We are the journalists, creatives and staff who make up Free Press Indiana and its first two newsrooms: Mirror Indy and FPI News.
The Absolute Unit
Sharlene Birdsong (she/her)
Best part of your job?
Working with Documenters. I love to see them learn about and become more involved in local government.
Favorite hobby?
Gardening.
Ibby Ahmed (she/her)
Best part of your job?
Creating a space on social media that reflects our city and highlights the people who make up the fabric of Indy.
Favorite hobby?
I have a few hobbies but my favorite would have to be knitting/crocheting.
Gwen Ragno (she/her)
Best part of your job?
Helping all the pieces of a story come together to make it as helpful and interesting as it can be.
Favorite hobby?
Being outside gardening, hiking or sitting on a patio with a book.
Dylan Peers McCoy (she/her)
Best part of your job?
Finding the perfect person to show a widespread harm.
Favorite hobby?
I like cooking almost as much as I love eating.
Peter Blanchard (he/him)
Best part of your job?
Holding elected officials accountable.
Favorite hobby?
Playing music.
Darian Benson (she/her)
Best part of your job?
Getting to know more about fellow eastsiders.
Favorite hobby?
Hiking.
Tyler Fenwick (he/him)
Best part of your job?
I got 3 months of paid leave when my son was born.
Favorite hobby?
Watching and talking about sports.
Elizabeth Gabriel (she/her)
Best part of your job?
I love chatting with southsiders about new businesses and events.
Favorite hobby?
Power yoga in a 100-degree room.
Claire Rafford (she/her)
Best part of your job?
It’s like I keep getting to go back to school!
Favorite hobby?
Snuggling my cat.
Mesgana Waiss (she/her)
Best part of your job?
Getting to see all the wonderful things artists and creatives are doing in our city.
Favorite hobby?
Going to the movies.
Sophie Young (she/her)
Best part of your job?
Meeting neighbors and sharing resources that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Favorite hobby?
I love reading sci-fi books and baking sweet treats.
Jennifer Delgadillo (she/her)
Best part of your job?
Getting to work with creative people and sharing their stories.
Favorite hobby?
Dancing with my baby.
Emily Hopkins (they/them)
Best part of your job?
Meeting people! I love that I get to talk to so many people, from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Favorite hobby?
Fermenting produce from my garden!
Mary Claire Molloy (she/her)
Best part of your job?
getting to meet so many people across the city and hear their stories. Reporting takes you to new places every day.
Favorite hobby?
Making hyper specific yet universally felt playlists. My favorite is titled “Sunday morning.”
Brett Phelps (he/him)
Best part of your job?
Connecting with people. I like to think that we are the cheerleaders for our community.
Favorite hobby?
I love to explore our city on foot! It’s not unusual for me to walk 5 to 6 miles every day. And on days off, I can reach upwards of 12 miles!
Miguel Dominguez (he/him)
Best part of your job?
I love blending creativity and storytelling with keeping people informed and engaged with local news.
Favorite hobby?
Journaling, street photography, playing MTG, and hiking.
Carley Lanich (she/her)
Best part of your job?
Interviewing kids and teens who don’t often see themselves in local news.
Favorite hobby?
Exploring Indy neighborhoods with my partner and our good boy, Dansby.