Fellows Spotlight | Braxton Martorano
The fellowship experience through Circle City Fellows gives Fellows a structured environment to learn about how their work is meaningful to the Mission of God and to the flourishing of the City of Indianapolis (and beyond). During nine months, Fellows create deep connections with their peers, focus on building spiritual and professional practices, and create tangible ways in which they can impact their place of work.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Michigan City, IN
WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Indianapolis, IN
WHAT DO YOU DO/WHERE DO YOU WORK?
Serve as Client Relations Specialist within Business Ownership Initiative (BOI) a business subunit of the Indy Chamber
I DECIDED TO DO THE CCF FELLOWSHIP BECAUSE...
There is an opportunity to connect on a deeper level with the movement of God in our city, in relationships to others around the city, and how we can co-create with God to bring more equality to currently painful areas.
IN YOUR CURRENT WORK (WORKING FULL TIME/PART TIME, GOING TO SCHOOL, AND/OR RAISING CHILDREN) HOW DO YOU SEE THE MISSION OF GOD AT WORK? IS IT EASY FOR YOU TO SEE? IS IT DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO SEE?
The mission of God is easy for me to see, as my team works to support disadvantaged small businesses (economically disadvantaged, minority owned, women owned, veteran, and disabled owned). As we know, the oppressed share a special presence and comfort of God, which I get to share when working with our clients. However I find it difficult to be operating within our capitalistic mindsets, as financial/economic growth can be beneficial, the pursuit of it is unfulfilling in itself. The beauty of helping entrepreneurs follow their hearts and mission driven businesses reveal God's presence, but there is also a natural, but futile strive for more among people I encounter (both among large corp CEO's and aspiring entrepreneurs). I often wonder where the work of God can be found in a system that is inherently opposite of the giving, sharing, and "open handed" nature God elicits.
BY THE END OF THE FELLOWSHIP, I HOPE TO…
Feel more deeply for people, problems, and hurts within Indianapolis. To have a trust in the people doing work to bring more wholeness to those who are forgotten in our policies or social workings. I hope to have received and shared stories that inspire us to action.
