeness of my city. It's not big city living which I enjoy. The downside is it is not booming as it once was growing up. It would be great to create safe places for the youth to gather together actually for everyone. When you look at surroundings areas, they have all these places to shop, go to the movies, bowling, numerous of activities. It would be nice to have programs for small businesses starting out to have a chance to get an affordable space to operate out of. It would be nice to attract more jobs such as bringing an Amazon. How about factory jobs like the steel mills or automotive plants. It would be nice to have big businesses to come here. It's not like we don't have the land to build on.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I received was to get out of my way and believe in the mustard seed I been holding on to all these years. I started my business 6 years ago after I finished college. It took me up to two years ago to file for my LLC during the COVID EPIDEMIC. I didn't believe enough in my craft to step out on FAITH. After debating back and forth was it the right time for me with everything going on in the country, it was time for me to have a conversation with God. I'm glad I followed up with that advice because here still stand with Deelicious Designs.

Profession: Beautician
City of Residence: Hobart
Age: 22

Why did you choose to live in the region?
Born and raised

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Makes you feel like a shark in a pond.

What is your neighborhood like?
One word……GHETTO!! Having younger parents forces you to grow up with them and go through the struggle. As they grew my neighborhood improved.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
The community supper is what I love most. Things to improve the area would be yoga classes, food trucks, and more activities for the community.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Be who you needed when you were growing up.

Profession: Lawyer, columnist at Chicago Tribune Post Tribune, political/ legal writer for Moot Magazine
City of Residence: Gary, Indiana
Age: 58

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I love the diversity of people and the quiet nature of the woods and dunes.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
It lets me see the potential of a region long overlooked in economic development.

What is your neighborhood like?
Beautiful, quiet, full of deer, raccoons, rabbits, coyotes, and birds. Racially mixed. Clean- everyone keeps it nice. Safe. Most people are intelligent and treat their animals like family. No one drives around with obnoxiously loud stereos. We have bar-b-qs together. We call or text each other when there's an issue.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
Without question my favorite part is the diversity of nature and people. I love my neighbors, and the dunes, the woods, savannahs and lagoons. To make the area better I'd make Gary a wind and solar powerhouse- we have 52 square miles with plenty room to spare. We could power the midwest, stand as an example, and create a black wealth class in the process. I'd also enforce Gary's anti cruelty laws to get dogs off chains.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good. In other words, in a conflicted world with sharply competing interests, learn to compromise.

Profession: Chaplaincy
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 63

Why did you choose to live in the region?
Gary was where I came into this world. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
I think because our family never had a car, I was able to ingest the diversity. Walking downtown, to the beach, shopping centers, made me realize our history opportunities, and taking pride in your work I remain teachable, pay attention to government on all levels and how it affects our community. I choose to use my voice stop discrimination and environmental racism. I do whatever I can to preserve the history, to retell the stories and to be proud of my hometown and people.

What is your neighborhood like?
Lifelong Gary residents, few cookie cutter homes, landscape, gardens, ingenuity prevails. And land! like my youth... dunes and Lake Michigan, and woods. We know our neighbors, we wave, we bring each other’s mis- delivered packages. And we definitely look out for one another. Multi-racial, intergenerational, streetwise. (except for the few people from Illinois-- TY leave that line out)

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
The pride in the Gary is coming back stronger. People say children are the future, I say they are our right now. The art, the combatting food deserts, community events open to all teaching local gardening, art, entrepreneurship, and discussions. Pro athletes and artists coming home to join these events. One thing to improve is check people who continue negative stereotype of Gary - include all neighborhoods of the Region. More front porch and stoop sitting/listening/solving world’s problems.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Show em, where you live- from both my parents in their words and actions. Be proud of who you are, your history and your home.

Profession: Construction Worker Multiple Disciplines/ Professional Boxer
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 32

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I moved here when I was young. I've met a lot of interesting people since then that gave me interest to continue to be here.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Being in this region can harden you if you let it. It's more about how does the adapts to you.

What is your neighborhood like?
Quiet, not a lot of tension, like I like it.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
The people are what I love the most. To bring in more sustainable jobs that way the character of the people will change.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Create your fate

Profession: Spiritual Healer
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 44

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I was born in East Chicago, Indiana and raised in Gary. My parents, Donnie and Grace King, moved from Texas. Gary has always been my choice.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Living in Gary has always given me a southern hospitality vibe. With everyone speaking loudly or greeting you with a firm hug. I learned how to be grateful, protective and appreciative. Although my parents instilled those characteristics, my city helped strengthen them. It's so small that I now greet everyone with a smile or hug. And I'm grateful for that.

What is your neighborhood like?
I enjoy my neighborhood. It's quiet and the neighbors have lived in the area for decades! They know how to look out for my well-being. I couldn't trade that for the world!

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I enjoy the beach. I can go any time of day or any part of the season and feel a peace that I can't find anywhere else. I'd love to see more grocery stores and high-end restaurants; not only do I think it would be an improvement, but it would shed more positive exposure to Gary, IN.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Have a vision, write it down and make it plain! Hab 2:2

Profession: A creative and lifelong learner
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 42

Why did you choose to live in the region?
This region is where I was born and raised. I’m a piece of this region’s fabric, uniquely woven to make a difference in my city. Wherever life takes me, I will always call it home.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Living in this region has made me strong, a little rough around the edges, but very bold…thank you Gary, Indiana!

What is your neighborhood like?
My neighborhood of Glen Park has changed many times in my lifetime. It may look different from when I was a child, but the people are the same. The neighbors are neighborly; they look out for you!

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
The city of Gary is often overlooked or negatively frowned upon, but it is pretty awesome. I love most that we have a breathtaking lake front and forest preserves at our fingertips, art everywhere, and beautiful architecture. There are many things that need to be improved but these are what bug me the most: UNITE, CLEAN UP OUR NEIGHBORHOODS, KNOCK DOWN VACANT HOMES, AND SAVE OUR HISTORICAL BUILDINGS.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Never trust the living…just kidding!! (Beetlejuice reference) Seriously, a good piece of advice that I was given at a very early age was: Experience is your best teacher!

Profession: Cosmetologist
City of Residence: Crown Point
Age: 45

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I was Born in Northwest Indiana.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Growing up here really forced me to grow up fast. When I was growing up the drug scene was really prevalent. It affected not only the community but my family.

What is your neighborhood like?
Right now, I live in a really nice and quiet neighborhood. But growing up it wasn’t always like that. Driving into certain parts of Gary and the Glen Park area especially Downtown it is not what it used to be.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I absolutely Love where I’m from! I think we need better Leaders and people who really care about PEOPLE!!!

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Always work hard to achieve your Goals!

Profession: Strand operator
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 44

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I was born and raised In Gary.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Living here has made me more resilient in our sometime challenging environment.

What is your neighborhood like?
My neighborhood is great! I love being close to Lake Michigan. Most of my neighbors have been here for over 20 years.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love being close to Lake Michigan…I would suggest building up the lake front.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Your attitude determines your altitude.

Profession: Executive Director, Miller Beach Arts & Creative District
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 51

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I choose to live in the Region mainly to be available to my family. However, living in northwest Indiana allows me the opportunity to experience an eclectic community, as well as live within the landscape of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
I truly believe that growing up in the Region taught me to be a strong, resilient, and caring person. My grandfather moved his family to Gary to work in the steel industry and build a life. He taught us to always be grateful for what you have, work hard, care for your family and help those in need. These are traits that I have found to be prevalent in many individuals who reside in the region.

What is your neighborhood like?
I live in the Miller Beach neighborhood within the City of Gary. The community is rich in history with a diverse population that allows a person to live among various walks of life; from steelworkers to artists, as well as those that jump on the South Shore train to work in the hustle and bustle of Chicago. I have found that most of the residents in my neighborhood have a common appreciation for the natural setting of the lakeshore and the amazing Lake Michigan sunsets.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
What I love the most about the region is the accessibility to nature and ability to experience hiking in the dunes, wildlife, bike trails, farmers markets, beach days and our National Park. Yet at the same time have access to urban pleasures, such as educational institutions, ethnic restaurants, small business, music venues, theaters, and art centers. One thing that I think would improve the area is a more robust and reliable transit system. We have many residents who rely on public transport, a stronger transit system would allow more of our residents the opportunity to experience the many great things living in the region has to offer.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Lead by Example!

Profession: Chef, Media personality
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 28

Why did you choose to live in the region? Growing up in Gary without many resources I felt the need to come back home with the resources I’ve learned elsewhere.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
The grit, the grind the hustle shapes you into a person who can make it anywhere.

What is your neighborhood like?
Quiet but dead. Could be a lot better

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love miller beach. I love the east side. But University Park needs the most improvement. More healthy options for our young adults at the university. More bars/ casual SIT-DOWN restaurants where people can fellowship after work or class. Make it college town like. More lights.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Nothing beats a fail, but a try!

Profession: Art Educator/ Muralist/Freelance Artist
City of Residence: Gary, Indiana
Age: 45

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I was born and raised here in Gary, Indiana. Honestly this region is all I know. Never really traveled as much as I would like. I've been to New Orleans, New York, Vegas, and a few other cities. I'm in love with New Orleans but Gary is my home.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Perseverance, learning how to make the most out of little. The appreciation for community and childhood friendship. My love for the visual arts. My love for teaching it, learning more about it and spreading it around my community.

What is your neighborhood like?
I currently live nearby my old childhood stumping grounds. Ivanhoe gardens AKA the "Jets" was the housing projects in which I had most of fondest childhood memories. To me it was like a village where everyone knew everybody. I had fun with video games, finding hip Hop and my love for all things 80s nostalgia. Now the neighborhood is a shadow of its former self.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love that Northwest Indiana is close to one of the three top major cities in America. I love that we have natural Parks and an actual Beach that's not man-made. I wish the region would be more updated with infrastructure connected to something tangible that brings in revenue consistently.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
You are only as old as your ability to process new information.

Profession: Technology
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 60

Why did you choose to live in the region? Natural Beauty! Miller Beach, an area within Gary is a beautiful spot on gorgeous and rambunctious Lake Michigan. Less than 1 hour from Chicago, living on the National Lakeshore and near the National Park is a privilege, allowing us to enjoy nature but stay close to the hustle/bustle, culture and art provided by the city.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
I appreciate the small, eclectic community and all of its characters who I get to call neighbors. Our community supports each other and comes together whether it be to clean up the beach, litter on the streets, or like most neighbors like to do - party. Bands, parties are plentiful. There is never a dull moment in Miller (a/k/a the bubble).

What is your neighborhood like?
You can always tell a visitor on the beach because they don't say hello. In Miller, people wave, say hello, hug kiss and in general want to gab, drink and be merry! There are parties every weekend and a lot of live music. At the Miller Beach Arts & Creative District, we have "Live on Lake Street" once a month that features a new band. There are DJ's on the beach - you name it! Music, Art and Fun abound.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love hiking the dunes. There are numerous places to hike and walk and enjoy nature. The National Park has bird watching classes, rangers explain the biodiversity of the area and there is no end to the possibilities and photographic opportunities. Improve? We have only 4 restaurants and 0 coffee shops in town. I wish Miller would turn into a culinary haven. Also, our streets are in disrepair. Potholes are everywhere and the city has no funds to fix them! It's a bummer. I wish the City of Gary would invest more in the area.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
One of my favorite quotes: "Luck is where preparedness meets opportunity". I had wanted to live in Miller since the early 2000's. I finally found the right moment 5 years ago and have never looked back!

Profession:
City of Residence: Crown Point
Age: 47

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I was born in Gary, grew up in East Chicago, moved to Crown Point when I was 16.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Living in NWI has taught me a lot. I moved from East Chicago to Crown Point while still in High School. I experienced a lot of racism from some teachers, classmates. It was a rough time for me. I was excited to move here and meet some new friends. I had to adjust to a different environment. I did meet some really good friends; some were not so good.

What is your neighborhood like?
I live in Lake of Four Seasons in Crown Point. I do still experience some racism here.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love meeting new people. It doesn't matter to me what they are. As long as they're nice.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Be a good person. When you die how would you want to be remembered.

Profession: Steel Worker
City of Residence: Crown Point
Age: 41

Why did you choose to live in the region?
Born and Raised...Plus my job

How does living in the region shape who you are?
It's all I know.

What is your neighborhood like?
Calm and Quiet

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
The location and the environment...not sure for improvements

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Mind ur own business!!!

Profession: Body positive & lifestyle influencer
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 39

Why did you choose to live in the region?
Born and raised her, moved away after graduating High School. Moved back about 3 years ago to help care for my parents, especially my ailing father.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
I have lived in Atlanta, LA, and Seattle, but living back home has made me want to live in my purpose and pursue my passion even more. I promote a lifestyle of Confidence & Positivity. Having this mind has shaped to be a positive light within my community as well as to support & encourage others.

What is your neighborhood like?
I grew up & currently live on W. 15th Ave. We are a close knit/ working class neighborhood. Everyone pretty much stays to themselves but are willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love our culture and the people. There is a particular swagg to the people of Gary, IN. We may appear to be hard or stern, but we are really nice people. We have a little grit within us, but we know how to grind and work hard for what we want. I would love for Gary to revive back to being one of the most popular places to visit. There are so many talented people living in this city.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Life happens, but God's plan never changes. And there is always an opportunity to live better & do better. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Profession: writer, consultant, organizer, artist, urban farmhand
City of Residence: Gary
Age: 45

Why did you choose to live in the region?
The dream of many Region youth is to escape NWI for Chicago. That was never my dream but it’s exactly what I did for 10 years; working in education, community arts, and organizing. I always kept my ties to NWI tho, especially Gary. After the failures of the Occupy moment, I felt burned out in Chicago so in 2012 I returned to NWI. Being closer to my family is also a major reason.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
I can get away with a lot of blunt and uncouth behavior simply by stating that I am from Indiana. Growing up during an era when so many industrial jobs were disappearing, and our communities were losing population has helped me see how quickly new and shiny things turn to rust. So, I’m not at all impressed by fancy luxuries and the people whose personalities are based around things like that.

Despite the Region’s historical patterns of segregation, I grew up in one of those rare pockets of diversity so unlike a lot of people I’m more comfortable in heterogenous rather than homogenous environments. I don’t want to be any place where all the people “just like me.”

What is your neighborhood like?
Oh, there’s always something interesting if not downright odd. There was the day an escaped potbellied pig got rescued. We’ve had random naked people show up on the block twice. I always tell people if they like constant train traffic, they’d really like my neighborhood. And there’s been major road and infrastructure projects tearing up our main street every year we’ve been here.

I’ve been lucky in having great neighbors in many of the places I’ve lived. But these are some of the best ever. Interesting and colorful, respectful of privacy but still social, and caring about the quality of life on the block.

Most of our neighbors are older, one has lived on the block since 1937. A young family recently moved in. More and more houses are getting bought up, fixed, and flipped. I imagine the neighborhood will be very different in 5-10 years, in terms of age.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love our ragged-ass history. The less-than polite things that made the Region notorious and make the yuppies uncomfortable. And I love what I’ll call our ecological heritage, tho I wish we cared more about that.

I wish people here would stop seeing the Region thru outside frames. So much of what is written or produced here seems to be primarily informed by and in reaction to things that outsiders come up with. Why aren’t we almost always starting from the perspective of what is right in front of us? And why aren’t more people here better supporting works that are grounded in Region reality?

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
My dad told me not to settle down until I was 35.

Profession: co-CEO
City of Residence: Hobart
Age: 16

Why did you choose to live in the region?
My parents moved here after my dad’s stroke to be closer to family.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
I go to a really great school that offers me many opportunities to have a great future.

What is your neighborhood like?
I live in the suburbs and it’s a very peaceful and for the most part everyone is nice. There is a lack of diversity.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love how community oriented everyone is and how many people care about being involved. I think we could strive to have more diversity in our community.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Sometimes it’s not easy to have a calling, and it can feel heavy, but you just have to take it one step of a time.

Profession: Patchables Executive Digital Management
City of Residence: Portage
Age: 17

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I was born in this region and lived her ever since.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
This region has a lot of STEM based activities that I have been able to be a part of. This region has a lot of PLTW and Dual Credit High Schools. I have been able to earn a lot of college and high school credits taking classes that interest me.

What is your neighborhood like?
I live in a pretty nice neighborhood. I have 2 city owned parks, a historical society, bike trail, and a fishing pond within a mile of my house. I live on a road that is not traveled by the public often, so we don't have to deal with a lot of car traffic on our road. I have had so many opportunities that my neighborhood has offered me that a lot of other neighborhoods don't offer their residents.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I love how involved everyone is in the community. We have several community gardens, boy scout troops, and community events. There are events that the city hosts for people of all ages.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
Always treat others the way that you would want to be treated.

Profession: Co-CEO of Patchables
City of Residence: Hobart
Age: 15

Why did you choose to live in the region?
I was born in Northwest Indiana and fell in love with it! All of the opportunities that we are presented with every day mean something, and you can't find that everywhere.

How does living in the region shape who you are?
Living in Northwest Indiana allows me to dream big while being close to the places that help that dream come true. Living so close to manufacturing facilities really puts perspective on how many people work to make other people's lives better. My region shapes changemakers and innovators, and the opportunities that the region of Indiana provided me shaped my aspirations and goals in life.

What is your neighborhood like?
My neighborhood is very peaceful, there is a culture sack next to my house and it is like a safe haven for all the neighborhood kids to play. Every time I go outside the kids from my neighborhood ask for hugs and to catch up on their lives. I teach them basic math through the many chapsticks they bring out to me. They are super sweet and I couldn't be happier to be a part of the community I have.

What aspects of the region do you love the most, and what would you do or suggest to improve the area?
I feel like we could have more homeless shelters up here in Northwest Indiana. I see homeless people at parks in my community but always feel so horrible knowing that there aren't homeless shelters or places to go for miles around.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given?
"Let others be your lessons in life, take qualities you dislike and dissolve them, take qualities you like and strive towards them." ~Chris Conner