Champions of Change Awards

2025 GFW Inc. Champions of Change Awards Finalists

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 and Allen County.

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Award Criteria

The Champions of Change Awards are presented to individuals making a substantial impact in one of the following sectors:

  • Nonprofit

    Recognizes an individual working in the nonprofit sector who is driving meaningful change through service, leadership, and community impact.

  • Corporate

    Honors an individual in the corporate sector who is championing innovation, inclusion, and positive transformation within their company and the community.

  • Education

    Celebrates an individual in the education sector who is shaping the future through leadership, advocacy, and a commitment to student and community success.

  • Public Service

    Recognizes an individual in the public service sector who is making a lasting impact through dedicated leadership, civic engagement, and a commitment to the community.

    The awards are given annually to individuals currently working and/or living in the Greater Fort Wayne and Allen County area who:

    • Demonstrate an unwavering passion and commitment to our community.

    • Are role models and mentors 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 thrive.

      Attendees at the GFW Inc. Women's Network Champions of Change event

      Learn more about the 2026 Champions of Change Finalists

      Nominations for the 2026 Champions of Change Awards are closed, but you can read the press release for the complete list of finalists. Check back next January to highlight an extraordinary individual who supports women in Allen County! 

      Champions of Change Finalists Announcement

      Previous Winners

      We have shined a well-deserved spotlight on more than 140 finalists and awarded the following individuals:

      • 2025 GFW Inc. Champions of Change Award Winners

        2025

        • Jama Ross
        • Dawn Clopton
        • Captain Andrea Burton
        • Dr. Debra Faye Williams-Robbins
        • Casey Claypool
      • 2024 GFW Inc. Champions of Change Award Winners

        2024

        • Stephanie Crandall
        • Whitney Bandemer
        • Lisa D. Givan
        • Denita Washington
      • 2023 GFW Inc. Champions of Change Award Winners

        2023

        • Sharon Pohly
        • Flora Barrón
        • Daniel Boylan
        • Lori Morgan
      • 2022 GFW Inc. Champions of Change Award Winners

        2022

        • Alison Gerardot
        • Jeanné Wickens
        • Jeff Roberts
      • past winners of the Champions of Change awards pose for a photo

        2020 / 2021

        • Marty Pastura
        • Rachel Tobin-Smith
        • Leslee Hill
        • Corinna Ladd
      • 2019 Champions of Change Award Winners

        2019

        • Wendy Moyle
        • John Dortch