Brandon Fitzsimmons
Executive Director A native of Michigan and full-time Spanish teacher/instructor at Sycamore School and Butler University, Brandon first moved to Indiana for six years of collegiate and graduate studies before calling Indianapolis home in 2015. Prior to joining COIN as Executive Director in August 2022, he had worked in immigration law, humanitarian aid, university admissions, and non-profit program management, in addition to foreign language education. One of COIN's founding community partners in 2017, he has long admired the organization's unique role in serving as a nexus for all who are committed to meeting the short-term needs and long-term success of both the local and regional immigrant communities of central Indiana. In addition to traveling to remote corners of the world, he considers relationships with friends, family, and "friends like family" all over the globe to be the most meaningful part of life. In the rare and quiet moments not occupied by everything above, he enjoys reading, swimming, running, board games, disc golf, and studying foreign languages. He is a tentative Indiana Pacers fan until the heralded return of his much-missed Seattle Supersonics. |
Lucia Mercado
Assistant Director Lucia Mercado is currently attending Butler University where she is pursuing a B.S. in Healthcare and Business with a Minor in Spanish and a concentration in Medical Spanish. Lucia was selected to receive the prestigious Lilly Endowment Scholarship and is a part of the Lilly Scholars Network. She currently serves as a Diversity Ambassador at Butler University where she acts to ensure the transition for international students is one that welcomes them into Butler and into the local community. Lucia serves on the Youth Advisory Board for the Indiana State Department of Health. She is the committee representative for the subcommittee which focuses on improving access to care and services in Indiana. Previously, she worked as a website developer for a non-profit which aimed to provide direct aid to individuals in Puerto Rico. She frequently volunteers to provide translation and interpretive services to the Hispanic community. Lucia has a passion for giving back to the community in any way possible. |