Networking Groups For Minorities

Are you interested in minorities in business? There are many networking organizations and professional societies intended to support minority businesses here in Central Indiana. Check them out!

Indianapolis African American Business Council

According to their website, the IAABC is “working to ensure our member businesses and organizations remain relevant, competitive and sustainable for future generations.” Learn more at inabbc.org

Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber

From their site: “Because the health of GLBTA business organizations is essential to the health of the city’s economy as a whole, a voice is required to serve and promote our interest in the city’s economic and cultural development. The Indy Rainbow Chamber is dedicated to providing this voice.” Visit them out at gayindy.org

Asian American Alliance, Inc.

The mission of AAAI is to inspire central Indiana Asian Americans to serve and lead. They hold regular meetings and sponsor community events. Take a look at www.aaalliance.org

Indianapolis Professional Association

IPA exists: “To promote and develop the education and economy of African-Americans and to encourage others to do so; to be a network for African-Americans to gather and to discuss and exchange ideas; to afford assistance and training to African-americans and others in various professions, businesses and occupations.” Go to ipaindy.org

Mid-States Minority Supplier Diversity Council

Based in Indianapolis, this Mid-States MSDC is an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and one of 24 regional councils operating in the United States. The Council was created by the Indianapolis business community to address and support minority business development. Their website is midstatesmsdc.org

National Society of Hispanic MBAs – Indianapolis

Indy’s own chapter of the NSHMBA opens doors for Hispanic talent by sourcing leadership positions, securing job placement and enhancing professional development. Visit them online at nshmba.org/members/group.aspx?id=89267

National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter

As the local chapter for the NBMBAA, this group is devoted to developing leaders, engaging members, and providing a clear value proposition for being part of the association. The NBMBAA was established in 19760 and has over 60 chapters throughout
the US and Canada. Their website is www.nbmbaa-indy.org

Black Nurses Association of Indianapolis

A division of the National Black Nurses Association, their mission is “to provide access to quality healthcare through education, advocacy and care.” Visit them at bna-indy.org.

National Association of Black Accountants – Indianapolis

In December 1969, nine African-Americans met in New York City to discuss the unique challenges and limited opportunities they faced in the accounting profession. In that year, there were only 136 African-American Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) out of a total of 100,000 in the United States. This group wanted to establish an organization to address the concerns of minorities entering the accounting profession and to make a commitment to professional and academic excellence. The local chapter’s website is indynaba.org

Indianapolis Professional Association

Founded in 1984, their mission “to promote and develop the education and economy of African-Americans and to encourage others to do so” and also “To be a network for African-Americans to gather and to discuss and exchange ideas.” More info at ipaindy.org

National Society of Black Engineers – Indianapolis Professionals

The vision of NSBE is “a world in which engineering is a mainstream word in homes and communities of color, and all Black students can envision themselves as engineers. In this world, Blacks exceed parity in entering engineering fields, earning degrees, and succeeding professionally.” The local chapter of NSBE has regular meetings. Their website is nsbe-ip.org

National African American Insurance Association – Indianapolis Chapter

The National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) was organized to create a network among minorities who are employed by insurance companies or self-employed in the insurance industry. Pooling this wealth of talent contributes to the growth of the association and its members through sharing of professional experience, knowledge, and information. Visit the local Indianapolis chapter online at naaia.org/index.php/chapters/indianapolis-in

Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council (HBC)

This group works to better assist the Hispanic business community, by offering networking events to engage the community and help grow business. As part of the HBC’s commitment to growing Hispanic business enterprises, the Mentor-Protégé Program was developed. The Mentor-Protégé Program encourages the development of Hispanic-owned businesses by pairing them with larger, successful mentor firms. They are on the Chamber’s website at indychamber.com/be-active/events-activities/hispanic-business-council/

Indiana Black Entrepreneurs Network

This is a group created by Black Expo America. Their objective is to promote, market, advertise and support black-owned businesses. Upcoming events include business expos, networking mixers, speed networking events, business conferences, seminars, business brunches, power networking lunches, a monthly business book club, monthly conference call, annual black tie affairs, and corporate sporting events. Learn more about them at their website, meetup.com/Indiana-Black-Entrepreneurs-Network/.

Know of more organizations? Contact robby@indyatwork.com!

Last updated June 2017