Recognizes an individual working in the nonprofit sector who is driving meaningful change through service, leadership, and community impact.
Champions of Change Awards
Honoring the
Impactful Champions in our Community
The Champions of Change Awards, hosted by the GFW Inc. Women’s Network program, celebrate the achievements of individuals who inspire, empower, and advocate for women in Fort Wayne / Allen County.
Award Criteria
The Champions of Change Awards are presented to individuals making a substantial impact in one of the following sectors:
The awards are given annually to individuals currently working and/or living in the Greater Fort Wayne and Allen County area who:
Submit your
Champions of Change Nominations
Applications for the 2025 Champions of Change Awards have closed. Please stay tuned for the 2026 Champions of Change Awards application opening in early 2026.
- Nominees are eligible for re-nomination in subsequent years by meeting the requirements of the award.
- You may nominate yourself for the Champions of Change award.
- Once a nomination has been received, nominators will be directed to a confirmation page. Nominees will be notified only if they are chosen as a finalist.
- Nominations will be reviewed on a blind basis by a committee of local leaders. To maintain objectivity, all names will be removed from nominations prior to review.
- Award winners will be announced at the Champions of Change Awards dinner.
- Finalists will be notified prior to the awards dinner and offered a complimentary ticket to attend. A finalist’s name, bio, and/or photo may be used for social media or marketing promotional materials by GFW Inc.
- Greater Fort Wayne Inc. reserves the right to decline a nomination and/or rescind an award from the winner in cases of fraudulent or criminal allegations, accusations, investigations, or charges.
Previous Winners
We have shined a well-deserved spotlight on more than 140 finalists and awarded the following individuals:
2025
- Jama Ross
- Dawn Clopton
- Captain Andrea Burton
- Dr. Debra Faye Williams-Robbins
- Casey Claypool
2024
- Stephanie Crandall
- Whitney Bandemer
- Lisa D. Givan
- Denita Washington
2023
- Sharon Pohly
- Flora Barrón
- Daniel Boylan
- Lori Morgan
2022
- Alison Gerardot
- Jeanné Wickens
- Jeff Roberts
2020 / 2021
- Marty Pastura
- Rachel Tobin-Smith
- Leslee Hill
- Corinna Ladd
2019
- Wendy Moyle
- John Dortch
Showcase your brand with our
Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring the Champions of Change Awards Dinner is a powerful way to celebrate local leaders who are driving positive change across Allen County. Your support helps honor individuals making an impact in the nonprofit, corporate, education, and public service sectors. Join us in recognizing their efforts while showcasing your commitment to community progress and inclusive growth.
Showcase your brand with our
Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities
Explore the GFW Inc. Sponsorship Guide and discover opportunities to help your business build brand awareness and attract new customers across a wide range of events and programs. Contact our team today to get started!