Kimmel, Anderson, Bradley, Quintana, and Fowler win 2026 Champions of Change Awards

Awards honor those who mentor and empower women in Allen County

Kristen Kimmel, Sheila Anderson, Réna Bradley, Nikki Quintana, and Heidi Fowler were named the 2026 Champions of Change Award winners by the Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. Women’s Network. The awards, which celebrate those who mentor and empower women in Allen County, were given on Tuesday at an awards dinner at Parkview Mirro Event & Conference Center.

“The 2026 Champions of Change winners represent the very best of leadership in action,” said Meghan Murphy, Director of Investor Programs at GFW Inc. “Through their work, service, and commitment to others, they have helped create more opportunities for women across Allen County. Their impact can be seen in the lives they have influenced, the support they have provided, and the example they continue to set. We are proud to recognize these outstanding women and grateful for all of the finalists who are helping build a stronger, more supportive community.”

Awards were given in each of four categories: nonprofit, corporate, public service, and education.

Kristen Kimmel, CFRM, is a high-integrity leader dedicated to scaling nonprofit impact through strategic fundraising and community engagement. As Development Director for the World Baseball Academy (WBA), she assisted in transforming the organization into a community pillar, helping to secure over $8.5 million for the ASH Centre campus—one of Fort Wayne’s largest non-profit youth sports investments. Under her leadership, WBA achieved 15 years of donor cultivation, reaching 9,000+ youth annually. Kristen’s expertise is evidenced by scaling the “Dinner on the Diamond” fundraiser from $17,000 to $260,000. This same passion for excellence earned her recognition as the 2025 FCA Co-Coach of the Year, proving her influence extends far beyond the office. Whether coaching young ladies, leading Bible studies, or volunteering for local organizations, she remains a devoted mother and mentor. Kristen seamlessly balances professional excellence with a tireless commitment to making Allen County a more vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Sheila B. Anderson is Vice President and Community Manager at JPMorganChase in Northern Indiana, bringing more than 34 years of banking experience. She leads initiatives to expand financial empowerment, connecting communities to resources tailored to their needs. Sheila measures her success by the positive impact she makes on others. Her commitment to service is evident through her extensive work in youth mentorship, faith-based outreach, multigenerational financial education, and back-to-school initiatives. Her dedication and outstanding performance earned her JPMorganChase’s 2025 National Achiever Award. Sheila is also an active volunteer, supporting various drives, community engagement events, and church administration. A proud Fort Wayne native, Sheila cherishes her close-knit family, which includes extended relatives and her spiritual community. She has been married to her husband, Pleas Jr., for 38 years and is a devoted mother to Erika (with Eugene), Chelsea, and Gabrielle, as well as a loving “Yaya” to her grandsons Carter, Ace, and Cayson.

Réna Bradley, Neighborhood Planner for the City of Fort Wayne, is a systems strategist and civic leader advancing equitable community development through creative placemaking and resident-led transformation. Her work sits at the intersection of design, public policy, and grassroots leadership—building scalable models that help communities reimagine and realize their futures. In Fort Wayne and Detroit, Réna has led and influenced over $10 million in neighborhood investment, supporting housing revitalization, public space activation, and leadership development initiatives in historically underinvested and developing communities. Through her work with the City of Fort Wayne and previously as Community Development Director for Bridge of Grace, she has developed frameworks that position residents as co-creators and drivers of sustainable change. Réna also serves as Vice Chair of the Indiana Arts Commission and holds board positions with the Fort Wayne Allen County Airport Authority and Creative Women of the World—roles through which she helps shape investment priorities and promotes the integration of arts, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and equity across sectors.

Nikki Quintana is the Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission, where she leads the City’s civil rights agency in enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. With more than 14 years of experience in civil rights enforcement and administrative law, she represents the Commission, directs staff, and oversees agency operations, while strengthening systems and expanding community outreach. Quintana is deeply committed to promoting an environment of inclusivity and acceptance within the City of Fort Wayne and is a sought-after speaker and trainer on civil rights, fair housing, and employment discrimination. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Saint Francis and a Juris Doctor from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Quintana is actively engaged in the community through her service on boards and committees, including the Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne and Advancing the Voices of Women, which promote equity, opportunity, and belonging.

Heidi Fowler is Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne & Kosciusko County, where she leads academic schools and key student support services, including tutoring, library services, testing, and educational technology. She is known for steady leadership that expands access and strengthens student success. Previously, she served as a Dean and Program Chair at Ivy Tech while continuing to teach and develop online courses for statewide use. A licensed attorney, Heidi brings expertise in advocacy, governance, and accountability to her work. Heidi’s civic leadership includes serving as Chair of both United Way of Allen County and Neighborhood Health Clinic boards, as well as serving on the Fort Wayne Women’s Fund Economic Security Subcommittee. As Vice Chair of the Volunteer Center, she supports the Second Chance Legal Initiative. She also advances Ivy Tech fundraising efforts, doubling participation in women-focused philanthropy initiatives during her first year.

This year’s winners were selected from a field of highly qualified finalists. Nominations were submitted online by community members and reviewed and scored by a panel of leaders from Allen County, with all identifying information removed.

The Champions of Change Awards are given each year to extraordinary individuals from Allen County who:

• Demonstrate an unwavering passion and commitment to our community.
• Are role models making a difference in the lives of others.
• Have made significant contributions that have inspired women to succeed.
• Have made Allen County a better place to live, work, and play.

This is the eighth year the Champions of Change Awards have been presented. Past winners are:

2019: Wendy Moyle and John Dortch.
2020: Corinna Ladd and Marty Pastura.
2021: Leslee Hill and Rachel Tobin-Smith.
2022: Alison Gerardot, Jeanné Wickens, and Jeff Roberts.
2023: Sharon Pohly, Flora Barrón, Lori Morgan, and Daniel Boylan.
2024: Denita Washington, Whitney Bandemer, Stephanie Crandall, and Lisa D. Givan.
2025: Jama Ross, Dawn Clopton, Captain Andrea Burton, Casey Claypool, and Dr. Faye Williams-Robbins