2023 Inspire Neighborhood Conference by CityofFortWayne

PLANNING

ACTIVATION COLLABORATION REST

Electric Works Campus I Fort Wayne, IN September 14, 2023 7:30 am—7:00 pm

City of Fort Wayne Mayor’s Office Mayor, Thomas C. Henry Deputy Mayor, Karl Bandemer Fort Wayne City Council President, Glynn Hines Jason Arp, District 4 Michelle Chambers, At Large Tom Didier, District 3 Paul Ensley, District 1 Tom Freistroffer, At Large Russ Jehl, District 2 Geoff Paddock, District 5 Sharon Tucker, District 6 Community Development Division Director, Nancy Townsend Neighborhood Planning & Activation Workgroup Dan Baisden Réna Bradley Josh Campbell Bernadette Fellows Megan Grable 2023 Inspire Conference Committee: Chair, Réna Bradley Dan Baisden Megan Butler Cinthia Loera Prentis Moore Elizabeth Webb

BUILDING 19: FORUM & UPPER LEVEL (UL)

BUILDING 19: LOWER LEVEL (LL)

Stadium (Planning)

Paddock Rm (Activation)

Crawford Rm (Collaboration

Down

The Forum (Vendors & Networking)

MAPS OF INTERIOR CONFERENCE SPACES Circulation Elevator Paddock Room (UL)

The Stadium (LL) Crawford Room (LL)

ELECTRIC WORKS MASTER PLAN: WEST CAMPUS

Conference/ Vendors / Breakout Sessions

Vendor & Special Accommodations Parking*

GE Club: Lunch/ Keynote/ Plenary/ Awards

Attendee Parking*

Parking will be validated for a cost of up to $12/person. Please present your ticket to Electric Works Staff and Conference Volunteers.

THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE’S NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING & ACTIVATION WORKGROUP IS GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF OUR INSPIRE CONFERENCE SPONSORS... ACCELERATOR-LEVEL SPONSORS

ACTIVATOR-LEVEL SPONSORS

EQUIPPER-LEVEL SPONSOR

We would also like to extend a special thank you to the following organizations for supporting various efforts of the Neighborhood Planning & Activation Workgroup.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

AM SESSIONS

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Letter from Mayor Henry______________________ 9 Letter from Nancy Townsend___________________ 11 Conference Program Schedule__________________ 12

9:10- Breakout Sessions_______________________ 10:10- Breakout Sessions______________________ 11:10- Breakout Sessions______________________ 12:00- Networking & Vendor Visits______________

15 16 17 N/A

12:30- Lunch & Keynote Presentation_____________ 22 1:45- Yoga/ Afternoon Stretch_________________ N/A 2:00- Plenary Session_________________________ 24

PM SESSIONS

AWARD DINNER

3:10- Breakout Sessions_______________________ 26 4:10- Breakout Sessions_______________________ 27

5:15- Dinner & Live Music N’hd Leaders of the Year Awards___________ 33 N’hd Associations of the Year Awards________ 35

1 WELCOME 2023 INSPIRE NEIGHBORHOOD CONFERENCE

Letter from Mayor Henry Letter from Nancy Townsend Conference Program Schedule

Fort Wayne, IN

Top 15 2023 Best US Places to Start a Family

3rd Best Run City in the U.S. ,2022

Best City to Live in Indiana U.S. News & World Report, 2023

MESSAGE FROM MAYOR TOM HENRY Dear Neighborhood Advocates:

Thank you for attending the first annual 2023 Inspire! Neighborhood Conference. I hope you’ll take a moment to pause and realize that after attending this conference and learning about all of the tools and support the City of Fort Wayne has available for you, you could be the one who energizes your neighbors to identify ways to enhance your neighborhood. Even a small change can inspire a powerful impact. I’m sure you know that Fort Wayne is truly a city like no other. We’ve been recognized as an All-America City four times, named the third best run city in the country, the best place to live in Indiana and one of the best places to raise children, just to name a few of the many accolades we’ve received. We’re award-winning because of people like you who care about each other and the community we live in. I often say neighborhoods are the backbone of this community. One way to ensure they keep growing and thriving is by constantly addressing infrastructure needs. Since 2014, we’ve invested more than $250 million in streets, roads, sidewalks, alleys, bridges, trails and parks. And we will continue to prioritize these needs because it’s important that we help provide a safe environment that is welcoming to all. We want everyone to feel comfortable coming out of their homes, engaging with neighbors, developing relationships and building momentum to influence even more positive change.

Enjoy the conference.

Sincerely,

___________________________________________________ Mayor Tom C. Henry 9

MESSAGE FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION DIRECTOR: NANCY TOWNSEND Welcome neighborhood leaders and residents: We are so grateful you could join us for the 2023 Inspire! Neighborhood Conference. In Community Development, we work closely with community members to create community plans, enhance economic opportunities, fortify neighborhoods, and facilitate quality growth and development. This effort is undertaken within five key departments: Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup, Redevelopment, Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services, Planning, and Neighborhood Code Compliance. The Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup was formed in January 2022 and is dedicated to support and revitalize Fort Wayne's neighborhoods. In the first 18 months, they have implemented a modified and more easily accessible Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, awarding a record number of grants to neighborhoods in both 2022 and 2023; they also launched several new neighborhood plans, including Packard 2030, Historic Northeast 2035, Northwest Neighborhoods 2035, and a renewed vision for East Central. Their efforts have included supporting neighborhood associations, such as Harvester, Broad River, Hamilton, East Central, and developing projects to empower local leaders in grant writing, civic engagement, and governance. Their commitment is evident in their organizing and attending over 400 meetings with neighborhood leaders this past year. This work and focus and attention to neighborhoods will continue far into the future. Join us on this journey of Neighborhood Activation, where we come together, associations thrive, and community bonds strengthen. Together, we’ll continue to build flourishing neighborhoods. Sincerely, ___________________________________________ Nancy Townsend Community Development Division Director 11

OVERALL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 ELECTRIC WORKS I FORT WAYNE, IN 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast & Welcome, The Forum 7:30- Breakfast, Sign-in, Booklets, Music 8:15 - Brief Welcoming Remarks 8:22 - Introduction to Neighborhood Planning & Activation 8:35 - Welcome from Nancy Townsend: Community Development Division Director 8:40 - Morning Stretch with Diane Rogers 8:55 - Adjourn to breakout sessions

9:10 AM – 12:00 PM

Morning Breakout Sessions 1-3, The Forum See pages15-20 for session details & speaker bios

12:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Keynote Address, GE Club 12:40- Introduction to Mayor Henry 12:45- Mayor Tom Henry Remarks 1:00- Bree Jones, Keynote Address 1:45- Stretch break with Diane Rogers

Plenary Presentation, GE Club 2:00 - Sharon Logan, Plenary Presentation 3:00 - Adjourn to afternoon breakout sessions

3:10 – 5:00 PM

Afternoon Breakout Sessions 4-5, The Forum See pages 26-30 for session details & speaker bios

5:15 – 7:00 PM

Awards Dinner, GE Club 5:00 - Food, Live Music & Networking 5:30 - Welcome from Masters of Ceremonies - Neighborhood Association Awards - Neighborhood Bingo & Live Music - Neighborhood Leader Awards 6:30 - Live Music 7:00 - Thank you & Conclude Conference

This event is brought to you by the City of Fort Wayne’s Neighborhood Planning & Activation Workgroup with generous support from:

2 AM SESSIONS MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS

9:10- Breakout Sessions 10:10- Breakout Sessions 11:10- Breakout Sessions (Speaker Bios)

Sponsor Acknowledgement

CONGRATULATES THE BLOOMINGDALE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR THEIR RECOGNITION AS AN INSPIRE CONFERENCE: NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR!

THANK YOU AARP INDIANA FOR YOUR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE INSPIRE CONFRENCE & FORT WAYNE’S NEIGHBORHOODS. LEARN MORE AT:

Community Challenge Grant

Main site

Livable Communities

WWW.AARP.ORG/LIVABLECOMMUNITIES/ COMMUNITY-CHALLENGE

HTTPS://STATES.AARP.ORG/ INDIANA/

WWW.AARP.ORG/LIVABLECOMMUNITIES

BREAKOUT SESSIONS I 9:10 PLANNING WORKSHOP: STADIUM CREATING HEALTHY & LIVABLE COMMUNITIES

Emily Gorman

Sharon Tubbs

Indiana ranks 35th nationwide in overall health. HealthVisions’ Sharon Tubbs will enlighten attendees about the need to improve health locally. AARP’s Emily Gorman will share AARP's Livable Communities Initiatives and tools/resources that AARP has to make neighborhoods more walkable and livable for people of all ages. Attendees will leave with access to the complete library of Livable Communities toolkits and publications. i.e. the Walking Audit - which they can take home to their neighborhoods and use as an advocacy tool for making change in their own community.

ACTIVATION WORKSHOP: PADDOCK (UPSTAIRS) ACTIVATING THE FUTURE TODAY

Ashton Berkey

Brianna Henriquez-Diaz

Riley Johnson

In this session, participants will hear directly from the youth of our community. These students will share what it means to be a teenager in today’s world, how neighborhoods can engage the youth, and next steps for truly activating the future of the community today. This session will provide some concrete examples of how neighborhoods could engage the teenagers in their community to be active participants in the ecosystem.

COLLABORATION WORKSHOP: CRAWFORD (DOWNSTAIRS) ENGAGED CITIZENS & ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

Tim Hallman

Betsky Kachmar

Megan McClellan

This presentation will equip conference attendees to do collaborative projects in their communities/areas of interest. Learning from the experience of the speakers as well as that of other presentation participants. Focus areas will include building a new neighborhood park, active transportation, traffic calming, and school projects. 15

BREAKOUT SESSIONS I 10:10 PLANNING/REST WORKSHOP: STADIUM BELONGING, NEIGHBORING AND COOPERATIVE CLUSTERS: CORRELATING PLACEMAKING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Zach Benedict

Gret Machlan

Eric Woods

Humans are, by nature, cooperative creatures, equipped with an instinct to form and sustain reciprocal relationships with those around them. However, to do so requires the ability to and trusting partners with frequent exchange rates – something suburban developments and conventional retirement facilities have made increasingly difficult. This presentation will 1) offer a discussion around the impact engagement and self-worth can have on effective placemaking, 2) address the needs for support to prevent overwhelm and burn-out for neighborhood leaders as they face the challenging work of recruiting participants to impact communities, and 3) cover the simple and everyday art of neighboring well.

ACTIVATION WORKSHOP: PADDOCK (UPSTAIRS) NEIGHBORHOOD RENAISSANCE: OPEN ART WALLS AND THE MAGIC OF INTERACTIVE PUBLIC ART

Francisco Reyes

Nancy Stewart

This session will engage attendees in a conversation that presents the ideas and desired impact of interactive pubic art projects. Attendees will be provided materials to sketch and develop ideas for interactive projects they could implement in their own neighborhoods. This exercise will afford attendees with hands-on experience in the public art project development process, while also facilitating a dialog around the importance of public arts and community engagement.

COLLABORATION WORKSHOP: CRAWFORD (DOWNSTAIRS) CULTURAL COMPETENCY AND THE IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITY

Natalie Borjas

Melissa Grossman

Ashley Kibiger

The presentation will highlight best practices for working with immigrants and refugees as well as how to effectively create a welcoming community. The immigrant and refugee population in Fort Wayne is actively growing and expanding. This presentation will foster a spirit of sensitivity among attendees as they identify the best ways to interact with their neighbors and community members that are di�erent than they are. The presentation will be interactive and have specific time for questions and answers to tailor the presentation to the exact concerns of the community at large. 16

BREAKOUT SESSIONS I 11:10 PLANNING WORKSHOP: STADIUM GROWING VALUE: A NEW VISION FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN GREATER FORT WAYNE

John Metzinger Fort Wayne has not yet fully realized the potential for public transportation due to barriers such as stigma, car-centric development, sprawl, and under investment. Yet we can envision improved transit that enhances quality of life for everyone, grows access to education, jobs, and healthcare, and builds equity for marginalized populations. Today’s needs are far greater than Citilink’s current capacity, so how will our community realize our vision? This session will begin with a brief ride on a Citilink bus, followed by an eye-opening presentation and workshop development intended to activate community-wide education and advocacy. Our community can achieve a new vision for improved public transportation when we all come together.

ACTIVATION WORKSHOP: PADDOCK (UPSTAIRS) FACILITATION & MANAGING GROUP DYNAMICS

Sharon Logan The Indiana Neighborhood Resource Center’s Sharon Logan will provide a workshop about essentials for facilitating virtual and in-person neighborhood meetings. She will cover top tips, how to create effective agendas, and how to intervene if needed.

COLLABORATION WORKSHOP: CRAWFORD (DOWNSTAIRS) ENGAGING NEIGHBORS ACROSS DIFFERENCES OF CULTURE, LANGUAGE, ABILITY, AND EXPERIENCE

Aisha Arrington

Natalie Borjas

Patti Hays

Lindsey Lortie

Engaging intersectional neighbors is a rewarding experience and a necessary one. But how do we establish and maintain positive relationships? Learning about your intersectional neighbors allows one to plan for a truly inclusive and welcoming neighborhood experience. This presentation will provide 1) an overview of the demographics of some intersectional neighbors who are living in Fort Wayne and the state of Indiana, 2) how they make up a large portion of the economies, and 3) the different procedures, perceptions, and barriers they navigate. It will then be followed by a panel discussion highlighting tips to engage and building relationships well. 17

SPEAKER BIOS I MORNING SESSIONS AISHA ARRINGTON FORT WAYNE URBAN LEAGUE

EMILY GORMAN AARP INDIANA

Aisha R. Arrington is the President & CEO of the Fort Wayne Urban League. Aisha is a graduate of Indiana Tech with a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership & Supervision. Her community leadership includes graduating from Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (2014), Leadership Fort Wayne (2017), and the completion of Foellinger Foundation’s Executive Leader Program (2019). Aisha was featured as a She Glow(s) community leader in Glo Magazine (2017) and was honored to receive the Alumnus of the Year Award from Indiana Tech (2021). She was appointed to the Metro Human Relations Board by the Mayor (2018) and serves as Chair.

Emily Gorman is the Director of Community Engagement for AARP Indiana. Based out of the AARP Indiana State Office in Indianapolis, Emily works to advocate for the needs of Hoosiers 50 plus. Incorporating our livable communities' initiatives into our local, state and federal advocacy and outreach work allows us to continually push and strive for communities that are more accessible, walkable, and livable for all. Emily's background is with the YMCA as a Program Director for over 10 years in both New York and Indianapolis.

ZACHARY BENEDICT MKM ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

Melissa Grossman holds an MSW from IUPUI and a B.A. in history and political science from Huntington University. In 2013, Melissa had the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia and this experience instilled a passion in her to pursue a career in social work, specifically working with immigrant and refugee populations. Melissa’s professional experience has consisted of providing case management to families through the refugee resettlement processes, working with survivors of human trafficking, and providing support to families navigating immigration processes. While Melissa has extensive experience working directly with families, she is also a macro social worker providing support at the community level to address policies and barriers that impact those who are most vulnerable. Today, Melissa is the Chief Operations Officer at Amani Family Services, an organization that provides services exclusively to immigrants and refugees in Allen County.

Zach has dedicated his career to understanding the connection between people and places. As the President of MKM architecture + design, he manages numerous projects ranging from critical access hospitals to public libraries. With an extensive background in urban sociology, he is considered one of the leading voices in the "Lifetime Community" movement, focusing on the socio-economic benefits of age-friendly neighborhoods. Through these efforts, coupled with an appreciation towards the likes of Wendell Berry and Monty Python, he has lectured internationally on various topics - discussions whose primary focus is to encourage communities to reevaluate the importance of inclusive placemaking.

ASHTON BERKEY AMP LAB Ashton Berkey is a senior at Wayne Highschool and Amp Lab, Fort Wayne’s newest stem school. He loves sports (particularly baseball and football) and has a passion for strategic planning & entrepreneurship. During Amp Lab “Challenges” Ashton partnered with City of Fort Wayne staff to engage and create resources for Fort Wayne Neighborhoods.

NATALIE BORJAS AMANI FAMILY SERVICE Natalie has 16 years of experience working in the non-forprofit sector serving the underserved and high-risk community members of Chicago and Fort Wayne. Natalie now finds herself at Amani as the Community Development Coordinator and partners with immigrants, refugees, and the community to continue the work of providing support through intervention and preventive services to those at risk. Natalie’s desire is to continue to advocate for those who are unable to vocalize their needs, and to promote best practices to service providers in how to best work with all members of the community, specifically immigrants and refugees.

MELISSA GROSSMAN AMANI FAMILY SERICES

PATTI HAYS AWS FOUNDATION Patti Hays has been a part of AWS Foundation before it’s inception in 2007. First as a founding board member then as CEO since 2015. Prior to AWS Foundation, Patti was in progressive administrative roles in LHN covering physician relations, strategic planning, operations, and business development. With an undergraduate nursing degree from West Virginia Wesleyan and a master’s in nursing from Louisiana State University she has been an active part of her neighborhood and this great city since 1990.

TIM HALLMAN YMCA OF GREATER FORT WAYNE Tim Hallman joined the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne in 2016 as their first Director of Christian Emphasis. He is an ordained minister with 25 years of experience with a doctorate in missional leadership and contextual theology. In the Y he leads a chaplaincy program and is helping grow church and community partnerships while building up volunteerism. Tim also provides personal development support for the staff in areas of equity, service, and strategic change. While pastoring in the 46808 Tim worked with neighborhood leaders on collaborative efforts to build Franklin Parkas part of a broader revitalization effort.

MORNING SPEAKER BIOS CONT’D BRIANNA HENRIQUEZ-DIAZ AMP LAB Brianna Henriquez-Diaz is a native of New York who moved to Fort Wayne in 2021. She is a senior at Fort Wayne’s Southside and Amp Lab high schools, and has spent the last year partnering with various organizations including the City of Fort Wayne– where she used her strong design and relational skills to engage with and create resources for Fort Wayne Neighborhoods. Brianna is passionate about providing resources that create a warm welcome– and more easy transition to Fort Wayne for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

RILEY JOHNSON AMP LAB Riley Johnson is the Director of the Amp Lab at Electric Works, Fort Wayne’s new high school think tank and launchpad. Riley lives in the 05 and has spent his career as a teacher, administrator, and youth advocate.

BETSY KACHMAR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COALITION Betsy Kachmar - Retired public transit manager now community activist. Engaged with the Active Transportation Coalition since its inception in 2018, she has enjoyed making connections with neighborhoods and schools to educate and demonstrate safer mobility for all.

ASHLEY KIBIGER AMANI FAMILY SERVICES Ashley Kibiger is originally from Fort Wayne, IN. Ashley worked providing basic needs to homeless men and women and/or women in prostitution from 2011 to 2017 in Mexico. From 2012-2021, Ashley began the fight against human trafficking. In 2017, Ashley took on the role of operations director in 27 Million and founded the Justice School 5.24 that launched in 2018 in Brazil. Ashley was also a certified trainer for anti-human trafficking by the secretary of tourism in Mexico. In September of 2021, Ashley took on a role of Victim Advocate with Amani Family Services and recently transitioned to Associate Victim Care Program Manager. Ashley is fluent in English and Spanish.

SHARON LOGAN INDIANAPOLIS N’HD RESOURCE CENTER Raised on the east side of Indianapolis, Sharon is an Indianapolis Public Schools graduate. She came to INRC through the Public Allies AmeriCorps Program in 2009. Before her term of service she was a Sous Chef for a local caterer and warehouse worker. During her term of service, Sharon was placed at EmberWood Center (EWC) as their Community Outreach Coordinator. Sharon was hired by EWC, and stayed there for three years. In 2012 Sharon joined the INRC team as a Public Allies

Program Manager. Sharon, her husband Zach, and daughter Millie reside in the Raymond Park neighborhood.

LINDSEY LORTIE BLUE JACKET, INC. Lindsey Lortie is the Director of Operations at Blue Jacket, Inc. Prior to Blue Jacket, Lindsey spent 13 years working at East Allen County Schools in the Special Education department, first as an Intense Interventions teacher and then as the Intense Interventions Program Manager. Lindsey has a master’s degree from Ball State University. In 2021, Lindsey completed the REDF Accelerator’s program, described as a mini-MBA for social enterprise leaders.

MEGAN MCCLELLAN FORT WAYNE TRAILS Megan McClellan is the Executive Director of Fort Wayne Trails, a member of the Active Transportation Coalition and the Vice-President of the Greenways Foundation. Megan has a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Master’s in Environmental Policy. Megan’s time living in Holland, Germany, Namibia, and Niger taught her how important it is to have free, safe, and accessible paths connecting people to each other and to the world around them.

GRET MACHLAN RENEWING YOUR STORY Margaret (Gret) Machlan grew up in Fort Wayne, attended North Side HS, attended St. Francis College, and later IUPUI for an Masters in Social Work. Gret owns a counseling business "Renewing Your Story." She is married to George and they are part of Harvester Missionary Church. They have a daughter, Andrea. Margaret has been the President of Harvester Neighborhood Association for the past year, after working to reactivate it the previous year. She is grateful for the many collaborators to make possible the impact made by the neighborhood association, and looks forward to more valuable community development.

JOHN METZINGER CITILINK Serving as Citilink's CEO since April 2021, John Metzinger is leading a transformation of public transportation in the Greater Fort Wayne area, starting with Citilink itself. Growing the value of public transportation in the community success, ensuring employees know they're valued and are committed to delivering strategic outcomes, and the organization is sustainable. Metzinger has been a public transit leader for more than 20 years, serving communities in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. BA, Purdue (1990), MBA Indiana Wesleyan (2013). 19

MORNING SPEAKER BIOS CONT’D NANCY PECK STEWART FORT WAYNE PUBLIC ART COMMISSION Nancy is an active community volunteer. She served as President of the Junior League of Fort Wayne, Chair of the Canterbury School Board, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, the Stillwater Foundation Board and the Fort Wayne Public Art Commission. She continues to serve on the Boards of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Friends of the Rivers, Fort Wayne Philharmonic and the Stillwater Hospice Agency and Foundation Boards and is Vice-Chair of the Fort Wayne Public Art Commission. Nancy is CoChair of the Friends of the Rivers, Clean Drains initiative and serves on the Community Foundations Women’s Fund Steering Committee.

SHARON TUBBS HEALTH VISIONS MIDWEST OF FORT WAYNE For 17 years, Sharon Tubbs was a professional writer and editor for major newspapers in the industry. She has also written freelance articles for online and print magazines, edited books for upcoming writers, and authored five books including: the novel Living in the Pink and the self-help book Milk & Honey, and a devotional for women. She has been featured on a number of radio

talk shows, from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Chicago, Illinois, to North Carolina and Tampa, Florida. Sharon was the senior communications specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and a selected participant of the Writers in Paradise conference at Eckerd College for several years. Sharon is committed to using her skills to help individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits communicate effectively.

ERIC WOODS NEIGHBORLINK Eric joined Neighborlink in May 2021. A Fort Wayne native, desires to help equip the neighbors of Fort Wayne to be the neighbors we were born to be by serving the City’s vulnerable homeowners. Eric Wood is a graduate of Huntington University with a B.S. in Student Ministry. Eric’s pastoral and servant leader experience will enhance the organization as it works to solve problems to complex issues facing vulnerable neighbors and neighborhoods with a heart for bringing the love of Jesus to our neighbors. Eric enjoys spending time with his family, friends and can often be found chatting in a local coffee shop or front yard.

Sponsor Acknowledgement

3 FEATURED SPEAKERS KEYNOTE & PLENARY SPEAKERS

12:30 Keynote: Bree Jones, Parity 13:45 Afternoon Stretch: Diane Rogers, Rooted Connections 14:00 Plenary: Sharon Logan, INRC

BREE JONES KEYNOTE SPEAKER CEO & FOUNDER AT PARITY PRESENTATION TITLE: USING SOCIAL CAPITAL TO BUILD MOMENTUM FOR SYSTEMS CHANGE

Bree Jones’s work through Parity has garnered widespread recognition for its systems change. Her accomplishments have been highlighted by publications such as the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, Afro Tech, Fast Company, WYPR, Bustle, and the Brookings Institute. Bree has also delivered a TED talk, showcasing her insights and ideas, as well as given a keynote speech at the Nantucket Project. She holds fellowships with Ashoka, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, Open Society Institute, Fund for New Leadership, and New Profit. Presentation Summary: Bree will detail how she leveraged the simple power of social capital to tackle hyper-vacancy in one of West Baltimore’s most distressed neighborhoods, where 30% of buildings are vacant. In a market that most said was unredeemable, Bree has built a groundswell of galvanized neighbors new and old, who are purchasing formerly abandoned homes alongside one another in the spirit of community building and wealth building.

Parity is an equitable development company proudly headquartered in West Baltimore that acquires and rehabilitates abandoned properties by the block to create affordable home ownership opportunities. We started Parity as a response to the gentrification and displacement we experienced in our

Sponsor Acknowledgement

SHARON LOGAN PLENARY SPEAKER NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DIRECTOR INDIANAPOLIS NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE CENTER PRESENTATION TITLE: CONFLICT MANAGEMENT Raised on the east side of Indianapolis, Sharon is an Indianapolis Public Schools graduate. She came to INRC through the Public Allies AmeriCorps Program in 2009. Before her term of service she was a Sous Chef for a local caterer and warehouse worker. During her term of service, Sharon was placed at EmberWood Center (EWC) as their Community Outreach Coordinator. Sharon was hired by EWC, and stayed there for three years. In 2012 Sharon joined the INRC team as a Public Allies Program Manager. Sharon, her husband Zach, and daughter Millie reside in the Raymond Park neighborhood. Favorite quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Tim Notke Session Description: Sharon’s plenary session will introduce neighborhood residents, leaders, and advocates to core skills and characteristics for managing conflict in their neighborhoods.

Notes: _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ 24

4 PM SESSIONS AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS

3:10 Breakout Sessions 4:10 Breakout Sessions

BREAKOUT SESSIONS I 3:10 PLANNING WORKSHOP: STADIUM TITLE: GO, GROW & COMPOST: CULTIVATING LEADERS & GARDENS

Dan

Pinky Saunders

Megan Masterson

This presentation will focus on helping the community to seek a path of mental growth and food selfsufficiency. There's something special about watching something that you’ve nurtured from seed, blossom and thrive. Like children, plants/crops require a lot of care and love but give so much more joy in return. Attendees will also learn how to use compost to help strengthen no t only their own yards, but their neighbors’ as well. yards, gardens, and landscaping. If we start sowing seeds of good health in our homes and seeds of unity and growth in our community, we can effect positive change together.

ACTIVATION WORKSHOP: PADDOCK (UPSTAIRS) NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION BASICS: BYLAWS, GOVERNANCE, AND FINANCE

Cheri Becker

Réna Bradley

Trent Bucher

Great people, passion, and places are key ingredients to making great neighborhood, if they’re built upon a foundation of great neighborhood infrastructure. This presentation will focus on establishing basic infrastructure- governance, legal structure, and finances- for neighborhood association associations.

COLLABORATION WORKSHOP: CRAWFORD (DOWNSTAIRS) ADDING A TRAUMA LENS

Janice Maurizi No matter the culture or situation, as we educate ourselves and each other it grows our access to compassion and ability to interact with others. “Adding a Trauma Lens” will allow for us to do exactly this when it comes to our neighbors and the impact trauma has on all of our lives. As we learn about trauma, it impacts the way we see ourselves and others, and it is important that we couple this knowledge with the skills to respond. By “adding a trauma lens”, we are able to make a lasting impact and help our community be a healing place for everyone. 26

BREAKOUT SESSIONS I 4:10 PLANNING WORKSHOP: STADIUM IDEAS AND SOLUTIONS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY (CPTED)

Dan Baisden

Megan Grable

Adam Hartman

Lewis King

Javier Mondragon

For years, neighborhood crime has been a hot discussion topic in neighborhood and partnership meetings. Many neighborhood leaders have long believed that the only way to ensure a safe and thriving neighborhood is through several layers of police surveillance, with limited effort in using other tools and resources to reduce the probability of crime. Programs like Ten Point Coalition, and CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) are two ways in which members of the community are working to make a positive impact in our neighborhoods.

ACTIVATION WORKSHOP: PADDOCK (UPSTAIRS) NEIGHBORHOOD FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES

Beth Boatright

Linda Dunno

Tracy Hanlin

Maddie Miller

Todd Titus

Representatives of local organizations including, AARP Indiana, the Allen County Public Library, Patronicity, Star Financial, and UPSTAR will present about fundraising opportunities and resources available for Fort Wayne Neighborhood Association leaders and residents.

COLLABORATION WORKSHOP: CRAWFORD (DOWNSTAIRS) WORKING IN CONCERT: HOW NEIGHBORHOODS, BUSINESSES & GVT REALLY GET THINGS DONE

Melissa Beber

Stephanie Crandall

Megan Flohr

Kody Tinnel

People often call their elected officials with their questions, concerns, and suggestions. Meet work with and support those officials to effectuate policy changes and help them achieve their goals in serving the community. Whether you're concerned about fireworks, road funding, or neighborhood improvements, we'll explain how you can best provide input on city and state initiatives to make sure your voice is heard. 27

SPEAKER BIOS I AFTERNOON SESSIONS DAN BAISDEN CITY OF FORT WAYNE

RÉNA BRADLEY CITY OF FORT WAYNE

Dan Baisden: Dan Baisden is the Community Development Administrator of the Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup for the City of Fort Wayne. He studied Urban Sociology and Urban Planning at Arizona State University and holds a Masters' in Professional Studies from Penn State in Community Development. Dan has spent years conducting research projects, including the social impacts caused by population decline, economic abandonment, criminal deviance, and applied sociology of neighborhoods and collective community efforts.

Réna Bradley is one of Fort Wayne’s foremost experts in placemaking, asset-based development, and neighborhood revitalization. She believes that beauty is a call to justice, and, that a community’s residents are its greatest asset.

MELISSA BEBER GREATER FORT WAYNE INC. Melissa Beber is the Vice President of Business Advocacy for Greater Fort Wayne Inc. where she leads the development and advancement of GFW Inc.’s public policy initiatives. As GFW Inc.’s liaison to federal, state, and local government, she serves to educate investors, elected officials, and the community on business issues.

TRENT BUCHER HONEGGER, RINGGER & CO

Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from Purdue University, and a Master of Public Management from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. She is a graduate of the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana Leadership Institute and Leadership Fort Wayne. Melissa is a native of Fort Wayne and is active in the community. She currently serves on board committees for SCAN and United Way of Allen County.

Trent was born and raised in Bluffton. After college and two years with a national accounting firm, he returned to Bluffton to practice accounting with HRC because of the excellence of the firm and the quality of life that Bluffton offers for raising a family. Trent became a partner in the firm in May 1996 and has served as managing part ne r s ince 2010. His responsibilities include : Managing Partner, Controllership Services, Not-For -Profit Services, Corporate and Individual Tax Services, Financial Statement Preparation

CHERI BECKER BECKER CONSULTING

Trent resides in Wells County with his wife, Kelli. Trent enjoys life with his four sons, their wives and five grandchildren.

Cheri Becker consults individuals and organizations on change, leadership and organizational development focused on strategic initiatives, programs and projects that improve the lives of people. In 2018 Becker retired as vice president of investor services, and signature programs for Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. Some of Becker’s past experiences include, business owner, regional vice president of JobWorks, Inc., executive director of Invent Tomorrow, Inc., and Leadership Fort Wayne, Inc., president of the Northeast Indiana Business Assistance Corp., and director of the Small Business Development Center of Northeast Indiana. Becker has authored articles for the Greenville, South Carolina based “Greenville Magazine” as well as “Fort Wayne Business People” and “Upstate Business Journal”.

BETH BOATRIGHT ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY Beth Boatright is the Director of Community Partnerships and Programs at Allen County Public Library. She's passionate about creating connections to our community and to the resources we need to thrive.

Réna has held various positions in the Community Development Sector and helped to raise over $8,000,000 to help improve Fort Wayne neighborhoods by supporting the renovation houses, activation and maintenance of vacant lots, and reduction of crime by over 60% in one SEFW neighborhood. Réna is an Indiana Arts Commissioner, Fort Wayne Public Arts Commissioner, board member of the Fort Wayne Allen County Airport Authority., and a proud alumna of Howard University's College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Science.

STEPHANIE CRANDALL CITY OF FORT WAYNE Stephanie Crandall has served as the City's Director of Intergovernmental Affairs since 2013. As a member of the Mayor's cabinet, she provides strategic counsel on matters related to all levels of government—local, state and federal—to achieve legislative, administrative, and community goals benefiting the people of Fort Wayne. She is a graduate of Leadership Fort Wayne, was selected for Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly's Forty Under 40, and represented Fort Wayne in the Harvard Kennedy School's Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. She also led the City's efforts to win the AllAmerica City Award in 2021.

AFTERNOON SPEAKER BIOS CONT’D LINDA DUNNO AARP INDIANA

MEGAN GRABLE CITY OF FORT WAYNE

Linda Dunno is AARP Indiana’s State President – the organization’s lead volunteer. Dunno led AARP Indiana’s Fort Wayne team for six years and received the organization’s top volunteer honor, the Andrus Award for Community Service, in 2016. During Dunno’s tenure, the City of Fort Wayne joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, a feat made possible by her tireless advocacy and community-organizing prowess. Additionally, she championed a Complete Streets resolution that was adopted by the Fort Wayne City Council.

Megan Grable: Megan Grable currently serves as a Urban Planner for the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Neighborhood Planning & Activation Workgroup. She studied Urban Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and completed the International Honors Program: Cities in the 21st Century. She has conducted several independent research projects under the mentorship of leading criminologist Dr. Eric C. Schneider. Her expertise in CPTED comes from her involvement in the High Street CPTED Pilot Area; she conducts her research through data analysis, direct observation, ethnographic study, and crossorganizational collaboration.

Linda is an Ohio native and mother of two sons and grandmother to 4 grandchildren. Prior to retiring, Dunno was a 9-1-1 emergency services director in Ohio and then Maine, and the executive director of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce.

BERNADETTE FELLOWS CITY OF FORT WAYNE Bernadette Fellows is the Community Engagement Planner for the City of Fort Wayne. In her role, she works to develop and implement engagement strategies for neighborhood plans and projects and specializes in encouraging and equipping neighborhood associations with best practices for community engagement. Bachelor in Business – Indiana University Bachelor in Economics and Public Policy Indiana University Data and Public Policy Scholar - University of Chicago

MEGAN FLOHR CITY OF FORT WAYNE Raised in the northeast corner of the community, Megan attended Fort Wayne Community Schools and Indiana University, earning a BS in Public Administration with concentrations in Public Policy and Public Management. She spent several years in other communities but chose to come back to her hometown almost 20 years ago and started a community-centric job at a local non-profit. After spending almost 15 years there, proudly promoting Fort Wayne to the outside world as a great place to visit, she moved to a position working with and representing City Council with the City of Fort Wayne. Now, seven years in, she’s proud of the City's progress with active collaborations between the City and residents, often acting as a liaison between different groups.

TRACY HANLIN STAR FINANCIAL Tracy Hanlin serves as the Director of Compliance and Community Reinvestment at STAR Financial Bank, a $3 billion asset size community bank headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, with a footprint stretching from Angola, IN to Indianapolis, IN. Tracy has been with STAR for over 15 years, and is a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, IN. She is dedicated to serving the community through financial literacy, commitments to affordable housing, and ensuring that all residents have access to financial products and services.

ADAM HARTMAN FORT WAYNE POLICE DEPARTMENT Officer Adam Hartman oversees the Crime Prevention Programming. The Fort Wayne Police Department is committed to the safety of all who live, work or visit the city. In addition to proactive patrols throughout the city, the Department also participates in numerous crime prevention programs and has developed unique initiatives to educate and inform the public. All programs are FREE. Listed below are the programs currently being offered to businesses/ residents/associations.

LEWIS KING TEN POINT COALITION Lewis A. King is a progressive thinker who serves local and national communities. He is a Speaker, Consultant, Coach and Author of The Reinvented Man: A Journey of Raising Kings. Lewis leads a Mayoral initiative called Fort Wayne UNITED Ten Point Coalition which collaboratively works with residents to improve their safety, infrastructure, and provides resources to help meet their needs. Lewis is an ordained Pastor and Urban Missionary who is well known as a barber, owning King’s Barbershop for nearly 25 years. Lewis is a devoted husband to Joy and proud father to Addison and Zyon.

AFTERNOON SPEAKER BIOS CONT’D MEGAN MASTERSON GROUND DOWN Megan Masterson is the founder and president of Ground Down, a local community composting business. She was composting on her own when she began thinking that our community needs and deserves a better way to manage their waste than the landfill. Megan's passion for sustainability and the Earth is rooted in her love of yoga; she also teaches at local studios in town. She supports everything local and is excited about the opportunity to deepen everyone's relationship to their community and neighborhoods!

JANICE MAURIZI MAURIZI CONSULTING Janice has a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy with 15 years of experience in both clinical and non-profit organizations. She brings a unique perspective having worked both domestically in the US and internationally in India, Kenya, Ukraine, Poland, South Africa and Romania with children, families, and organizations. Currently, she is a consultant coming alongside individuals, families, and organizations to offer evaluation, training, education, and support in: Trauma, Parenting, Staff Development & Care, Self-Care, Discipleship, Communication & Holistic Care.

MADDIE MILLER PATRONICITY Maddie manages Patronicity's digital marketing and communications. She is passionate about sharing the company's purpose-driven mission to build vibrant communities. She has over five years' experience leading digital marketing strategy for nonprofit arts organizations and design firms. Outside of her work at Patronicity, she is a visual artist, competitive disc golfer, and active transportation advocate.

JAVIER MONDRAGON BRIDGE OF GRACE MINISTRIES Founder and CEO of Bridge of Grace Ministries. Originally from Mexico, Javier arrived in Fort Wayne in 2007 and together with his wife founded Many Nations Church, a multiethnic congregation in the Mount Vernon Park Neighborhood. In 2012, Javier established Bridge of Grace, a faith-based community development organization dedicated to building thriving and sustainable neighborhoods in southeast Fort Wayne. Mount Vernon Park has struggled with many of the same problems many older neighborhoods face. Javier holds a Masters of Ministry and Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University, has served as Adjunct Professor of Community Development and Urban Ministries at Indiana Wesleyan University. Javier was named 2019 Citizen of the Year by the Journal Gazette. He and his wife Annette have 3 sons and 1 daughter.

PINKY SAUNDERS HEALTH, UNITY & GROWTH (HUG) COMMUNITY GARDEN Pinky Saunders is a local business owner that started gardening and growing her own food during the pandemic. She is a Chicago native but has enjoyed learning and growing within the FW community by participating in programs such as Leadership FW, AVOW and SEED FW. Pinky started HUG (Health, Unity & Growth) Community Garden as a way to have open dialogue within the community on the correlation between mental health and gardening and how they both should be navigated and nurtured. Pinky is excited for this journey and open to the opportunity to work with mental health professionals within the city on these efforts.

KODY TINNEL SW AREA PARTNERSHIP FORT WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS A proud, lifelong Fort Wayne resident, Kody Tinnel currently serves as the Vice Chair for the Southwest Area Partnership, a Commissioner for Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control, and a member of the City Utilities Advisory Group. He also previously served five years as President of the Historic Foster Park Neighborhood Association, two years as President of the Packard Area Planning Alliance, and seven years as a council appointee to the Metro Human Relations Commission. Kody earned two degrees in public affairs from Indiana University Fort Wayne and currently serves as Manager of Talent Acquisition for Fort Wayne Community Schools. He is passionate about all things Fort Wayne.

TODD TITUS UPSTAR ALLIANCE OF REALTORS Titus started at UPSTAR October 5, 2020. His responsibilities include working with local legislators, government officials, and economic development agencies to further UPSTAR’s mission of promoting and protecting homeownership and private property rights, as well as fundraising and candidate support for the Realtors Political Action Committee. A native of Richmond, Indiana, Titus holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University East and is a recent graduate of Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, where he earned his Juris Doctor in the spring of 2020.

5 AWARD DINNER FOOD BY OBICAI CATERING I ENTERTAINMENT BY THE MAD SCATTER

Intro to Masters of Ceremony Neighborhood Leaders of the Year  Helping Hand  Inspiring Leader  Rising Star

Neighborhood Associations of the Year  Innovative Neighborhood Initiatives  Placemaking, Beautification & Public Space Improvements  Association Partnerships & Teamwork

What’s a Neighborhood Accelerator? Like all accelerators, FORT-ify supports growthdriven, organizations through education, mentorship and financing, but unlike most accelerators FORTify is designed to provide the accelerator experience for Neighborhood Associations and their leaders.

Congratulations to the Harvester & East Central Neighborhood Associations for becoming alumni of The City of Fort Wayne’s inaugural Fort-ify Neighborhood Accelerator!

Sponsor Acknowledgements

Participating associations are eligible to receive: new logos, quick action plans, coaching, and funding for projects and a block party.

2023 NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS OF THE YEAR “Neighborhood Leader of the Year” awards are granted to individual community members in the following categories: Helping Hand, Inspiring Neighborhood Leader, and Rising Star.

HELPING HAND AWARD DESCRIPTION The Helping hand” is an award that is earned by a person who has gone out of their way to help families and residents of their community. They are often seen as “unsung heroes.” Someone who would earn this award might have, for example, helped bring food to families who were sick, or another virtuous deed.

INSPIRING LEADER AWARD DESCRIPTION This esteemed award is granted to a neighborhood officer or block captain. someone in our community who has taken 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.

RISING STAR AWARD DESCRIPTION Young people aren’t just our future, they’re our present! The Rising Start young leader award celebrates the efforts of community members 25 years of age and younger who are making outstanding contributions to their neighborhood and neighborhood association.

Sponsor & Partner Acknowledgements

www.rootedconnectionllc.com

INTRODUCING THE FORT WAYNE NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING & ACTIVATION WORKGROUP!

Mission: Fort Wayne's Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup (NPAW) 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 five staff members with expertise in community engagement, planning, architecture, and grant writing/support.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.FORTWAYNENEIGHBORHOODS.ORG 34

2023 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS OF THE YEAR PLANNING & STRATEGY INNOVATIVE NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVES AWARD DESCRIPTION

The award for “Innovative Neighborhood Initiatives” is presented to a neighborhood that implemented a new and innovative project to improve quality of life in their community. Be it through their unique social programs, renovation efforts, new ways to partner with others, or imaginative ways to use existing resources… innovative projects are characterized as forward-thinking efforts that improve lives of Fort Wayne neighborhood residents.

ACTIVATION PLACEMAKING, BEAUTIFICATION & PUBLIC SPACE IMPROVEMENTS AWARD DESCRIPTION Beautiful and well-designed public spaces have the power to lift spirits, increase physical activity, and positively impact behavior by bringing people together and reducing crime. The “Placemaking, Beautification & Public Space Improvement” Award is intended to recognize a neighborhood association that has focused on transforming the physical appearance of homes, infrastructure, and public spaces in their community.

COLLABORATION ASSOCIATION PARTNERSHIPS & TEAMWORK AWARD DESCRIPTION An “Association Partnership & Teamwork” award will be given to a neighborhood association that has worked over the past 12 months to actively develop collaboration within their communities (with local schools, business, houses of worship, etc.) and/or with neighborhood associations and community stakeholders outside of their neighborhood’s boundaries.

CONFERENCE EVALUATION Thank you for attending our 2023 Conference & for all the ways you contribute to Ft Wayne’s Neighborhoods. Please take 5 minutes to provide us with your feedback by completing the survey linked below.

An identical-printed - version of this survey can be found on your table.

RE GI S T E RY OURNE I GHBORHOOD WWW. FORTWAYNENEI GHBORHOODS. ORG