FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Leadership Fort Wayne (LFW), the region’s premier leadership development program, is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort. This highly regarded program is designed to equip and empower participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive meaningful and lasting change within the Allen County community. Applications will be accepted through October 21, 2024.
Why Leadership Fort Wayne?
Over the course of nine months, participants in the LFW program engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop leadership capabilities and community awareness. The program includes:
- Keynote Presentations and Panel Discussions: Participants gain insights from local leaders on the pressing issues and emerging opportunities in our community.
- Leadership Training: Participants focus on the most relevant skills great leaders need to successfully lead today’s workforce.
- Community Action Projects: Hands-on projects that allow participants to directly impact local organizations and initiatives.
- Visits to Nonprofit Agencies: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations and missions of local nonprofits.
- Personality and Talent Assessments: Understand and enhance your leadership style and strengths.
- Board Internship Opportunities: Serve a 6- to 12-month internship on the board of a local nonprofit, putting your leadership skills to practical use.
“Leadership Fort Wayne was a great chance for all of us to grow our network but also focus on our own personal growth. The ability to meet community leaders from all industries really enhances the opportunity”, notes Jeff Roberts, LFW Alumni, Community Coach at Amp Lab (FWCS), Co-Founder of 4WARD, and Pave the Path Founder & Program Director – Believe In A Dream Inc. “Personally, I was able to learn from those around me and apply some of those new leadership techniques in my school and non-profit organizations. I am thankful that FWCS supported me in my application process because it has enhanced my confidence in my own leadership abilities. If you want to learn more about your strengths, gain a beneficial network and grow your leadership skills, Leadership Fort Wayne is the program to do just that.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Since its founding in 1983, Leadership Fort Wayne has been a cornerstone in developing the community’s future leaders. In 2014, LFW merged with Greater Fort Wayne Inc., expanding its reach and impact. To date, the program has graduated over 1,500 individuals who have gone on to lead in various sectors, including arts, government, economic development, and more.
Notable alumni include:
- Steve Corona (Inaugural Class of 1983), Executive Director, Latinos Count
- Bernie Beier (Class of 2007): Director, Allen County Homeland Security
- Zach Benedict (Class of 2008): President, MKM architecture + design
- Scott Hinderman (Class of 2009): Executive Director, Fort Wayne–Allen County Airport Authority
- Kelly Updike (Class of 2009): President/CEO, Embassy Theatre
- Ewelina Connolly (Class of 2017): CEO, Amani Family Services
- Iric Headley (Class of 2019): Co-chair, Fort Wayne UNITED
- Mike Mushett (Class of 2016), CEO, Turnstone
- Nikki Quintana (Class of 2020): Executive Director, Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission
- Kevin Morse (Class of 2021): President/CEO, Goodwill Industries of Northeast Indiana
- Ramadan Abdul-Azeez (Class of 2022): Board President, Black Chamber Fort Wayne
These leaders and many others have leveraged their LFW experience to shape the future of Fort Wayne.
If you’re ready to make a lasting impact on the Fort Wayne community, apply for the LFW Class of 2025 today. Applications can be submitted online at LeadershipFW.com. For additional information, please contact Meghan Short, Director of Investor Programs at mshort@gfwinc.com or call 260-420-6945.
About Leadership Fort Wayne
Leadership Fort Wayne, a program of Greater Fort Wayne Inc., is dedicated to developing, inspiring, and connecting emerging through seasoned leaders in Fort Wayne. Through a robust curriculum and extensive community engagement, LFW fosters leadership that drives positive community transformation.
