Nominations open for first-ever Champions of Change Awards

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — To honor the extraordinary leaders and mentors in our community, the Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. Women’s Network will present their inaugural Champions of Change Awards on April 24. Specifically, the awards will celebrate those who mentor and empower women in Allen County.

“Our community is fortunate to have extraordinary female leaders, incredible women who have the talent and drive to make a significant impact in our community. What is sometimes missing is the lack of opportunity, encouragement, and a strong support system,” said Brenda Gerber Vincent, VP of community and corporate impact at GFW Inc.  “The Champions of Change Awards put the spotlight on men and women in our community who are breaking down barriers for women to ensure their success.”

The awards will be given each year to two extraordinary individuals from Allen County–one female and one male–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.

Nominees need not be GFW Inc. investors, but investors are preferred. The nomination deadline is March 1, and nominations can be submitted at gfwinc.communityforce.com.

The Champions of Change Award winners will be announced at a luncheon on April 24 at The Charles Fort Wayne. Registration information for the luncheon is available on the GFW Inc. website.

“We launched the GFW Inc. Women’s Network last spring, and the response has been incredible,” said Jami Thomas, director of investor services and programs at GFW Inc. “I think it speaks to the growing need for professional mentoring, and as Allen County’s chamber of commerce, we’re uniquely positioned to make those connections and help fill that void.”

In November, the Women’s Network organized Fort Wayne’s first-ever host site for Leadercast Women, a national leadership conference. The event generated such enthusiasm that the Women’s Network now hosts monthly “Leadercast NEXT” luncheons exploring topics discussed at the annual conference. The first Leadercast NEXT luncheon, moderated by Summit Coaching & Consulting Group and Integrated Talent Solutions, sold out. Visit the GFW Inc. Women’s Network web page, email jthomas@gfwinc.com, or call (260) 420-6945 to learn more.

About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.

Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, 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.