Help Indi Shape the Future of Urban Planning

Generous reader,

Please know that Indiphile (Indi) Ncomanzi is a perfect candidate for financial assistance as she embarks on attending the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP Urban Planning Program.

Indi is worthy. She deserves to be believed in and supported in a way that mirrors her radiance. She deserves to know it’s okay to ask for and receive help. Her single mother, Pearl, also deserves to feel the love and support pouring out from strangers worldwide. Despite how hard she and her mother work, the South African Rand is 0.053 to the United States dollar. To secure her US Visa, she has to provide financial backing for all her college expenses, including a year's tuition, housing, and living expenses (which is much more difficult as an international student). We all deserve to see her as a shining example of what happens when we lift each other to greatness. The ROI investing in Indi will be infinite.

Indi is a caregiver. For the past year, she has been my family's au pair. She has helped care for my three girls, but beyond that, her presence has nourished me, my husband Brian, and our overall well-being. She truly lives up to her namesake, "God's Gift" as the blessing and transformation we received with her intertwined in our journey has been life-changing. This year has been miraculous, and I am so honored to know and love this beloved bonus daughter of mine. After a long, hard road, Indi's help has given me the space to to heal properly and become better aligned and balanced.

Indi is courageous and compassionate. Her bravery to move across the world at a young age, learn about our culture, and teach us hers has been irreplaceable. She has been a source of inspiration for all of us and a shining mentor for my daughters, Bella (15), Beatrice (8), and Birdie (6). She brings laughter and light even when I’m clumsy in my attempts to pronounce phrases in Zulu or Xhosa. She is patient and persistent when life gets hard, loud, and messy. Like me, she also dances and sings through the struggle.

Indi is an architect of angelic proportion. Indi possesses a remarkable combination of gifts that make her stand out in a sea of students. She is hardworking and humble, well-educated, fluently speaking five languages, and wise beyond the years her 23 years her body may appear to hold. She is an old soul with a youthful glow. Her creativity shines through in everything she does, and her infectious spirit uplifts everyone around her.

Indi is a bridge builder. In the short time she has been with us, she has integrated seamlessly into the Cincinnati community, forming connections with other au pairs from diverse backgrounds, transplants, and locals in our neighborhood. Her warm demeanor and genuine kindness have made her a beloved member of our family and community. As a fellow female creative who has overcome obstacles to establish my own successful design business, I see the same determination and potential for greatness in Indi. She is empathetic and has a deep understanding of global issues. With continued education and mentorship, I know Indi will become a transformative force in whatever field she eventually plants and grows in.

Although Indi already has an associate’s degree in architecture and professional certificates in Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Property Development and Investment, and Digital Marketing, we saw this path as an incredible opportunity when she was accepted into UC’s Urban Planning Program. How exciting is having a woman from South Africa, the rainbow nation, to help lead and plan our futures? Can we imagine what cities may look like when designed with love? How could sustainability, social responsibility, resource sharing, and tribal community thinking transform Cincinnati, America, South Africa, Africa, and our entire world?! I couldn’t feel more at peace with Indi designing the systems and infrastructure my children and future generations will inherit.

In conclusion, I hope you see that Indiphile Ncomanzi is beyond deserving of investment. Her talent, dedication, and remarkable character make her an exceptional candidate, and I am confident she will significantly contribute to our planet. Her impact on our lives has been profound, and we are immensely proud to support her in her academic and future pursuits.

With gratitude,

Brandy Lockaby (aka Momma B to Indi)