Who Is My Neighbor?
Juan Padilla
| Date | August 25, 2025 |
| Time | 6:30 pm |
| Location | Zionsville Christian Church Sanctuary |
| Cost | Free |
Who is your neighbor? In this globalized world, we are called to extend welcome and understanding to all. And there is no better way to promote empathy and goodwill than through person-to-person interaction. Our engaging, diverse speakers will discuss their cultural and spiritual background, why they immigrated to the United States, the assimilation issues they have encountered, and ideas about how to bridge cultural and societal divisions.
Our conversation will continue with other speakers on September 22 and October 27. More details to come!
Juan Padilla is an Indy transplant, born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia. Having close family connections in Indianapolis, he came to pursue his master’s degree for language teachers at Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI). Juan has an extensive background in humanitarian work related to translation and interpretation in more than eight countries in Central and South America.
In Indianapolis, he has helped communities like second-, third-, and fourth-generation Spanish language learners, intentionally including them in the language-learning agenda, with efforts that extend from altruistically translating children’s books to the creation of more inclusive higher-education lectures and resources for adult learners as well as workplace learners.
Currently, Juan works as associate faculty at IUI and Ivy Tech Community College and manages a photography business. During his free time, Juan enjoys walks with his wife, staying active, and playing his guitar.
The ZCC Speaker Series features inspiring speakers who foster thought and action on equity, diversity, human rights, access to essential resources and opportunities, participation in decision-making processes that impact communities, and environmental issues.