FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Leadership Fort Wayne (LFW) Class of 2021 may be the most diverse in the program’s 39-year history. The cohort, announced today by Greater Fort Wayne Inc., begins its programming schedule this week.
LFW is a nine-month program that provides an in-depth view of the Fort Wayne / Allen County community while developing each participant’s leadership skills. By developing these skills, participants become better prepared to positively impact the community and their workplaces.
Since 1983, Leadership Fort Wayne has graduated more than 1,400 individuals, many of whom now serve on or lead nonprofit boards, hold elected office, or own their own businesses.
This year’s class is particularly notable for its diversity. Community members, businesses, and organizations banded together last year to raise funds to secure 12 designated seats for people from underrepresented backgrounds. The fundraising effort was part of GFW Inc.’s multifaceted push to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“For years, we’ve wanted our LFW cohorts to reflect the diversity of the community, and now it’s happening,” said Barry Schrock, GFW Inc.’s director of leadership programs. “Not only have our generous donors expanded access to the program for supremely talented individuals; a diverse cohort brings a wider range of perspectives to the table, which makes the learning experience better for everyone.”
The cohort met virtually in January for orientation sessions. Programming for the group launches today and tomorrow at the Clyde Theatre. The Class of 2021 will participate in monthly program days covering such topics as community history, public safety, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Program days will continue through September, with graduation scheduled for the GFW Inc. Holiday Night event in December.
Members of the Leadership Fort Wayne Class of 2021 and their sponsoring individuals/organizations are:
| Anna Belote LFW Alumni Donors | Lanitra Berry Rob Wallstrom of Vera Bradley | Britney Breidenstein Association of Fundraising Professionals |
| Bree Cannon Benchmark Human Services | Monica Chamberlain Visiting Nurse | Michelle Charles Parkview Health |
| Dawn Clopton Premier Bank | Lindsey Coleman Jeanné Wickens of Parkview Health | Tony Colón VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System |
| Antione Drakeford Parker Hannifin | Erica Dunbar Lincoln Financial Group | Fred Fulkerson AWS Foundation |
| Lisa D. Givan Indiana Tech | Elizabeth Hoffman City of New Haven | Kevin Hughes AWS Foundation |
| Megan Keefer St. Paul's Lutheran School | Nicole Keesling (Self-Sponsored) | Stan Klepper Fort Wayne – Allen County Airport Authority |
| Kassee Lamm Apex Benefits | Chanel Love Barb Wachtman and Tom Skillman | Colin Madden Greater Fort Wayne Inc. |
| Kashina Mapeka NIPSCO | Ethel Massing Parkview Health | Josh Messmann Hylant Group |
| Pat Miller Michelin North America | Kevin Morse Greater Fort Wayne Inc. | Kyle Newman First Merchants Bank |
| Colleen O'Leary Lincoln Financial Group | Josh Raines Beth Goldsmith of Sold by the Gold | Dawn Ritchie City of Fort Wayne |
| Shayla Rivera Indiana Tech | Tim Roy LFW Alumni Donors | Michael Saadeh City of Fort Wayne |
| Zack Sand Allen County Government | Shalonda (Pinky) Saunders LFW Alumni Donors | Shanelle Sellers Indiana Michigan Power |
| Meghan Short Greater Fort Wayne Inc. | Kristin Smith 3Rivers Federal Credit Union | Karen Stahl Moake Park Group |
| Kourtney Teegardin Rothberg Logan Warsco LLP | Andy Uhl TriCore Logic | Meg Underwood Purdue University Fort Wayne |
| Brian VanHall Ambassador Enterprises | Emily Venderley Purdue University Fort Wayne | Clifton Wallace AWS Foundation |
| Kristen Westby Indiana Air National Guard 122nd Fighter Wing | Reis Yoder LFW Alumni Donors |
Individuals interested in participating in next year’s class can email leadership@gfwinc.com for more information about applying.
 About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its 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.
