FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Last night, 47 individuals celebrated their graduation from the Leadership Fort Wayne (LFW) program. The graduation ceremony, part of Greater Fort Wayne Inc.’s Holiday Night event, serves as a milestone in the Class of 2021’s commitment to servant leadership and community trusteeship.
Wrapping up its 39th year, LFW is an eight-month program that provides an in-depth view of the many facets of the community while developing each participant’s leadership skills. By developing these skills, participants are better prepared to positively impact the community and their workplaces.
Highlights of the program include behind-the-scenes tours of local landmarks, presentations by community leaders and leadership development experts, skills assessments, and Community Action Team projects that help local nonprofits solve real-world challenges. LFW participants are also provided the opportunity to gain additional leadership experience serving as intern board members for local nonprofits.
“This class is an amazing group of talented and connected leaders, guided by their heartfelt passion for our community,” said Barry Schrock, director of leadership programs at GFW Inc. “Just as important, it’s a group of diverse individuals with fresh perspectives that value inclusion and belonging. Developing community leaders is a critical component of LFW. I am proud of this class that will become the next group of community leaders and ensure a more promising and successful future for Allen County.”
Since 1983, more than 1,400 individuals have graduated from Leadership Fort Wayne. Many of them have gone on to serve on or lead nonprofit boards, hold elected office, or own their own businesses.
Members of the Class of 2021 and their sponsoring individuals/organizations are:
| Anna Belote LFW Alumni Donors | Lanitra Berry Rob Wallstrom of Vera Bradley | Britney Breidenstein Association of Fundraising Professionals |
| Bree Cannon Benchmark Human Services | Monica Chamberlain Visiting Nurse | Michelle Charles Parkview Health |
| Dawn Clopton Premier Bank | Lindsey Coleman Jeanné Wickens of Parkview Health | Tony Colón VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System |
| Antione Drakeford Parker Hannifin | Erica Dunbar Lincoln Financial Group | Fred Fulkerson AWS Foundation |
| Lisa D. Givan Indiana Tech | Elizabeth Hoffman City of New Haven | Kevin Hughes AWS Foundation |
| Megan Keefer St. Paul's Lutheran School | Nicole Keesling (Self-Sponsored) | Stan Klepper Fort Wayne – Allen County Airport Authority |
| Kassee Lamm Apex Benefits | Chanel Love Barb Wachtman and Tom Skillman | Colin Madden Greater Fort Wayne Inc. |
| Kashina Mapeka NIPSCO | Ethel Massing Parkview Health | Josh Messmann Hylant Group |
| Pat Miller Michelin North America | Kevin Morse Greater Fort Wayne Inc. | Kyle Newman First Merchants Bank |
| Colleen O'Leary Lincoln Financial Group | Josh Raines Beth Goldsmith of Sold by the Gold | Dawn Ritchie City of Fort Wayne |
| Shayla Rivera Indiana Tech | Tim Roy LFW Alumni Donors | Michael Saadeh City of Fort Wayne |
| Zack Sand Allen County Government | Shalonda (Pinky) Saunders LFW Alumni Donors | Shanelle Sellers Indiana Michigan Power |
| Meghan Short Greater Fort Wayne Inc. | Kristin Smith 3Rivers Federal Credit Union | Karen Stahl Moake Park Group |
| Kourtney Teegardin Rothberg Logan Warsco LLP | Andy Uhl TriCore Logic | Meg Underwood Purdue University Fort Wayne |
| Brian VanHall Ambassador Enterprises | Emily Venderley Purdue University Fort Wayne | Clifton Wallace AWS Foundation |
| Kristen Westby Indiana Air National Guard 122nd Fighter Wing | Reis Yoder LFW Alumni Donors |
Applications are currently closed for the LFW Class of 2022. Individuals interested in participating in the Class of 2023 can visit LeadershipFortWayne.com or email leadership@gfwinc.com for more information.
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Ind., as its metro chamber alliance and primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement.
