a curious leader with a heavy blend of creative collaboration
—Strategic Marketer & Communicator
—CHAMPION FOR EQUITY & COMMUNITY
—CONNECTOR OF VALUE & PURPOSE
—designer, writer & storyteller
—team & Bridge builder
My roots are in theatre.
As a first-generation college student, I chose to major in the thing that brought me the most joy and where I believed (and was told) my talents were strongest: theatre. A bit cliché, but here we are. Through theatre, I fell in love with the power of storytelling, creating characters from the page, and designing a world where these characters can live their stories. Building something from nothing alongside others, each with unique skills and perspectives, molded me into an empathetic team player with a knack for creativity and resourcefulness. And the greatest reward? Presenting that story to an audience with the hope of challenging how they see the world and their own role in it. Or at the very least, just getting a few laughs.
As life and my career moved forward, I’ve transferred and grown those same skills and passions into new mediums beyond the stage:
- marketing & communications
- philanthropy & not-for-profit leadership
- community engagement & development
Through my career, I’ve honed my skills in developing creative and effective engagement strategies, building and strengthening brands through thoughtful design and storytelling, identifying audiences and reaching them in ways that speak to their values and experiences, leading and coaching a team, and adapting to evolving needs and challenges with a focus on solutions and continuous improvement.
My foundation in theatre continues to shape how I approach work today. I believe in the power of collaboration, the importance of experimentation, and the necessity of knowing—and truly listening to—your audience.
At the heart of my work is the belief that storytelling builds bridges—between people, communities, and purpose.
For over 15 years, I’ve led marketing and communications in mission-driven spaces, using strategy and creativity to inspire action that celebrates and strengthens our communities.
Some career highlights include:
- Leading team at Damien Center in planning and executing a record-breaking Grande Masquerade, the organization’s annual fundraising gala, bringing in almost $400k to further the organization’s mission to provide equitable healthcare and end the HIV epidemic.
- Securing a $100,000 donation for Damien Center’s One Home Campaign and providing an opportunity for donors to honor family in a meaningful way.
- Developing the brand and name for Cafe Oztara—Damien Center’s social enterprise and needed ‘third place’ for the Indianapolis LGBTQ+ community.
- Creating the artwork, co-producing event, and partnering with executive leadership team to establish powerful message for InclusiveCity, Central Indiana Community Foundation’s hybrid event at Madam Walker Cultural Legacy Centre announcing its updated strategic plan and mission in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and inequities in the community.
- Creating the graphics and event materials for the sold-out Women’s Fund of Central Indiana event at Gainbridge Fieldhouse featuring Michelle Obama—and then meeting her.
- Co-producing and launching For Good, a podcast featuring stories and conversations about passion, purpose and progress.
- Collaborating to create and launch the Movement of 10,000, a digital platform to inform, inspire and ignite equitable change.
- Building relationships with community partners to maximize impact, gain additional media attention, and expand Indiana Repertory Theatre audiences through establishing events like Scrooge Gives Back and a blood drive for Dracula.
- Advocating for equity and justice with the Anti-Defamation League and speaking with our state’s senators in Washington, D.C.
My passion and values:
I’m incredibly passionate about dismantling barriers of inequity through a lens of empathy and identifying shared values. Through education opportunities, volunteer work, and my own experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a kid who grew up in poverty, I have a growing perspective on the impact of systemic inequities and how an equitable society will benefit us all. Through innovative and authentic storytelling, we can engage those with different identities and perspectives to open minds, build bridges, and create trust. And then, together, we can create a world where everyone has the potential to thrive.
As a lifelong pedestrian and public transportation advocate, I know the importance of accessibility and connectivity.
I value diversity and collaboration. There is power in togetherness and different perspectives. Innovation thrives in collaboration. Simply put, I just like people. I’m a people person. And also dogs. Dogs are awesome.
Benjamin Snyder 