About Us
About Us


Slobodanka Glusac
Director of Strategic Planning
Chris Matthews
Director of Operations
David H. Taylor
Executive Director
David H. Taylor is a graduate from Franklin University (Columbus, OH). Holding both a Bachelor of Business Administration  (Suma Cum Laude) and a Master of Business Administration degree, David is honored to lead The Blue Umbrella team. A lifelong volunteer, David has worked with the homeless, adult literacy, hospice care, and animal advocacy.  In his spare time, he is an ABE (Adult Basic Education) and ENL (English as a New Language) teacher. David is renowned for his enthusiasm and optimism. His continuing goal is to ensure that everyone has a chance to succeed in life, while empowering those individuals to help others along the way.
For the last 15 years, Chris Matthews has served as Operations Manager for Colla Voce Music, a mid-sized music publishing company.  He holds a Bachelor of Art degree from Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA) and a Master of Music degree from Butler University (Indianapolis, IN).  Chris is excited to bring his expertise in operations management to the Blue Umbrella thus allowing the organization to continually meet the needs of the nonprofit community currently operating in the Indianapolis area.  In his spare time, Chris is a composer of choir music whose compositions are performed regularly throughout the United States and abroad. 

The Blue Umbrella, Inc. is dedicated to ensuring that the nonprofit community, currently operating in Indianapolis, remains strong and continues to thrive in the areas of adult education, crime prevention, and issues relating to homelessness.  To achieve this goal, we are committed to providing free support services in the form of community and volunteer outreach, creating and nurturing relationships between nonprofits, as well as fostering positive changes in the lives of  individuals through our ongoing mentoring programs.  We believe that these services play a vital role in allowing the city of Indianapolis to grow and prosper.
The Blue Umbrella, Inc. is dedicated to ensuring that the nonprofit community, currently operating in Indianapolis, remains strong and continues to thrive in the areas of adult education, crime prevention, and issues relating to homelessness.  To achieve this goal, we are committed to providing free support services in the form of community and volunteer outreach, creating and nurturing relationships between nonprofits, as well as fostering positive changes in the lives of  individuals through our ongoing mentoring programs.  We believe that these services play a vital role in allowing the city of Indianapolis to grow and prosper.
For the last 15 years, Chris Matthews has served as Operations Manager for Colla Voce Music, a mid-sized music publishing company.  He holds a Bachelor of Art degree from Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA) and a Master of Music degree from Butler University (Indianapolis, IN).  Chris is excited to bring his expertise in operations management to the Blue Umbrella thus allowing the organization to continually meet the needs of the nonprofit community currently operating in the Indianapolis area.  In his spare time, Chris is a composer of choir music whose compositions are performed regularly throughout the United States and abroad. 

Chris Matthews
Director of Operations
David H. Taylor
Executive Director
David H. Taylor is a graduate from Franklin University (Columbus, OH). Holding both a Bachelor of Business Administration (Suma Cum Laude) and a Master of Business Administration degree, David is honored to lead The Blue Umbrella team. A lifelong volunteer, David has worked with the homeless, adult literacy, hospice care, and animal advocacy.  In his spare time, he is an ABE (Adult Basic Education) and ENL (English as a New Language) teacher. David is renowned for his enthusiasm and optimism. His continuing goal is to ensure that everyone has a chance to succeed in life, while empowering those individuals to help others along the way.
Slobodanka Glusac
Director of Strategic Planning
Slobodanka grew up in the former Yugoslavia and has been living in the US for 20 years.  She graduated from the University of Economics in Sarajevo majoring in Finance, and she currently works at the CNO Financial Group.  Her long journey from Europe started after the war in her native country of Bosnia ended and with her family she found a new home in the Indianapolis area.  Slobodanka started as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student.  Today in her spare time, she is an English as a New Language (ENL) teaching assistant.  With her experience, she is easing her students’ adjustment to their new country, and in the process helping them live richer and happier lives.
Slobodanka grew up in the former Yugoslavia and has been living in the US for 20 years.  She graduated from the University of Economics in Sarajevo majoring in Finance, and she currently works at the CNO Financial Group.  Her long journey from Europe started after the war in her native country of Bosnia ended and with her family she found a new home in the Indianapolis area.  Slobodanka started as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student.  Today in her spare time, she is an English as a New Language (ENL) teaching assistant.  With her experience, she is easing her students’ adjustment to their new country, and in the process helping them live richer and happier lives.


Crystal L. Bridgewater is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Indiana. She graduated from Manual High School. In 1991, Crystal received her certification as a Phlebotomist from Ivy Tech Community College. She also acquired her Nursing Assistant Certification in 1992 from Riverside Community Center in Indianapolis. Ms. Bridgewater has extensive knowledge in caring for hospice patients. In 2013, Crystal began a new journey by receiving her Community Leadership Certification from the INRC (Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center). An avid volunteer, Crystal Bridgewater has worked with various neighborhood associations, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, and Great Indy Clean Up. 2015 brought another certification for Crystal as a Patient Access Specialist from IUPUI. A strong person of faith, Crystal Bridgewater’s goal is to go back to school to receive a degree in Civic Leadership.
Crystal Bridgewater
Director of Community Leadership
Zeelia A. Davidson is a hard-working, independent person. Known throughout the community for her kindness, Zeelia always puts others before herself. She is loyal, dependable, an active listener, and a smile that can brighten up any room. Ms. Davidson is currently working on starting her own nonprofit that will provide transitional housing for the homeless. Named Davidson Rehabilitation Center, the family owned and operated organization will seek to eliminate the plague of homelessness that is in Indianapolis. Zeelia wants to be remembered by her actions and not her words. Her favorite quote is “Smile, someone loves you.”
Zeelia A. Davidson
Director of Community Affairs
Sajida Akmal is a graduate from Ra’ana Liaquat University in Karachi, Pakistan. Majoring in Home Economics, Sajida has a passion for helping others learn to cook. She is the proud mother of four beautiful children. An avid conversationalist, Sajida Akmal wants to build bridges across differences through cooking and coversation. Sajida Akmal is also planning to return to college to obtain a degree in Psychology.
Sajida Akmal
Director of Culinary Programs
Walaa Abdou is a graduate from El Fayoum University in Egypt. She holds a degree in Education. She believes in uniting everyone by building communities together. Ms. Abdou understands how frightening coming to a new country can be. Walaa plans on helping others acclimate and navigate around their new environment in the United States. Walaa Abdou is known for her kind heart and amazing cooking skills.
Walaa Abdou
Director of Immigrant Outreach
Mukti Chowdhury was a teacher at Tejgaon College in Dhaka, Bangladesh.  Holding both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Mathematics from Eden University, Mukti loves helping others learn. She prides herself on patience and compassion towards others. While she has many accolades, Ms. Chowdhury is very modest about her accomplishments. Mukti is also fluent in Bengali, Italian, and loves reading in Arabic.
Mutki Chowdhury
Director of Mathematics Training
and Curriculum
Luis G. Marcano is a graduate of Simon Bolivar College in Venezuela. Holding a Higher Technician’s Diploma in Agriculture Business and later a specialized Business Administration degree, Mr. Ruiz has extensive knowledge in the areas of business and public relations. He has helped many foundations developing programs that focus on helping the poor. Luis also has spent many years mentoring young people in faith-based programs. Add to his extensive list of achievements, Luis G. Marcano has also been the proud owner of two successful restaurants in Venezuela. 
Luis G. Marcano
Director of Translation Services
Naomi Nakamura is a graduate from medical school in Japan. She has worked in various medical facilities as a dermatologist for 14 years. She has also done research in the areas of immunity and allergy. Naomi has been thrilled to meet so many wonderful people from different countries who live in the United States. She loves learning about other people’s cultures and traditions. Naomi Nakamura’s hope is to see people from all walks of life achieve happiness.
Naomi Nakamura
"Beauty on the Inside and Out"
Program Director
Irma Trejo has extensive knowledge in the areas of customer service and business etiquette. She was also an elementary teacher in Mexico. Irma speaks two languages and loves learning about food and nutrition. In her spare time, Irma Trejo heads the finance department for a local painting company.
Irma Trejo
Business Etiquette
Program Director
Aurora Darbo is a proud graduate of Life University. Aurora has extensive history working with hair. She has also spent many years helping people during traumatic events and natural disasters. Aurora loves her husband and being a wife. Her ability to balance many things has given Aurora an amazing ability to help other people organize their houses. Her focus is to make life easier through helping others learn how to organize various parts of their lives. 
Aurora Darbo
Director of Household Organization
Gulmira Idrisova is from Russia. She speaks three languages: English, Russian, and Turkish. Gulmira came to the United States in 2005 as a refugee. She started working as a cook and is now working as a Unit Secretary and Patient Care Assistant at I.U. Health Hospital. Gulmira Idrisova never wants to stop moving forward. Ms. Idrisova believes that no hill is too big to climb. It is all about one’s outlook. Gulmira Idrisova wants to help others overcome obstacles in housing and food acquisition.
Gulmira Idrisova
Director of Community Resource Access
Carlos Ruiz is originally from Mexico. He has studied at Harry S. Truman College in Chicago. Mr. Ruiz has extensive knowledge and experience in customer service and culinary arts. One of his many specialties is in mixology and wines. Mr. Ruiz prides himself on his constant search for knowledge through his studies. Carlos Ruiz is excited about his new path and his ability to help other individuals find their purpose.
Carlos Ruiz
Director of Business Pathways
Yeasin Bhuiyan is a graduate from Prime Asia University in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Yeasin has a degree in textile engineering. He is an avid learner and loves language acquisition. His new passion is information technology. Mr. Bhuiyan loves helping his family and friends. Even though he works long hours and gets little sleep, Yeasin Bhuiyan always has the biggest smile that brightens people’s lives. Yeasin wants to make another dream come true by helping more people on a larger scale.
Yeasin Bhuiyan
Director of Motivational Coaching
Maiko Yamada is originally Tokyo. Her course of study has been very diverse. Educated in the areas of horticulture, design, and veterinary sciences, Ms. Yamada has been able to combine all her passions over time. Ms. Yamada’s love of birds has given her a greater understanding of humans. She sees a direct correlation with caged birds and why they do not seem to thrive. Maiko understands from her own personal experiences how being “caged in” limited her outlook. Maiko Yamada is now free to help others explore their own passions.
Maiko Yamada
Healing Through Design/Community Gardens
Program Director
Searafin Agustin (Chafie) is a very passionate guy. His goal is to make the world a better place in which to live. Serafin is multilingual and loves helping people learn how to contribute to society in a positive way. Chafi’s biggest hope is to see the world full of peace and hope. He believes that we are all one race on the inside and that all humans share the ability to love. He loves telling people that life is a blink where the goal is to be happy.
Maria Luisa Gonzales is originally from Mexico. She has been living in the United States for fifteen years. She has a husband and two daughters that make her very happy. In Mexico Maria served as an Executive Administrative Assistant in the office of IMSS (The Mexican Social Security Institute). Maria Luisa Gonzalez is looking forward to helping others learn how to be an effective administrative assistant.
Serafin "Chafi" Agustin
Director of Meditative Arts
Maria Luisa Gonzalez
Director of Business Administration
Crystal L. Bridgewater is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Indiana. She graduated from Manual High School. In 1991, Crystal received her certification as a Phlebotomist from Ivy Tech Community College. She also acquired her Nursing Assistant Certification in 1992 from Riverside Community Center in Indianapolis. Ms. Bridgewater has extensive knowledge in caring for hospice patients. In 2013, Crystal began a new journey by receiving her Community Leadership Certification from the INRC (Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center). An avid volunteer, Crystal Bridgewater has worked with various neighborhood associations, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, and Great Indy Clean Up. 2015 brought another certification for Crystal as a Patient Access Specialist from IUPUI. A strong person of faith, Crystal Bridgewater’s goal is to go back to school to receive a degree in Civic Leadership.
Crystal Bridgewater
Director of Community Leadership
Zeelia A. Davidson is a hard-working, independent person. Known throughout the community for her kindness, Zeelia always puts others before herself. She is loyal, dependable, an active listener, and a smile that can brighten up any room. Ms. Davidson is currently working on starting her own nonprofit that will provide transitional housing for the homeless. Named Davidson Rehabilitation Center, the family owned and operated organization will seek to eliminate the plague of homelessness that is in Indianapolis. Zeelia wants to be remembered by her actions and not her words. Her favorite quote is “Smile, someone loves you.”
Zeelia A. Davidson
Director of Community Affairs
Sajida Akmal is a graduate from Ra’ana Liaquat University in Karachi, Pakistan. Majoring in Home Economics, Sajida has a passion for helping others learn to cook. She is the proud mother of four beautiful children. An avid conversationalist, Sajida Akmal wants to build bridges across differences through cooking and coversation. Sajida Akmal is also planning to return to college to obtain a degree in Psychology.
Sajida Akmal
Director of Culinary Programs
Walaa Abdou is a graduate from El Fayoum University in Egypt. She holds a degree in Education. She believes in uniting everyone by building communities together. Ms. Abdou understands how frightening coming to a new country can be. Walaa plans on helping others acclimate and navigate around their new environment in the United States. Walaa Abdou is known for her kind heart and amazing cooking skills.
Walaa Abdou
Director of Immigrant Outreach
Mukti Chowdhury was a teacher at Tejgaon College in Dhaka, Bangladesh.  Holding both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Mathematics from Eden University, Mukti loves helping others learn. She prides herself on patience and compassion towards others. While she has many accolades, Ms. Chowdhury is very modest about her accomplishments. Mukti is also fluent in Bengali, Italian, and loves reading in Arabic.
Mutki Chowdhury
Director of Mathematics Training
and Curriculum
Luis G. Marcano is a graduate of Simon Bolivar College in Venezuela. Holding a Higher Technician’s Diploma in Agriculture Business and later a specialized Business Administration degree, Mr. Ruiz has extensive knowledge in the areas of business and public relations. He has helped many foundations developing programs that focus on helping the poor. Luis also has spent many years mentoring young people in faith-based programs. Add to his extensive list of achievements, Luis G. Marcano has also been the proud owner of two successful restaurants in Venezuela. 
Luis G. Marcano
Director of Translation Services
Naomi Nakamura is a graduate from medical school in Japan. She has worked in various medical facilities as a dermatologist for 14 years. She has also done research in the areas of immunity and allergy. Naomi has been thrilled to meet so many wonderful people from different countries who live in the United States. She loves learning about other people’s cultures and traditions. Naomi Nakamura’s hope is to see people from all walks of life achieve happiness.
Naomi Nakamura
"Beauty on the Inside and Out"
Program Director
Irma Trejo has extensive knowledge in the areas of customer service and business etiquette. She was also an elementary teacher in Mexico. Irma speaks two languages and loves learning about food and nutrition. In her spare time, Irma Trejo heads the finance department for a local painting company.
Irma Trejo
Business Etiquette
Program Director
Aurora Darbo is a proud graduate of Life University. Aurora has extensive history working with hair. She has also spent many years helping people during traumatic events and natural disasters. Aurora loves her husband and being a wife. Her ability to balance many things has given Aurora an amazing ability to help other people organize their houses. Her focus is to make life easier through helping others learn how to organize various parts of their lives. 
Aurora Darbo
Director of Household Organization
Gulmira Idrisova is from Russia. She speaks three languages: English, Russian, and Turkish. Gulmira came to the United States in 2005 as a refugee. She started working as a cook and is now working as a Unit Secretary and Patient Care Assistant at I.U. Health Hospital. Gulmira Idrisova never wants to stop moving forward. Ms. Idrisova believes that no hill is too big to climb. It is all about one’s outlook. Gulmira Idrisova wants to help others overcome obstacles in housing and food acquisition.
Gulmira Idrisova
Director of Community Resource Access
Carlos Ruiz is originally from Mexico. He has studied at Harry S. Truman College in Chicago. Mr. Ruiz has extensive knowledge and experience in customer service and culinary arts. One of his many specialties is in mixology and wines. Mr. Ruiz prides himself on his constant search for knowledge through his studies. Carlos Ruiz is excited about his new path and his ability to help other individuals find their purpose.
Carlos Ruiz
Director of Business Pathways
Yeasin Bhuiyan is a graduate from Prime Asia University in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Yeasin has a degree in textile engineering. He is an avid learner and loves language acquisition. His new passion is information technology. Mr. Bhuiyan loves helping his family and friends. Even though he works long hours and gets little sleep, Yeasin Bhuiyan always has the biggest smile that brightens people’s lives. Yeasin wants to make another dream come true by helping more people on a larger scale.
Yeasin Bhuiyan
Director of Motivational Coaching
Maiko Yamada is originally Tokyo. Her course of study has been very diverse. Educated in the areas of horticulture, design, and veterinary sciences, Ms. Yamada has been able to combine all her passions over time. Ms. Yamada’s love of birds has given her a greater understanding of humans. She sees a direct correlation with caged birds and why they do not seem to thrive. Maiko understands from her own personal experiences how being “caged in” limited her outlook. Maiko Yamada is now free to help others explore their own passions.
Maiko Yamada
Healing Through Design/
Community Gardens
Program Director
Searafin Agustin (Chafie) is a very passionate guy. His goal is to make the world a better place in which to live. Serafin is multilingual and loves helping people learn how to contribute to society in a positive way. Chafi’s biggest hope is to see the world full of peace and hope. He believes that we are all one race on the inside and that all humans share the ability to love. He loves telling people that life is a blink where the goal is to be happy.
Maria Luisa Gonzales is originally from Mexico. She has been living in the United States for fifteen years. She has a husband and two daughters that make her very happy. In Mexico Maria served as an Executive Administrative Assistant in the office of IMSS (The Mexican Social Security Institute). Maria Luisa Gonzalez is looking forward to helping others learn how to be an effective administrative assistant.
Serafin "Chafi" Agustin
Director of Meditative Arts
Maria Luisa Gonzalez
Director of Business Administration
Sherise McCullough grew up in Tennessee and has been an Indianapolis resident since 2004. A single mother of three beautiful boys, Sherise’s dedication to make the world a better place for her children and others is inspirational. The perfect example of multitasking, Ms. McCullough is currently working on starting her own catering business, as well as creating a center for young girls that will allow a safe space to learn and grow, while celebrating who they are as young women. Sherise’s name is symbolic in many ways. Spelled just like “she rise”, Sherise McCullough is helping others to rise to their potential.
Sherise McCullough
Director ot Mentoring (Young Girls Program)
Shaniece Jones is a young, proud mother who loves all things relating to art. Shaniece’s goal is to bring beautiful murals to abandoned houses and businesses throughout the west side of Indianapolis. She will also play an integral part in The Blue Umbrella’s new initiative, Sewing Seeds for Change. We are very honored to have her on board and look forward to all the change she brings to the community.
Shaniece Jones
West Side Beautification Initiative
Program Director
Sherise McCullough grew up in Tennessee and has been an Indianapolis resident since 2004. A single mother of three beautiful boys, Sherise’s dedication to make the world a better place for her children and others is inspirational. The perfect example of multitasking, Ms. McCullough is currently working on starting her own catering business, as well as creating a center for young girls that will allow a safe space to learn and grow, while celebrating who they are as young women. Sherise’s name is symbolic in many ways. Spelled just like “she rise”, Sherise McCullough is helping others to rise to their potential.
Sherise McCullough
Director ot Mentoring
(Young Girls Program)
Shaniece Jones
West Side Beautification Initiative
Program Director
Shaniece Jones is a young, proud mother who loves all things relating to art. Shaniece’s goal is to bring beautiful murals to abandoned houses and businesses throughout the west side of Indianapolis. She will also play an integral part in The Blue Umbrella’s new initiative, Sewing Seeds for Change. We are very honored to have her on board and look forward to all the change she brings to the community.