Students Selected for the GFW Fellows Class of 2018

Holistic Program Includes Internship, Soft-Skill Training, Community Involvement, More

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A talented group of college students soon will kick off a year-long experience aimed at helping students develop their skills–and retaining top talent in Allen County. These 17 students were selected from a field of more than 100 vying to be part of the GFW Fellows Class of 2018. They will be formally welcomed into the program during a reception Friday at 4 p.m. at Greater Fort Wayne Inc.’s offices, located at 200 East Main Street, Suite 800 in Fort Wayne.

In its fourth year, the GFW Fellows program is a win-win situation for students, local companies, and Allen County as a whole. The students receive a paid, project-based internship, free summer housing, personal development workshops, networking events, and community service opportunities. Companies receive highly qualified interns who assist with critical projects–bolstering the companies’ talent pipelines and the interns’ resumes–many times leading to full-time employment. Allen County receives young professionals ready to contribute to a vibrant community.

“This program is a wonderful opportunity for students, companies of all sizes, and our community,” said Eric Doden, CEO of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “Every year, we hear stories of GFW Fellows who make substantial impacts at their host companies, and the students tend to fall in love with everything our area has to offer. It’s a tangible way to help retain talent here in Allen County.”

Fellows were selected through a competitive application and interview process by GFW Inc. staff and 13 host companies in the following industries:

  • Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
  • Software Development
  • Information Systems and IT
  • Business Intelligence
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Human Resources
  • Organizational Development
  • Data Analysis
  • Media Production
  • Hospitality Management

Beginning with orientation, Jan. 26, Fellows will attend monthly personal development workshops that focus on problem-solving, communication styles, critical thinking, financial literacy, professionalism, civic engagement, and personal brand protection. A 12-week paid summer internship begins May 21 and includes housing for all Fellows. The project-based internship experience is designed to help fill entry-level talent pipelines for GFW Inc. investors that may result in permanent job opportunities for the Fellows upon graduation.

“I look forward to the energy, insight, and results the Fellows provide each summer,” said Adrian Guenther, Vice President, Individual Annuity Customer Service at Lincoln Financial Group. “Whether we are managing them, mentoring them, or working alongside them, we all grow from the experience.”

The 2018 Fellows are:

NameUniversityHost Employer
John AndersonTrine UniversityTriton Metal Products
Mae BaczynskiBall State UniversityBakerStreet Steakhouse/The Hoppy Gnome
Jordan BrownIPFWParkview Health
Travis CallawayIndiana TechTransWorks
Robert ColemanBall State UniversityRea Magnet Wire
Margaret FabyanicIPFWAsh Brokerage
Marissa KleinIndiana Wesleyan UniversityIndiana Tech
Joshua MahonUniversity of IndianapolisPrimary Engineering
Daron MillerBall State UniversityFranklin Electric
Paul PhillipsWestern Michigan UniversityLincoln Financial Group
Conner PutmanTrine UniversityGreater Fort Wayne Inc.
Carli StewartUniversity of Saint FrancisDo it Best Corp.
Jessica TemoshekUniversity of Nebraska at KearneyParkview Health
Christy ThomasUniversity of Texas at DallasPHP
Tiless TurnquestTaylor UniversityParkview Health
Oscar UyamaduIPFWLincoln Financial Group
Siddhi WamanIUPUIFranklin Electric

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.