Issuu

& AWARDS !!

Collaboration

s e c r u o s e R & n o i t a v o n In

Vibrancy

SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 ELECTRIC WORKS 1690 Broadway Bldg. 19 Fort Wayne, Indiana

_____________ ___ The 2026 Inspire Neighborhoods Conference is being brought to you by the City of Fort Wayne's Department of Neighborhoods with generous support from our sponsors & project partners:

www.inspirefortwayne.com

2026

The City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods is grateful for the support of our Inspire Neighborhoods Conference sponsors...

TRANSFORMER LEVEL SPONSOR

HT ANYKOU !

TRANSFORMER LEVEL SPONSOR

ACCELERATOR LEVEL SPONSORS

EQUIPPER LEVEL

ACTIVATOR LEVEL

PARTNER LEVEL

We also extend a special thanks to the following organizations for supporting Department of Neighborhoods initiatives.

Table of TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

01 Sponsor Thank you 04 Facility Map 06 Letter from Mayor & Comm. Development Director 08 Conference Event Agenda

MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS

9:10 Breakout Sessions 10:10 Breakout Sessions 11:10 Breakout Sessions Morning Session Speaker Bios

11 12 13 14

LUNCH: VENDORS & PLENARY

18 Lunch Keynote Description

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

20 3:10 Workshops 21 Afternoon Workshop Speaker Bios

AWARDS DINNER

23 25 26 28 30

Networking/ FORT-O Awards Dinner Overview Leader Awards Association Awards Dinner Keynote Description & Speaker Bio 31 Conference Evaluation

Electric Works Campus | Fort Wayne, IN September 11, 2026 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

f ent o m t r s Depa orhood b h Neig

City of Fort Wayne Mayor’s Office

Dan Baisden Réna Bradley Kevin Cobb Megan Grable Holly Muñoz Lauren Shank Michael Terronez

Mayor, Sharon Tucker Deputy Mayor, Karl Bandemer

Fort Wayne City Council Thomas Freistroffer, At Large Martin Bender, At Large Michelle Chambers, At Large Paul Ensley, District 1 Russ Jehl, District 2 Nathan Hartman, District 3 Dr. Scott Myers, District 4 Geoff Paddock, District 5 Rohli Booker, District 6

Community Development Division Director, Jonathan Leist

2026 Inspire Conference Committee:

Chair, Réna Bradley Kevin Cobb Sierra Du Bose Micky Hall Nathan Law Holly Muñoz Maya Presley April Rivas Lauren Shank Mary Tyndall Anthony Ventruella

FACILITY & CAMPUS MAPS

Un io Tu n S nn tr el eet

Park Here

Wall Street Roof -top

Acc Park

GE Club

Br o

Co lle

Bldg 19

Swinney Ave

Attendee Parking Vendor & Special Accomadation Parking

Rooftop: Dinner, Awards, & Keynote (Enter through The Forum)

Welcome, Morning Breakout Sessions, Afternoon Workshops, & Vendors

GE Club: Lunch & Keynote Address

(Enter from corner of Broadway and Swinney)

Thank you, again to the 2025 Inspire Conference Award Winners for their service to Fort Wayne Neighborhoods

S N O I T A L U T A R !!!! G N CO

Inspiring Leader: Jessie Jackson

Mou nt V erno n Pa rk N eighb orho od Helping Hand: Todd Walters

Rising Star: Jarettzie Dominguez

MAYOR’S LETTER Dear neighbors and friends, Welcome to the 2026 Inspire Neighborhoods Conference! Every year I look forward to seeing all of you, and I’m grateful that leaders like you commit this time to learning about new and innovative ways to strengthen our neighborhoods. This year’s theme, Resilience: Together We Are Stronger, reflects the spirit we see across our community every day. Neighborhood leadership takes energy, creativity, and perseverance, and your willingness to keep attending, year after year, truly makes a difference. You often take it beyond the traditional neighborhood meetings and newsletters – you support one another through tangible actions like installing accessibility ramps, mowing lawns, tutoring children and simply offering a listening ear. Your compassion and tireless efforts are what inspire me to continue our important work of investing in neighborhoods.

#1 FastestGrowing Big City in the Midwest

I hope you enjoy the conference today and reflect on all that you’ve accomplished so far while looking forward to what lies ahead for your neighborhood and our community.

With appreciation,

Top 10 Best Run Cities in the U.S.

Top 25 Best Places to Live,

Sharon Tucker, Mayor City of Fort Wayne

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT’S LETTER Dear neighborhood leaders and residents, Thank you for joining us for the 2026 Inspire Neighborhoods Conference. This year’s theme, Resilience, reflects the dedication we see throughout Fort Wayne’s neighborhoods. We know that effective neighborhood leadership requires both passion and endurance. That’s why this year’s sessions focus on helping you sustain momentum, prevent burnout, and build strategies that support long-term engagement. I’m grateful that our Department of Neighborhoods organizes such an outstanding conference every year as part of the City of Fort Wayne’s commitment to collaborating with residents and building stronger neighborhoods. Together, we are investing not only in infrastructure like roads and sewers, but also in the people who make our community a place we’re all proud to call home.

Jonathan Leist, Director Community Development City of Fort Wayne

I hope today’s conference offers you some new ideas, practical tools, and meaningful connections that support you in your ongoing work. Thank you for your dedication to making Fort Wayne a resilient and vibrant place for all.

EVENT AGENDA

2026 INSPIRE CONFERENCE

Breakfast & Welcome, The Forum M 7:30-9:00 A

9:10-12:00 PM

7:30 - Breakfast, Sign-In, Booklets, Music 8:10 - Welcoming Remarks - Neighborhood Planner: Réna Bradley - Crestwood Civic President: Amber Sherman 8:22 - Welcome from Community Development Division Director: Jonathan Leist 8:35 - Introduction to Dept. of Neighborhoods: Dan Baisden 8:40 - Morning Stretch: Diane Rogers 8:55 - Adjourn to breakout sessions

Morning Breakout Sessions, The Forum

See pages 11-16 for session details & speaker bios 12:00 - Performance by Fort Wayne Chinese Association

Keynote Address, GE Club 0PM -3:0 0 3 : 12

3:10 -4:3 0PM

12:30 - Welcome! - Neighborhood Planner: Réna Bradley - Spy Run President: David Speakman 12:35 - Introduction of Mayor: Kevin Cobb 12:40 - Remarks from Mayor Sharon Tucker 12:50- Funding Opportunity Highlight 13:00 - Lunch Keynote Address Mary Beth Janke 14:30 - Afternoon Performance & Break Diane Rogers & Fort Wayne Ballet

Afternoon Workshops, The Forum

See pages 20-21 for session details & speaker bios

Awards Keynote & Networking Dinner, Rooftop 0PM 4:30-6:3

The 2026 Inspire Neighborhoods Conference is being brought to you by the City of Fort Wayne's Department of Neighborhoods with generous support from our sponsors & project partners:

4:45 - Food, Live Music, Networking & Fort-O 5:00 - Welcome 5:10 - Neighborhood Leader Awards 5:25 -Neighborhood Association Awards 5:40 - Dinner Keynot Address -Lem Cartman 6:15 - Live Music, Photos & Mingle 7:00 - Program Ends

Vendor Booth Visit List We hope you’ll take some time to visit each of our 2025 Conference Vendors. Take some time to get a dot from each vendor for a chance to win a prize! (Prizes available while supplies last!)

Names & contacts info of vendors I’d like to follow-up with

Morning Breakout Sessions | 9:10 AM Collaboration - Building a Coalition: The story of the Packard Area Planning Alliance Kody Tinnel PAPA- Foster Park Neighborhood

Lynsday Sheets PAPA- Williams Woodland Park

Fred Lanahan PAPA- Oakdale Neighborhood

Holly Muñoz PAPA- Fairfield Neighborhood

Erik Long PAPA- Foster Park Neighborhood

This session is intended to inspire other neighborhood leaders to consider the coalition approach and how it might help their neighborhood achieve its fullest potential. Through a genuine, conversational approach, attendees will hear directly from peers and have the chance to engage with questions throughout the session. Current and past Packard Area Planning Alliance (PAPA) leaders will tell the stories of their involvement in the organization, outline how PAPA has grown and evolved over time, and explain what can be accomplished when a group of neighborhoods decide to form strategic coalitions.

Vibrancy- Staying rooted when its hard: Sustaining hope and energy in community work Community work is meaningful, but it can also be exhausting, slowmoving, and emotionally demanding. When we care deeply, it’s easy to overextend or lose connection to why we started. This session explores what it means to stay rooted when the work is hard. Through real stories, reflection, and simple practices, participants will reconnect with their purpose, navigate challenges, and build resilience through connection and shared experience. Participants will leave with practical ways to sustain their energy and continue showing up without losing themselves in the process.

Kayla Sweet Coach, Consultant, Poet, Podcaster

Innovation & Resources - Neighborhood Safety in Action: Practical Strategies for Neighborhood-Led Change Megan Grable Department of Neighborhoods Christopher Felton Fort Wayne Police Department

Paul (PJ) Smith, Fort Wayne Police Department

Dan Ingram, Fort Wayne Police Department

Jonathan Cutler Fort Wayne Police Department

Learn how you can partner with Police and City staff to shape change in your neighborhood! This interactive session shows

neighborhood leaders how small, practical changes to streets, public spaces, and community practices can make neighborhoods safer, stronger, and more connected. Participants will learn the basics of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), explore a proven multi-year pilot, and identify opportunities to apply these strategies in their own communities. Through interactive exercises, brainstorming, and a dynamic presentation, attendees will share ideas, gain actionable tools, and leave energized to take equitycentered steps that improve safety and resilience— turning insights into real, neighborhood-driven change.

Morning Breakout Sessions | 10:10 AM Collaboration - Strengthening Neighborhoods Through Relationships and Shared Momentum Lindsey Keller North Highlands Neighborhood

Travis Barman Hamilton Neighborhood

Brenda Holse Hamilton Neighborhood

Collaborating with nearby neighborhoods is often encouraged, but the practical steps are not always clear. This session will explore ways to build connections with surrounding neighborhood leaders and the community benefits that follow. Drawing from North Highlands’ experience in the Northwest Central Collaborative and its role in the $1 million Connected Communities grant, we will look at how shared goals, consistent communication, and trust made collaboration possible. Participants will learn what worked, what the presenters learned along the way, and how the relationships built through this process continue to influence neighborhood projects even after the grant application.

Vibrancy- House to Home to Neighborhood: How Safe First Spaces Build Thriving Communities The difference between a house and a home shapes the trajectory of families and neighborhoods. This session explores how poverty exists not only across neighborhoods, but within homes lacking basic furnishings, comfort, and dignity. When families have safe, restorative first spaces, they are better equipped to succeeed in second spaces like school and work, and to engage in third spaces where community and belonging are formed. Participants will learn how investing in homes strengthens families, activates neighborhoods, and contributes to healthier, more connected cities where lasting change becomes possible.

Colleen Connell Wonder Filled Strategies

🌱

Innovation & Resources - Who are the People in your Neighborhood Beth Boatright Allen County Public Library

Nathan Law Department of Planning & Policy

What do you know about the people that you meet each day? This session will share the best library and government resources for discovering and documenting your neighborhood's demographics, infrastructure, socio-economic well-being, assets, and more. Equipped with this great information, you'll learn how stories and statistics can help you make things better. We'll even introduce you to useful resources, funding, and connections that will empower you to help all the people in your neighborhood.

Morning Breakout Sessions | 11:10 AM Collaboration 1 - Bringing People together - the art of community convening Strong neighborhoods are built through relationships. This interactive workshop explores how community leaders can effectively convene residents, organizations, and institutions to build trust and collective momentum. Participants will learn practical strategies for organizing inclusive conversations and engaging neighbors around shared challenges and opportunities. Through a guided small-group exercise, attendees will practice a simple community dialogue framework designed to help surface ideas, strengthen relationships, and spark collaboration. Participants will leave with tools they can use to host meaningful gatherings that bring people together and support resilient, connected neighborhoods.

Lem Cartman WE Inc. (With Everyone)

Collaboration 2 - From Helping Hands to Leading Hearts: Inspiring Your Volunteers Mary Ann Mings Inasmuch Ministry

This session is designed to move neighborhood leaders from the frustration of "doing it all" to the excitement of "leading a team." Attendees will leave not just with a vision, but with a toolkit to rebuild their volunteer culture.

Most volunteer groups struggle to move beyond a few "do-it-all" leaders, but what if your volunteers ran their own segments like professional staff? In this session, the leader of a 150-person, volunteer-driven ministry reveals the "Leadership Pipeline" model. You’ll learn how to treat volunteers with professional rigor—from high-stakes onboarding to delegating true ownership. Move past the "bottleneck" of traditional management and learn how to empower your neighbors to take the lead, hit goals, and run with the vision.

Innovation & Resources - Creative Subversion: Tools to Transform Housing and Build Resilient Communities Scott Shall HOUM I Lawrence Tech University

What if resilience isn't about working harder, but thinking differently? Drawing on two decades of experience in housing and community development, this session introduces "Guerrilla Altruism," a creative approach to overcoming barriers through design, technology, and collective action. Participants will discover practical tactics for identifying opportunities, mobilizing resources, and creating positive change in their neighborhoods. Attendees will leave with a framework for recognizing high-impact opportunities and turning neighborhood challenges into catalysts for action.

SPEAKER BIOS Morning Breakout Sessions Travis Barman Hamilton Neighborhood

Travis Barman has been passionate about his neighborhood for the past several years and was heavily involved in restarting the Hamilton Neighborhood Association, after years of it being defunct. He was the first President and is now a current At large member. He is also currently serving as a co-chair for the Northwest Area Partnership. In his spare time, he enjoys birding and fishing.

Beth Boatright Allen County Public Library

Beth is a community advocate who loves to generate shared ideas and then equip people with the resources they need to make it happen. (If you're Batman, she's Alfred.) She currently serves as the Director for Community Partnerships and Programs at Allen County Public Library, where she connects people with information, learning opportunities, and one another.

Lem Cartman WE Inc. (With Everyone)

Lem Cartman is a community leader, strategist, and founder of WE (With Everyone), a collaborative platform focused on strengthening communities through cross-sector partnerships, leadership development, and innovation. His work centers on bringing together residents, organizations, and institutions to address complex challenges and build collective solutions. Lem has led initiatives across Detroit and Chicago focused on youth leadership, community engagement, and civic collaboration. Recognized nationally as a 25 Under 25 Legacy Leadership honoree, Lem is passionate about helping communities build stronger relationships, empower emerging leaders, and turn shared conversations into collective action.

Colleen Connell Wonder-Filled Strategies

Colleen Connell is a community advocate and strategist who seeks to maximize her impact through innovative problem-solving, identifying gaps in community resources, and matching strengths to needs to create thriving, resilient communities. Her years of social service experience in Fort Wayne and beyond give her a keen vision for on-the- ground thinking and experiential wisdom. She is, along with her partner, Casey, co-founder of Wonder-Filled Strategies, a company that helps mission-driven organizations turn information into action by connecting people, data, and strategy into a plan that actually moves. She is mom to six great kiddos, one precious pup, and a queenly cat, and is a proud member of the '07

Jonathan Cutler Fort Wayne Police Department

Jonathan L. Cutler serves as a Sergeant and Public Information Officer with the Fort Wayne Police Department. With over 25 years of dedicated service, he brings extensive experience in law enforcement leadership and community relations. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Indiana–Purdue University Fort Wayne and Is a certified CPTED specialist through the American Crime Prevention Institute. He is committed to fostering transparency and trust between law enforcement and the public.

Christopher Felton

Fort Wayne Police Department Christopher M. Felton, PhD serves as a detective sergeant with the Fort Wayne Police Department, where he oversees the Gang and Violent Crimes Unit and leads the implementation of the new Crime Gun Intelligence Center. Sgt. Felton brings a unique skillset as a practitioner in the field for almost two decades along with over 13 years teaching in higher education, as well as holding a doctoral degree with research interests in procedural justice, policecommunity relations, and combatting violent crime. He continues to build partnerships with city, county, and federal agencies focused on creating safe neighborhoods and reducing violent crime.

Megan Grable Department of Neighborhoods

Megan Grable is an Urban Planner with the Department of Neighborhoods in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she leads the CPTED Pilot Area and chairs the Safe Neighborhoods Committee. She develops datadriven, equity-centered strategies to improve public safety, strengthen neighborhoods, and engage residents in planning solutions. She holds a degree in Urban Studies with a focus on Community Economic Development from the University of Pennsylvania and has international planning experience in India, Senegal, and Argentina.

SPEAKER BIOS Morning Breakout Sessions Brenda Holse Hamilton Neighborhood

Brenda Hosle is a lifelong Fort Wayne resident and a graduate of Northside High School, with 27 years of experience working in juvenile detention. She is currently the president of the Hamilton Neighborhood Association and previously served as both at-large and vice president. Brenda is committed to fostering a safer, more connected, and vibrant community where every resident thrives.

Dan Ingram Department of Neighborhoods

Daniel Ingram serves as Deputy Chief for the Fort Wayne Police Department. He began his law enforcement career in 1995 with the Auburn Police Department, later joining the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department in 1999 and the Fort Wayne Police Department in 2002. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Indiana University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Waldorf University. A LEEDA Trilogy graduate, he also served 18 years on the Emergency Services Team.

Lindsey Keller North Highlands Neighborhood

Lindsey Keller serves as President of the North Highlands Neighborhood and is a strong believer that community begins with knowing and supporting your neighbors. She champions collaboration and connection, grounded in the belief that neighborhoods are stronger when people look out for one another. A graduate of the University of Saint Francis, located just steps from North Highlands, Lindsey is deeply rooted in the area and committed to helping it thrive. Her leadership focuses on building relationships, fostering open communication, and creating opportunities for residents to engage and grow together.

Fred Lanahan PAPA- Oakdale Neighborhood

Fred Lanahan returned to Fort Wayne in 1991 and became active in the Historic Oakdale neighborhood association, serving as Treasurer and later Vice President until 1995. He and his wife have remained members ever since. He also represented the neighborhood in the Packard Area Planning Alliance (PAPA), eventually becoming President. Through PAPA, he helped revitalize the area after Lutheran Hospital’s departure, supporting new businesses and improvements like street trees and lighting along Fairfield Avenue. After stepping down in 2018, he continued his civic involvement with NIPRA and served on the Citilink board from 1993 to 2018

Nathan Law Department of Planning and Policy

Nathan has worked for the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division in the Planning & Policy Department since 2019, providing support to City departments and community partners through data analysis, mapping, and work on various planning teams.

Erik Long PAPA- Foster Park Neighborhood

Erik Long moved to Foster Park in 2022 and fell in love with the neighborhood. Looking for ways to serve, he joined the Packard Area Planning Alliance as Secretary in 2023, working alongside neighborhood and City leaders to advance the goals of the Packard Area 2030 Plan. In 2025, he took over as President, overseeing PAPA's transition into a nonprofit. Erik runs a consulting business working with rural communities and nonprofits on projects designed to revitalize historic corridors and improve quality of life. He's excited to bring this professional experience to his own neighborhood.

Mary Ann Mings Inasmuch Ministry

Mary Ann Mings is the leader of Inasmuch Ministry, a ministry driven entirely by a team of 150 volunteers. By applying professional rigor to volunteer management, Mary Ann specializes in building leadership pipelines that empower everyday neighbors to take ownership of complex community missions and run with the vision.

Holly Muñoz PAPA- Fairfield Neighborhood

Holly Muñoz moved to Fort Wayne in 2016 where she would eventually restart her neighborhood association to support needs in the Fairfield neighborhood. Her advocacy work led her to join the board of directors of the Packard Area Planning Alliance and the Southwest Area Partnership. Holly worked alongside other neighborhood and City leaders to advocate for infrastructure repairs, service enhancements, historic preservation, and the redevelopment of Packard Park. She currently works for the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods as their Resource and Engagement Coordinator, managing grant programs to support neighborhoods across Fort Wayne.

SPEAKER BIOS Morning Breakout Sessions Lynsday Perez PAPA- Williams Woodland Park

Lyndsay Perez moved to the Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood in 2012, diving into a full-home renovation with her husband that sparked a lasting love for history, architecture, and neighborhoods. She soon joined the WWPN Board, serving as President and Treasurer over the years. As President, she attended PAPA meetings, building relationships with nearby leaders and sharing community challenges and successes. She later served as PAPA’s Secretary and on several boards. After having two children, she stepped back but remains active in WWPN’s Holiday Home Tour committee and as Grant Administrator for its Home Improvement Program and continues supporting neighborhood efforts.

Paul (PJ) Smith Fort Wayne Police Department

Chief Paul “Butch” Smith currently serves as the Chief of Police for the Fort Wayne Police Department, bringing over four decades of distinguished service to the community. Commissioned on July 8, 1983, Chief Smith has advanced through the ranks, previously holding the position of Deputy Chief and Captain of the Northwest Quadrant and serving as a member of the department’s Emergency Services Team (EST). Chief Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management from Tri-State University.

Scott Shall HOUM I Lawrence Tech University

Scott Gerald Shall, AIA, is a Professor of Architecture at Lawrence Technological University whose work operates at the critcal intersection of technology, prac?ce, and social equity. As the founding director of the International Design Clinic (IDC), Shall has spent two decades practicing “guerrilla altruism" across five continents. Shall co-founded houm, an award-winning design technology firm that uses generative design, AI, and digital fabrication to disrupt the housing market. His work with houm has received 2025 AIA Honor Awards in Housing from both Detroit and Michigan and a 2025 Architecture MasterPrize.

Kayla Sweet Coach, Consultant, Poet, Podcaster

Kayla Sweet, MA, SHRM-CP, is a learning and organizational development leader, coach, podcaster, poet, and speaker passionate about helping people stay connected to their purpose while creating meaningful impact. Having experienced burnout while doing work she deeply cared about, Kayla brings a grounded, human perspective to conversations about resilience, connection, and wellbeing. Through her work, she supports individuals and leaders in navigating challenges, sustaining their energy, and showing up in ways that are both compassionate and practical. She believes strong communities are built through trust, shared responsibility, and everyday acts of leadership that help people feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep showing up.

Kody Tinnel PAPA- Foster Park Neighborhood

Kody Tinnel is a proud, lifelong resident of Fort Wayne. His neighborhood involvement began in 2017 when he agreed to serve as the president of the Foster Park Neighborhood Association. From there, he became involved with the Southwest Area Partnership, and eventually the Packard Area Planning Alliance. In December 2019, Kody was elected to serve as PAPA president. Despite the pandemic, he led the organization through a robust period of public engagement in support of what would become the Packard 2030 Plan.

ENGAGE Fort Wayne ...continues to grow and is becoming more critical than ever in a changing digital landscape. This year, the team was awarded the Outstanding Outreach and Communications Award for the State of Indiana from the American Planning Association. The site features City projects and programs, providing residents with opportunities to Get Engaged. Get Informed. Get Connected.

EngageFortWayne.com 17

Resilience in Action Practical Tools for Stronger People, Leaders, and Communities

Dr. Mary Beth Wilkas Janke

Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Author, Speaker, Former United State Secret Service Agent

In our lunch keynote, Dr. Mary Beth Wilkas Janke will provide practical, evidence-informed strategies to help neighborhood leaders and community partners build resilience at both the individual and community levels. Participants will learn how to recognize burnout, strengthen emotional endurance, improve communication and collaboration under stress, and sustain engagement over time. Drawing on experience as both a clinical psychologist and former United States Secret Service Agent, Dr. Janke brings a unique perspective on resilience, decision-making, and sustaining performance in highpressure environments. Her approach combines psychological science, real-world experience, and actionable strategies that participants can immediately apply in their neighborhood, their organizations, and their personal lives. Participants will leave not only with a deeper understanding of resilience, but with renewed energy and clear approaches for strengthening the people, relationships, and neighborhoods they serve. These strategies are intentionally designed to be realistic and immediately usable—so participants leave with ideas they can begin applying right away!

Learn more about Mary Beth’s work and her book here.

Afternoon Workshops 3:10 Collaboration Workshop- Start with What's Strong: Asset Mapping for Neighborhood Flourishing Eric Smith, CommunityWorks This workshop introduces participants to Asset Mapping, a practical tool from the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute that helps neighborhoods discover and mobilize their existing strengths. Instead of beginning with problems or deficiencies, asset mapping identifies the gifts of individuals, the power of local associations, supportive institutions, physical spaces, and economic resources already present in a neighborhood. Participants will learn simple methods for engaging residents in conversations that uncover these assets and connect them in new ways. By the end of the session, attendees will understand how to create an asset map and use it to spark collaboration, strengthen relationships, and launch community-driven improvement projects.

Eric Smith

Vibrancy Workshop- Who Does What? The Neighborhood Leader's Guide to Government Andrew Downs, City of Fort Wayne Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Great neighborhood leaders know how to build relationships, solve problems, and connect with the right people. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the structure of the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County governments, including an overview of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches—and the officials, boards, and courts that make them work. Through engaging discussion and practical examples, attendees will gain a better understanding of how local government operates, how decisions are made, and how to effectively navigate the systems, partnerships, and processes that impact their neighborhoods.

Andy Downs

Innovation & Resources Workshop- Culture & Community: Building Belonging from the Ground Up: How equitable communication transforms neighborhoods, services, and systems Raquel Kline & Susana Navarrete, Language Services Network (LSN) Belonging doesn’t happen by accident. While communities are increasingly multilingual and multicultural, many systems still rely on communication structures that unintentionally exclude. This session addresses a critical need: ensuring that every neighbor — regardless of language, culture, or background — can fully participate, contribute, and feel valued. In this workshop, LSN staff will explore how language access and culturally responsive engagement can transform their neighborhoods, organizations, and service systems. Participants will examine the real impact of linguistic inclusion on trust, participation, and community well‑being, and will leave with practical tools to strengthen belonging in their own contexts.

Raquel Kline

Susana Navarrete

SPEAKER BIOS Afternoon Workshops Eric Smith

CommunityWorks Eric Smith is the Executive Director of CommunityWorks, which concentrates on helping communities unlock the human and economic potential of their neighborhoods by empowering and equipping community builders. Eric also serves as a Community & Economic Development Educator for Central State University where he focuses on cultivating strong regional food systems and building entrepreneurial ecosystems. For over two decades, Eric has been living his purpose to, “build flourishing communities in which ALL people can thrive.” He has done this in the rural villages of Africa, the small towns of Appalachia, and the urban neighborhoods of rust belt cities. Eric has a Master's in Community Development and holds professional certifications in such models as Energizing Entrepreneurial Communities and Asset-Based Community Development.

Andrew Downs

City of Fort Wayne Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Andrew Downs is the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Fort Wayne. He spent 20 years as the first director of the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics at Purdue University Fort Wayne and as a professor in the Department of Political Science. The Mike Downs Center is a nonpartisan organization that helps people understand the role of politics and government in their daily lives. It does this by informing people and giving them tools they need to participate, improving life for all. The Mike Downs Center has a statewide reputation as a source for non-partisan insight, research, and assistance.

Raquel Kline

Language Services Network (LSN) Raquel A. Kline is the Executive Director of Language Services Network and a Medical Interpreter with more than two decades of experience in medical and community interpretation, translation, and interpreter education. A seasoned English Spanish translator, she has supported individuals across diverse communities in navigating essential healthcare and social services with clarity, dignity, and cultural responsiveness. Raquel is also a licensed Bridging the Gap instructor, dedicated to advancing interpreter training and preparing culturally attuned professionals for the field. A strong advocate for language access, health equity, and linguistic justice, she works to ensure that individuals with Limited English Proficiency receive meaningful access to care and services. Through her leadership, teaching, and community engagement, she continues to champion equitable communication in healthcare and beyond.

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Susana Navarrete

Language Services Network (LSN) Susana Navarrete is a Certified Legal Interpreter with fifteen years of professional experience delivering professional, accurate, and ethical interpretation services across legal, medical, and community settings. For the past nine years, she has interpreted in Indiana and Ohio courts, supporting meaningful access to justice through language facilitation. In 2022, she became a licensed instructor of Bridging the Gap, expanding her commitment to advancing professional standards in the field. Susana is deeply passionate about providing appropriate interpretation and translation services while mentoring and educating current and future interpreters to uphold excellence in the profession.

2026 INSPIRE CONFERENCE CONTACTS MAKE CONNECTIONS THAT LAST!

At the Inspire Conference, you're surrounded by neighborhood leaders, local experts, and future collaborators. Don’t miss out on the chance to grow your network! Take a moment to jot down the names and contact information of the incredible people you meet. Keep things organized and easily accessible by using this Contact Page to store all the details. Building meaningful connections starts with a simple step—let’s make it count!

NAME: PHONE:

ORGANIZATION: EMAIL:

NOTES:

NAME: PHONE:

ORGANIZATION: EMAIL:

NOTES:

NAME: PHONE:

ORGANIZATION: EMAIL:

NOTES:

NAME: PHONE: NOTES:

ORGANIZATION: EMAIL:

FORT-O

Instructions

A networking bingo game

Find someone who’s neighborhood is in a different quadrant than yours. Find someone whose neighborhood has hosted a walk with the Mayor or a Council Member in 2025.

Find a neighborhood association that has installed crosswalk murals (ever).

Find someone who is attending their first conference

Find someone who has conducted a listening tour in the past 12 months.

Find your opposite: My neighborhood has/ hasn’t won a City Grant

We hope you’ll take some time to network and get to know your fellow conference participants - You can write the name of a conference attendee with the following criteria in each box as you get to know your fellow attendees. Yell “FORT-O” when you have 5 in a row for a chance to win prizes!

Find someone: My neighborhood does/doesn’t have a school within its boundaries.

Find someone who’s association name starts with the same first letter as your association.

Find your opposite: My neighborhood does/ doesn’t have a public park.

Find someone who’s neighborhood is in the same quadrant as yours.

Free Space

Find someone you didn’t already know who attended a breakout session with you.

Find an association that held a block party in the last year.

Find your opposite: My neighborhood has/ hasn’t completed home safety assessments. Find a neighborhood that has a walking club or neighborhood watch, etc.

Find your opposite: My neighborhood does/ doesn’t have a historically registered district or site.

Find someone that has organized a tree or flower planting event in 2025

Find someone that runs their neighborhood social media.

Find someone that has served on their board in multiple roles (President, VP, Secretary, etc.)

Find someone that has volunteered for more than ten years

Find someone whose neighborhood association has traffic box wraps?

Find someone that did a yard of the month competition in 2025

Find your opposite: My neighborhood does/ doesn’t have an approved (City) plan.

Find someone who’s association has a logo

My neighborhood is registered with the City.

FORT-O prizes will be awarded while supplies last!

MAKE IT DOWNTOWN IS FORT WAYNE’S DOWNTOWN PLAN FOR THE NEXT DECADE.

The plan is built around four ideas for what Downtown can become, and what we can move toward together:

MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE. MAKE IT CREATIVE. MAKE IT EVEN BETTER. MAKE IT YOURS.

SHARE YOUR VISION!

Your voice shapeswhatgets built,funded, and prioritized. Learn more and get involved at bit.ly/make-it-downtown 24

AWARD DINNER OVERVIEW

FOOD BY CHARLIE HORSE | ENTERTAINMENT BY LOS ELECTRO

4:45 - Live Music & Food 5:00 - Welcome! 5:05 - Neighborhood Leaders of the Year Helping Hand: Alex Cornwell Rising Star: Eugene Du Bose Inspiring Leader: Margaret Machlan ¨¨¨ 5:15 - Neighborhood Association of the Year Beautification: East Central Collaboration & Innovation: Crestwood Civic Innovation: Mount Vernon Park ¨¨¨ 5:30 - Keynote Presentation: Lem Cartman ¨¨¨ 5:45 - Live Music 6:30 - Thank you & Adjourn

Get to know some of your fellow Conference & Award Dinner participants with these ice-breaker questions… 1. What was your biggest takeaway from today? 2. What was your funniest moment? 3. What’s something you learned that surprised you 4. What– if anything– did you learn anything from speakers or attendees that changed your mind or challenged your perspective?

S D R A W A !!!!

2026 NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS OF THE YEAR

RISING STAR

HELPING HAND

INSPIRING LEADER

Young people aren’t just our future, they’re our present! The Rising Star young leader award celebrates the efforts of community members - 25 years of age and younger - who are making outstanding contributions to Fort Wayne’s neighborhoods.

The Helping Hand is awarded to a person who as gone out of their way to help families and residents of their community. They are often seen as “unsung heroes.”

The Inspiring Leader award is granted to a neighborhood officer or block captain who has taken the initiative to help around their neighborhood. A leader who is fit for this award shows integrity, grit, and strength in their attitude towards not only their neighborhood but their fellow residents

Congratulations Eugene Du Bose! Thank you for your contributions to our community and it’s youth.

Congratulations Alex Cornwell! Thank you for your service and support in Waynedale.

Congratulations to our 2026

Leaders of the Year 26

Congratulations Margaret Machlan! Thank you for your leadership in the Harvester Neighborhood.

f‌ inalists‌ !!

Ruby Bates East Side Neighborhood

Dr. J Page Bey

Neighborhood of the Year

East Central Neighborhood

Gary Dexheimer Aboite Lake Estate

Vanessa Escobar Fort Wayne Community

Beacon Woods Neighborhood Association

Eugene Du Bose

Gret lan Mach

Alex Cornwe ll 27

2026 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS OF THE YEAR

BEAUTIFICAT IO Beauty blooms where the heart feels at home...

AWARDS!!

nizes The Placemaking & Beautification Award recog the physical g ormin transf are neighborhood associations that and her toget le peop bring spaces in their community to e park includ may ts Projec enhance residents’ quality of life. creative other or ns garde unity improvements, public art, comm s. The space public and re, tructu improvements to homes, infras more ing becom are that ods award celebrates neighborho welcoming, vibrant, and active places. od! Congratulations to the East Central Neighborho

ON RATI O B A N COLL ATIO V O & INN akes rk m o w :) Team m work! rea the d

This neighborhood is being recogniz ed in two award categories: Innovative Neighborhood Initiatives and Asso ciation Partnerships & Teamwork. Their work demonstrates both a willingness to think creatively about improving quality of life and a commitment to bringing resid ents, organizations, and community part ners together. Through innovative approaches and stro ng collaboration, this neighborhoood has turned idea s into meaningful projects that have enriched the lives of residen ts of their neighborhood. Congratulations to the Crestwood

INNOVATION sh Fre as!! Ide

Civic Neighborhood!

The Innovative Neighborhood Initiative Award recognizes neighborhood associations that have developed and implemented creative, forward-thinking projects that improve quality of life for residents. Initiatives may include innovative social programs, community improvements, new approaches to partnerships, or creative uses of existing resources. The award celebrates neighborhoods that think out of the box! Congratulations to the Mount Vernon Park Neighborhood!

AWARD WINNING NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS IN ACTION

I Am Because We Are Answering the Call for our Communities

Lem Cartman

Founder, WE (With Everyone), Inc. Manager of Community Relations & Government Affairs , Henry Ford Health

In our dinner keynote, Lem Cartman will invite neighborhood leaders to reflect on the power of collective resilience and the responsibility we share to care for one another. Rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — this keynote will affirm that strong communities are not built by individuals carrying the work alone, but by neighbors, associations, faith leaders, institutions, and residents choosing to persist together. Grounded in the realities of neighborhood leadership, this address will acknowledge the fatigue, frustration, and emotional weight that often come with community work, including burnout, housing instability, vacant properties, disengagement, and the challenge of navigating complex systems. At the same time, it will lift up the hope, creativity, and courage that emerge when communities choose connection over isolation and collaboration over discouragement. Drawing from his experience in community relations, healthcare, youth leadership, and cross-sector partnership, Lem will explore how resilience is not simply about “pushing through,” but about growing through difficulty with purpose, support, and shared vision. Attendees will be encouraged to see themselves as part of something larger, to honor the work already happening in their neighborhoods, and to leave renewed in their call to build stronger, more connected communities. When we answer the call together, we do not just survive challenges, we transform through them.

CONFERENCE EVALUATION

Thank you !!

Thank you for attending our 2026 Conference & for all the ways you contribute to Fort Wayne’s Neighborhoods. Please take 5 minutes to provide us with your feedback by completing the survey linked below.

THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE’S DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS TEAM

Bryan Gil

Summer Intern

Mission: Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods is committed to ensuring residents, neighborhood groups, and community leaders work alongside the City’s Community Development Division to create and support strong and vibrant neighborhoods. We currently have a team of seven staff members with expertise in community engagement, planning, architecture, and grant writing / support.

Anthony Ventruella Summer Intern

LEARN MORE AT FORTWAYNENEIGHBORHOODS.ORG

FORT WAYNE

NEIGHBORHOODS SHARON TUCKER, MAYOR

he t m o r uf ds o o y o k h n r bo “Tha h g i e ire N tee” t p i s n m I Com 2026 e c n re Confe