FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Applications are now available for the Leadership Fort Wayne (LFW) program’s Class of 2024. LFW is a premier program that equips and empowers participants to drive positive change in the community. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 16.
LFW’s nine-month curriculum includes keynote presentations and panel discussions where local leaders address the pressing issues and opportunities facing the community. Participants also receive leadership training focused on the most pertinent topics in today’s ever-changing society. In addition, class members participate in Community Action Projects, visits to local nonprofit agencies, personality and talent assessments, and can serve an internship of 6-12 months on a local nonprofit organization’s board.
“I think this program helped me get to know a lot of really great organizations here in Fort Wayne that are just doing an amazing job,” said Francois Mikobi, a member of the LFW Class of 2022. “I appreciate Fort Wayne more after this program, knowing there are a lot of great leaders in this city that you can connect with.”
LFW was founded in 1983 to identify, motivate, develop, and train future community leaders. Since that time, LFW, which merged with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. in 2014, has provided more than 1,500 individuals a behind-the-scenes look at all aspects of the community, ranging from the arts to government and economic development. Program graduates include Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry (Class of 1986), Design Collaborative CEO Pat Pasterick (Class of 1997), Allen County Homeland Security Director Bernie Beier (Class of 2007), MKM architecture + design president Zach Benedict (Class of 2008), Fort Wayne–Allen County Airport Authority executive director Scott Hinderman (Class of 2009), Embassy Theatre president / CEO Kelly Updike (Class of 2009), Amani Family Services CEO Ewelina Connolly (Class of 2017), Fort Wayne UNITED co-chair Iric Headley (Class of 2019), Fort Wayne Urban League president / CEO Aisha Arrington (Class of 2019), Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission executive director Nikki Quintana (Class of 2020), Goodwill Industries of Northeast Indiana president / CEO Kevin Morse, Black Chamber Fort Wayne board president Ramadan Abdul-Azeez (Class of 2022), and many more.
Interested individuals can apply online at LeadershipFW.com. For additional information, email mshort@gfwinc.com or call 260-420-6945.
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Ind., 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.
