Episode 12: Imhotep Adisa

Imhotep Adisa is not only one of Indianapolis’ most influential community leaders, he is a serious thinker who generously shares his experiences and knowledge with a broad range of people in the Indianapolis community. Imhotep Adisa, along with Kheprw Institute (KI) co-founder Paulette Fair, founded KI to help youth develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills, help communities build wealth and become more effective advocates, and address economic needs including food insecurity and job access. Imhotep and Paulette have been two of the most influential people on my evolving understanding of issues including race, equity, and economic development, over the past three years. In this conversation, Imhotep discusses his formative experiences as a young man which led to the founding of Kheprw Institute. He also reflects on his belief that for us to change the systems that cause the inequities exacerbated by COVID-19, we must invest in “transformational relationships” and grow from friendships with people whose life experiences and perspectives are different from our own.