Nominations open for 2023 Champions of Change Awards

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. Women’s Network will present its fifth annual Champions of Change Awards this spring. Now through March 27, community members are encouraged to submit nominations for the awards, which celebrate those who mentor and empower women in Allen County. The awards will be presented at an awards dinner on May 10.

“Great mentors are crucial in developing our most valuable resource: our people,” said Meghan Short, director of investor programs at GFW Inc. “The Champions of Change Awards recognize these often-unsung heroes who empower others to achieve. Their efforts make our people, our organizations, and our community stronger.”

Three awards will be presented this year, each honoring an individual making a substantial impact in one of the following sectors:

  • Nonprofit
  • Corporate
  • Education

The awards are given annually to individuals from Allen County who:

  • Demonstrate an unwavering passion and commitment to our community.
  • Are role models 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 play.

Nominees need not be GFW Inc. investors, but investors are preferred. The nomination deadline is March 27, and nominations must be submitted online.

The 2023 Champions of Change Award winners will be announced at an awards dinner on May 10. Registration information for the event is available at champions23.gfwinc.com.

This year’s winners will be eligible for leadership development opportunities. Thanks to support from the Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund hosted at the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, each winner will be offered a $1,000 grant to assist with continued leadership growth and impact in our community.

Last year, Alison Gerardot, Jeanné Wickens, and Jeff Roberts were selected from a field of 24 finalists to win the awards. Leslee Hill and Rachel Tobin-Smith won the awards in 2021, Corinna Ladd and Marty Pastura were selected in 2020, and Wendy Moyle and John Dortch were the inaugural Champions of Change Award winners in 2019.

More information about the GFW Inc. Women’s Network is available at women.gfwinc.com.

About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.

Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, 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.