PLANNING ACTIVATION
INSPIRE INSPIRE INSPIRE INSPIRE INSPIRE
COLLABORATION CONNECTION INSPIRE INSPIRE
TheCityofFortWayne’sDepartmentofNeighborhoodsisgratefulforthesupportofour InspireNeighborhoodsConferencesponsors...
EQUIPPER
WealsoextendaspecialthankstothefollowingorganizationsforsupportingDepartmentofNeighborhoodsinitiatives.
Sponsor
9:10
Lunch
AWARDSDINNER
ElectricWorksCampus|FortWayne,IN
September12,2025
8:00am-7:00pm
CityofFortWayneMayor’sOffice
Mayor,SharonTucker
DeputyMayor,KarlBandemer
FortWayneCityCouncil
ThomasFreistroffer,AtLarge
MartinBender,AtLarge
MichelleChambers,AtLarge
PaulEnsley,District1
RussJehl,District2
NathanHartman,District3
Dr.ScottMyers,District4
GeoffPaddock,District5
RohliBooker,District6
CommunityDevelopmentDivision
Director,JonathanLeist
DepartmentofNeighborhoods
DanBaisden
RénaBradley
KevinCobb
MeganGrable
HollyMuñoz
LaurenShank
MichaelTerronez
Conference Contributors
2025InspireConferenceCommittee:
Chair,RénaBradley
KevinCobb
MickyHall
BriannaHenriquez-Diaz
RashidaLan
NathanLaw
HollyMuñoz
AprilRivas
LaurenShank
JenniferSandman
MaryTyndall
FACILITY&CAMPUSMAPS
Thankyou, againtothe 2024Inspire Conference AwardWinners fortheirservice toFortWayne Neighborhoods
AssociationoftheYear: HarrisonHillNeighborhood Association
RisingStar: Brianna Henriquez-Diaz
HelpingHand: MelvinWoods (Picturedbelowcenter)
InspiringLeader: LoriStombaugh
Dearneighborsandfriends,
WelcometoInspire2025!
Iamexcitedyou’retakingtimefromyourbusy schedulestojoinusasweworktobuilduponthe strengthsofourneighborhoodsandenhancethe qualityoflifeforallresidents.
Thisyear’sfocusisonwellness,bothforour residentsandourneighborhoods.Neighborhoods canonlyflourishwhentheirresidentsarethriving. That’swhythisconferencewillcallattentionto resourcesthatsupportthedevelopmentofresilient andstrongresidentsaswellastheplaceswhere theylive.
I’mconfidentyou’lllearnagreatdealfromthe manyexcellentsessionsourCityNeighborhoods teamhasplanned,butIalsohopeyou’llhavefun connectingandsharingideaswithleadersfrom
DIRECTOROFCOMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT’SLETTER
JonathanLeist,Director CommunityDevelopment CityofFortWayne
Dearneighborhoodleadersandresidents,
ThankyouforjoiningusfortheInspire! NeighborhoodsConference.We’regratefulyouare spendingyourdaylearningaboutinnovativeways tobuildstrongerneighborhoods.
Eachyear,thisconferencegrows,andIthinkthat’sa reflectionofourcommunity’sgrowingcommitment tothewell-beingofourdiverseandunique neighborhoods.Together,theCityofFortWayne andourneighborhoodleadersarefindingnewways toincreaseneighborhoodengagement, connectivity,safetyandpride.
CommunityDevelopment’sDepartmentof Neighborhoodsisleadingthisworkbylisteningto theideasandconcernsofneighborhoodleaders, andtogetherwe’remakinggreatprogress. Neighborhoodsthathadbeenpreviouslyinactive arenowbeingre-energized,andthosethatare moreestablishedhavesteppeduptheir commitmenttoimprovingtheircommunities.
MayorSharonTuckerisprovidingadditionalsupport forneighborhoodsthroughherConnected NeighborhoodsInitiative,whichensuresthatGoogle fundsusedtopurchasepropertyfromtheCityare investedintheinfrastructureandprojectsmost importanttoourresidents.
Andin2025alone,residentswillseeacontinuation oftheCity'scommitmenttoneighborhood infrastructureprojectswithaplannedinvestmentof $41.4million,whichincludes$31.6millionfor streets/roads/bridges,$7.5millionforsidewalksand alleys,and$2.3millionfortrails.
Wehopetoday’sconferenceinspiresyouwithnew ideasandstrengthensyourconnectionswithfellow neighborhoodchampions.Thankyouforyour partnershipanddedicationtomakingFortWaynea betterplaceforallofus.
AGENDA
FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER12
7:30-9:00AM
9:10-12:00PM
Breakfast&Welcome,TheForum
7:30-Breakfast,Sign-In,Booklets,Music
8:15-BriefWelcomingRemarks:RénaBradley
8:22-WelcomefromCommunityDevelopment DivisionDirector:JonathanLeist
8:35-IntroductiontoDepartmentofNeighborhoods:DanBaisden
8:40-MorningStretch:DianeRogers
8:55Adjourntobreakoutsessions
12:30-3:00PM
3:10-4:30PM
4:30-6:30PM
MorningBreakoutSessions,TheForum
Seepages11-16forsessiondetails&speakerbios
12:00-PoetryfromKylaJ
KeynoteAddress,GEClub
12:40-IntroductionofMayor:MaryTyndall
12:45-RemarksfromMayorSharonTucker
13:00-PlenaryAddress:JRJamison
14:30-AfternoonPoetry&StretchwithDianeRogersand IndianaPoetLaureateCurtisL.Crisler
AfternoonWorkshops,TheForum
Seepages20-21forsessiondetails&speakerbios
AwardsKeynote&NetworkingDinner,Chapman’s
Food,LiveMusic,Networking&Fort-o-4:30
WelcomefromMistressofCeremonies-5:00
NeighborhoodLeaderAwards
NeighborhoodAssociationAwards
SharonTubbs:KeynoteAddress-5:30 LiveMusic-5:45
Thankyou&ConcludeConference-6:30
ThiseventisbroughttoyoubytheCityofFortWayne’sDepartmentofNeighborhoodswithgeneroussupportfrom:
VendorBoothvisitlist
Wehopeyou’lltakesometimetovisiteachofour2025ConferenceVendors.Takesometimetogetadot fromeachvendorforachancetowinaprize!(Prizesavailablewhilesupplieslast!)
goals. Through the strength of our teams, we leverage large bank capabilities and local focus to help make every community
In Your Community
MorningBreakoutSessions|9:10AM
PLANNING-Zoning101
DaveSchaab
SeniorPlanner
JacobRose PrincipalPlanner
Wood SeniorPlanner
Lengthyprocessesandpaperworkcanoftenhelporhinder neighborhoodprojects.Thissessionwillequipandempower conferenceattendeesandneighborhoodswiththepractical knowledgeofhowtocarryouttheirpropertyand neighborhood’sactionplanswithease.Thepresentationwillbe
followedbyanopenforumpaneldiscussionencouraging questionsfromattendees,illuminatingBoardofZoningAppeals andpermittingprocessesforthegeneralpublic.
ACTIVATION-WalktheTalk:WhyOrganizedOutdoorActivitiesCan BuildSafer,Friendlier,HealthierNeighborhoods
TimHallman, YMCAofGreater FortWayne
SusanKonopacki, YMCAofGreater FortWayne
Explorehowneighborhood leadersandfamiliescanpartner withtheYMCAtoorganizesimple yethelpfulactivitieswhichfoster meaningfulconnections,promote ahealthierlifestyle,andincrease
senseofsafetyandsecuritythroughkids’gamesforblock parties,adultstretchingandyogaclassesatthepark, pickleballtournamentsinlocalchurchgyms,groupwalksin morningsandevenings,andcountlessotheractivities. Attendeeswillhavetheopportunitytodraftanactionplanof howtheycouldpartnerwiththeYMCAtoexperimentwith neighborhood-basedactivitiesthatengagediversegroups ofneighborsforahealthier,moreconnectedcommunity.
COLLABORATION-BridgingtheGap:BuildingaContinuumofCarefor BehavioralHealth
Dr.DeannaDwenger ElevatusArchitecture
BrandonHarker RealTimeFurniture
EmilyRoscoe MooresvilleSchools
RachelJohnson-Yates HealthManagement
Associates
Thispresentationwillexaminethecontinuumof careinbehavioralhealth,emphasizingsocial determinantslikehousing,education,and economicstability,andcovermentalhealth
supportacrossthelifespanthroughdifferentresourceoptions.Itwilladdresstheimportanceof mentalhealthtreatmentwithinthejusticesystemandexplorefundingopportunitiesandtherole ofinfrastructureinenhancingservicesandsupport.Thegoalistoidentifyactionablestepsfor improvingbehavioralhealthcareyourcommunitythroughinteractivediscussions,real-world casestudies,andcollaborativeproblem-solving.
Michelle
ChristianBeebe SeniorPlanner
MorningBreakoutSessions|10:10AM
PLANNING-MorethanaBus:WhatTransitDataTellsUs &HowYou Can
ShapetheFuture
CaseyClaypool
Citilink
LearnhowCitilinkservesas“MoreThanaBus”forourcommunitythroughaccess,opportunity, andequity,presentedthroughrealcommunitysurveydataofwhatpeopleacrossFortWayneare askingforandCitilink’sresponsetotheneedsofFortWayneresidents,includingeffortsto strengthenSouthFortWayneconnectionsandpotentiallinkstotheairportandmajoremployers.
ACTIVATION-FundingShowcase-GrantsandGrantResources AvailableforNeighborhoodAssociationsandResidents
BethBoatright AllenCounty PublicLibrary
Learn about funding opportunities for neighborhood associations and residents in this session. Speakerswillshowcasedifferentgrantsandresources,explaininghowtofindandapplyforthem. Jointhissessionforpracticaladviceonsecuringmoneyforcommunityprojects.
COLLABORATION-HowLanguageAccessCanGenerateaPositive ImpactinyourCommunity
RaquelKline
LanguageServices NetworkFortWayne
Languageconnects.Beingabletocommunicateandunderstandwhatthepeoplearoundusare expressingisacrucialwayoffeelingincludedandexperiencingatruesenseofbelonging.This sessionisacalltoactionfororganizationstocommittoprovidinglanguageservicesfor individualswithlimitedEnglishproficiency(LEP).Theseindividualscomefromdiverse backgroundsandspeakawidevarietyoflanguages.Learnhowhavingalanguageaccessplan inplaceshowsthatyoucareaboutyourcommunity.
HollyMuñoz Departmentof Neighborhoods
NathanLaw Departmentof Planning&Policy
TracyHanlin StarFinancial Bank
KarenBartrom AARPIndiana
RénaBradley Departmentof Neighborhoods
PLANNING-TheRealHousingTypesofFortWayne MorningBreakoutSessions|11:10AM
NathanLaw Departmentof Planning&Policy
ShereseFortriede Departmentof Planning&Policy
Everyyear,hundredsoftraditionalsingle-familyhomesarebuiltintheFortWaynearea.Yet developersandbuyersalikeareincreasinglyshowingadesireforothertypesofhousing.This varietycancomeinconstructionmethods,likemodularorcontainerhomes,orinbuildingform, likeaccessorydwellingunitsorzerolotlinedevelopment(liketownhomes).Butnewdevelopment alwayscomeswithuncertaintyandfearoftheunknown.Joinusaswecoveralternativehousing types,includingrealexamplesfromwithinourcommunity.We’llexplorehowhousingotherthan traditionalsingle-familyhomescanbebuilt–oralreadyexists–compatiblywithinourexisting neighborhoodfabrics.
ACTIVATION-“Fun”-dingCreativeNeighborhoodIdeasThrough Collaboration
ChrisWalker BloomingdaleNeighborhood Association&CommunityGarden
CameronRuhl PhyllieFarms
Inthissession,attendeeswilllearnaboutreverseengineeringtheirfundingflowandhowcreative ideasmaybeevenmoreimpactfulwithotherfeaturesincluded.Exploreideasforlow-cost engagementideasandthefactorsthatmayimprovesuccessfulmeet—ups,aswellashow storytellingcancreateunderstandingandawarenessaboutourneighborhoods.
COLLABORATION-HealingCommunities:AddressingTrauma
EstherWilcox BowenHealth
Joinusforatrainingsessionfocusedonunderstandingtheimpactoftraumaonneighborhoods andexploringeffectivestrategiesforrecovery.Learnabouttrauma-informedapproaches,the importanceofcommunityconnections,andtheroleofsocialdriversforhealthinhealing. Discoverpracticalwaystocreatesafespaces,supportoneanother,andfosterhealthier,more resilientcommunities.
SPEAKERBIOS MorningBreakoutSessions
BethBoatright
AllenCountyPublicLibrary
BethBoatrightistheDirectorofCommunity PartnershipsandProgramsatAllenCountyPublic Library.She'spassionateaboutconnectingpeople andorganizationstoeachotherandtoresources thatcanhelpthemthrive.
BrandonHarker
RealTimeFurniture
WithoveradecadeatRealTimeFurniture,Brandon Harkerhasbeendedicatedtoprovidingtop-tier solutionsinthebehavioralhealthindustry.Initially comingfromabackgroundincorporatesales, Brandonwasdrawntothisfieldbythepeopleand meaningfulimpactofthework.AsVicePresident,he leadsSalesandAccountManagement,ensuring clientsreceivetrustedguidanceandthebest solutionsfortheirneeds.Brandonfindsmotivation inhelpingclientsnavigatecomplexprojectsand seeingthelastingbenefitsoftheirwork.
CameronRuhl PhyllieFarms
BornandraisedinFortWayne,CameronRuhlhasa backgroundof12yearsintheturfindustry.After graduatingfromIvyTechwithadegreein agriculture,hegainedthepositionoffarmmanager atJohnnieMaeFarm.Cameronownsasmall businesshelpingindividualsandorganizationsstart urbanfarmsanddevelopmentfocusingonfood insecuritiescalledPhyllieFarms.
CaseyClaypool
Citilink
CaseyClaypooljoinedCitilinkinOctober2022asits Marketing&DevelopmentDirectorafteryearsinthe nonprofitsector.Shehasspenthercareerlearning aboutsystemicchallengesinFortWayne—where publictransportationoftenplaysadefiningrolein accesstofood,housing,jobs,andhealthcare. Drivenbyapassionforrootcausechange,Casey believestransitisbothoneofFortWayne’sgreatest challengesandopportunities.Sheiscommittedto linkingpeopletolifethroughdata-drivendecisionmakingandcommunityengagement.
ChristianBeebe DepartmentofPlanningServices
ChristianBeebehasbeenwiththeDepartmentof PlanningServicesfor19yearsinavarietyofroles. Currently,heistheSeniorLandUsePlannerwiththe PermitsandEnforcementdivision;thedivisionof DPSthatfocusesoncriticalitemssuchasreview andissuanceofpermitsandcompliancewiththe ZoningOrdinance.
ChrisWalker
BloomingdaleNeighborhoodAssociation& CommunityGarden
ChrisWalkerisaneighborhoodadvocateand BloomingdaleNeighborhoodAssociationPresident. Heenjoysworkingwiththeiramazingassociation boardandneighborhoodresidentstocreate engagementopportunitiesandcommunitygrowth wheretherewereoncechallenges.Heandhiswife, alongwithothervolunteers,helpmaintainthe BloomingdaleCommunityGardenincooperation withBloomingdaleElementarySchool.Chrishas beenabletoobtainover$60,000ingrantfunding sincebecomingamemberoftheirneighborhood associationboardin2020.
DaveSchaab DepartmentofPlanningServices
DavidSchaabistheSeniorPlanneroftheSpecial ProjectsDivisionfortheDepartmentofPlanning Services,andheresidesinAllenCountycloseto familyandlongtimefriends.Hebelievesitisa fantasticplacetoliveandwork.Davehasbeenwith theCityofFortWaynesince2021,andastheSenior PlanneroftheSpecialProjectsDivision,hemanages ComprehensivePlanUpdates,Design& AdministrativeManualRevisions,ZoningOrdinance Amendments,OverlayDistrictAdministration,and TechnologyProjectsinGISandAccela.
Dr.DeannaDwenger
ElevatusArchitecture
Dr.DeannaDwengergraduatedfromIndiana Universitybeforeearningherdoctorateinclinical psychology.AfterinterningwiththeFederalBureau ofPrisons,shejoinedtheIndianaDepartmentof Correctionin2013.Shemostrecentlyservedasthe ExecutiveDirectorofBehavioralHealth,overseeing allmentalhealthandaddictiontreatment,policies andgrants.InJanuary2025,Dr.Dwengerbecame ChiefBehavioralHealthAdvisoratElevatus Architecture,applyingherexpertisetothedesignof education,health,andjusticespaces,fostering environmentsthatarebothfunctionaland supportivefortheuser.Sheiscommittedto improvingbothsystemsandlives.
SPEAKERBIOS MorningBreakoutSessions
EmilyRoscoe
MooresvilleSchools
EmilyRoscoeisaLicensedMentalHealthCounselor with15yearsclinicalexperiencespecializingin trauma-informedcaremodalities.Emilyiscurrently theMentalHealthCoordinatorforMooresville Schools,leadingdistrict-widementalhealth initiativesandcrisisresponse.Withexperiencein school-basedtherapy,inpatientadmissions,clinical supervision,andprogrammanagement,Emilyis passionateaboutsupportingyouthandfamilies throughholistic,evidence-basedcare.
EstherWilcox
BowenHealth
EstherWilcoxisalicensedmarriageandfamily therapist(LMFT)withamaster'sdegreein education.EstherhascalledFortWayne'home' since2015andhasfoundgreatjoyinlearning aboutthevariouscommunitieswhomakeupthe city'sculture.EstherstartedatBowenHealthin2015 andcurrentlyservesastheDirectorofClinical Services.Shecontinuestoprovidecounseling,with afocusontrauma,helpingindividualsandfamilies navigatetheirhealingjourneys.Estherenjoys spendingqualitytimewithherfamily.Shehasa passionfortheoutdoors,lovesexperimentingwith newrecipesinthekitchen,andisanavidreader.
HollyMuñoz DepartmentofNeighborhoods
HollyMuñozistheNeighborhoodResourceand EngagementCoordinatorwiththeCityofFort Wayne'sDepartmentofNeighborhoods.Withyears ofhands-onexperienceinneighborhood volunteerismandgrassrootsinitiatives,Hollyhas builtstrongrelationshipsandmeaningful connectionsamongresidents,localorganizations, andcivicleaders.Beforejoiningthedepartment, HollyworkedastheProgramManagerfortheCityof FortWayne'sEmergencyRentalAssistanceProgram, formerDirectorofHousingServicesatInasmuch Ministry,andtheformerDirectorofPartner EngagementatJustNeighbors.Sheisalsoalocal businessownerandformerneighborhood president,investedinFortWayneanditsfuture.
JacobRose DepartmentofPlanningServices
JacobRosehasbeenwiththeDepartmentof PlanningServicesfor10yearsinavarietyofroles. Currently,heistheSeniorLandUsePlannerwiththe BoardofZoningAppeals(BZA)Division;thisDPS DivisionfocusesonprovidingflexibilitytotheZoning Ordinanceregulationsbyallowingexceptionstothe regulationsundercertaincircumstances.
KarenBartrom AARPIndiana
KarenBartrombringsover30yearsofnursing experienceandalifelongcommitmentto communitycaretohernewrolewiththeAARPFort Wayneteam.AresidentofFortWaynefor45years, shehasdedicatedhercareertohelpingindividuals andfamiliesnavigatehealthcarewithcompassion andclarity.ThroughAARP’slocaloutreach,Karen advocatesforseniors,promoteshealthyaging,and supportsstrongerconnectionsacrossgenerations. Herdeeprootsinthecommunityandfirsthand understandingofthechallengesfacingolderadults makeheratrustedadvocate,athoughtfullistener, andapassionatepartnerinbuildingamoreagefriendlyFortWayne.
MichelleWood DepartmentofPlanningServices
MichelleWoodistheSeniorPlannerofthePlan CommissionDivisionfortheDepartmentofPlanning Services,workingwithPlanCommissionforover23 years.Michelleisaregisteredlandscapearchitect, withpreviousexperienceintraditionalurban& landscapedesignandwetlandrestorationinthe privatesector.Sheenjoysthecollaborativeaspects ofourplanningagenciesandlovestohelpproperty ownersfindsolutions.Michellehasmanyyearsof boardexperienceinaNationalRegister neighborhood,andiscurrentlyenjoyingher'new' historicneighborhoodbythesamedesigner.
NathanLaw DepartmentofPlanningandPolicy
NathanhasbeenwiththeCityofFortWayne’s CommunityDevelopmentDivisioninthePlanning& Policysince2019.ABallStateUniversitygraduate,he earnedaBachelorsinUrbanPlanningand Developmentin2015andaMaster’sinPublic Administrationin2017.Nathansupportsthe departmentwithdataanalysisandmappingand contributestoprojectsliketheAllinAllen ComprehensivePlan.AsanAllenCountynative,he isenthusiasticaboutFortWayne’sgrowth,drivenby thecollaborativeeffortsofresidents,advocates, communityleaders,andreinvestment.
SPEAKERBIOS MorningBreakoutSessions
RachelJohnson-Yates HealthManagementAssociates
RachelJohnson-Yatesisalicensedmentalhealth andaddictioncounselor,publicspeaker,and educatorwithaprovenrecordofdeveloping innovative,equity-focused,andtrauma-informed behavioralhealthprograms.Sheiscurrentlya nationalbehavioralhealthconsultantwithHealth ManagementAssociatesandpreviouslyservedas deputydirectorandchiefofstaffforIndiana’s DivisionofMentalHealthandAddiction.Her leadershipspansoutpatientcare,criminaljustice, inpatientpsychiatry,veteranservices,higher education,andresidentialtreatment—consistently championingholistic,integratedapproachesto care.
RaquelKline
LanguageServicesNetworkFortWayne
RaquelA.KlinewasbornandraisedinNicaragua andmovedtotheUnitedStatesin2002.Sheholds bachelor’sdegreesinEnglishasaSecond LanguageEducationandtranslationfrom UniversidadNacionalAutónomadeNicaragua,and BAwithamajorinSpanishfromIndianaUniversity. Presently,sheworksastheexecutivedirectorforthe LanguageServicesNetwork(LSN).Asthedirector, sheoverseesassessinganddevelopinglanguage accessguidelinesfocusingoneducation, advocacy,collaboration,andtrainingtodeliver qualityinterpretationandtranslationservicesto LimitedEnglishProficient(LEP)immigrantand refugeepopulationslivinginourcommunity.
RénaBradley DepartmentofNeighborhoods
RénaBradleyisaneighborhoodplannerwiththe CityofFortWayneandaleadingvoicein placemaking,asset-baseddevelopment,and neighborhoodrevitalization.Afirmbelieverthat “beautyisacalltojustice,”shehashelpedsecure over$10.5millionforcommunity-driven improvements—fromhousingrenovationsand vacantlotactivationstopocketparksand volunteermobilization.Herworkhascontributedto dramaticgainsinhomeownershipandoccupancy inFortWayne’surbancore.Rénaservesonseveral localandstateboardsandisanalumnaofHoward University’sCollegeofEngineering,Architecture, andComputerScience.
TracyHanlin
StarFinancial
TracyHanlinistheDirectorofComplianceand CommunityReinvestmentatSTARFinancialBank,a $3billioncommunitybankheadquarteredinFort Wayne,IN,withbranchesextendingfromAngolato Indianapolis.AlifelongFortWayneresident,Tracy hasbeenwithSTARforover15years.Sheis committedtoadvancingfinancialliteracy, promotingaffordablehousing,andensuring equitableaccesstofinancialproductsandservices forallresidents.
ShereseFortriede
DepartmentofPlanning&Policy
ShereseFortriedeisadedicatedurbanplanner (AICP)withnearlythreedecadesofexperience shapingcommunitiesacrossFortWayne.Currently, ShereseservesasaCommunityDevelopment AdministratorandSeniorPlannerfortheCityofFort Wayneandplaysapivotalroleintheleadershipin thePublicArtandHistoricPreservation Commissions.ShereseearnedaBachelorofArts DegreeinPublicLawandGovernmentfromEastern MichiganUniversityandhasexperiencein placemaking,landuseplanning,andcollaborative communityprojects,reinforcingherdedicationto excellenceandethicsinthefield.Sheusesher expertisetomanageawardwinningcomprehensive plansandrevitalizationprojectsandcontributeto localandprofessionalorganizations.
Susan
Konopacki
YMCA
ofGreaterFortWayne
SusanKonopackiistheExecutiveDirectorof JorgensenFamilyYMCA,an18,000-memberbranch oftheYMCAofGreaterFortWayneinsouthwest AllenCounty.Susanhasextensiveprofessional experienceasafitnessexpertandpersonaltrainer inbothIndianapolisandFortWayne.Asaseasoned YMCAleader,shehasoverseeninnovative membershipengagementprograms,started employeeresourcegroups,aswellassupported creativecommunitypartnershipswithorganizations likeEasterSealsandCoventryMeadows.Susanis DaretoLeadTrained,anIronman,andcommitted tobringingthebestoutofleaderswhilenurturing meaningfulconnections.
TimHallman
YMCAofGreaterFortWayne
TimHallmanistheChristianEmphasisDirectorwith theYMCAofGreaterFortWayne,andalocalpastor withalmost30yearsofexperience.PriortotheY, Timrestartedaneighborhoodchurchnorthwestof downtownFortWayne.Whiletherehebrought togetheroveradozenchurchestobridgesocial divides,includingpartneringwiththeYtoforma fatherhoodcoalition.Healsocollaboratedwith neighborhoodassociationstocreateanewpark. WiththeYMCA,heleadsachaplainsprogram, supportscommunitycollaborations,andisbuilding uptheirtop100leadersinahealthyspirit-mindfor personalandleadershipgrowth.
FacingourNeighbors
UsingNarrativetoBuildUnity
J.R.Jamison
Founder,TheNationalFacingProjectNetwork
Host,TheFacingProject NPRPodcast&RadioShow
Inourlunchkeynote,J.R.Jamisonwillguide attendeesthroughapowerful,empathycenteredexplorationofwhatitmeanstobuild healthyrelationshipsacrossdeepdivides— political,religious,socio-economic,and beyond.DrawingfromhisexperienceascofounderandpresidentofTheFacingProject,a nationalstorytellingnonprofitthatfosters understandingthroughlivedexperiences,J.R. willchallengeparticipantstoconfrontthe barriersthatseparateusandembracethe storiesthatcanbringustogether.
Throughadynamicblendofstorytelling, reflection,andhands-onactivities,this workshopwillequipneighborhoodassociation members,grassrootsleaders,andCitystaff withpracticaltoolstofosterconnectionand collaborationintheircommunities.Attendees willleavewithadeeperunderstandingofhow empathycanbeacatalystforchange—and withactionablestrategiestobridgedivides andstrengthenthesocialfabricofFort Wayne’sneighborhoods.
AfternoonWorkshops3:10
CONNECTIONWORKSHOP
TelltheStory:WritingImpactfulTrueStoriesAboutYourself andYourNeighborhood
Speaker:SharonTubbs(HealthVisionsMidwestInc.)
FortWaynenativeandauthorSharonTubbsofferstipstoaspiringwritersand storytellerswhowanttowritecompellingpersonal,family,orneighborhood stories.Sharonshareslessonslearnedwhilecreatingtheaward-winningbook THEYGOTDADDY:OneFamily’sReckoningwithRacismandFaith.Thatbook— abouthergrandfather’skidnappingbywhitesupremacists,familytrauma,and religion—leansheavilyonresearch,muchofitconductedusingresourcesatthe AllenCountyPublicLibrary.Aspiringwriterswilllearnhowtoshapetheirmessage fortargetedaudiencesandtoavoidpublishingpitfallsandhavetheirquestions andconcernsasnewcomersintotheindustrybeansweredbeforeinvestingtime andmoneyintowritingabook.
ACTIVATIONWORKSHOP
BuildingHopebywayofaBusShelter
Speaker:GretMachlan
ThispresentationwilltakeattendeesthroughthehistoryoftheHarvesterBus Shelter,andrecognizethechallengesthattheprocesspresented.Inthis interactivesession,attendeeswillbeabletoengageandmapoutaprocessfor pursuingacomplexproposalandtheimportanceofaclearmission,aswellhas beginastrategicplanforaprojectthattheypropose.Joinustoencouragethe characterqualitiesofleadersandbuildhopeforgrowthofleadershipqualitiesin individualsandcommunities.
COLLABORATIONWORKSHOP
ResilienceinMotion
Speaker:AliceMuhammad
Thissessionwillengageattendeesinhowtodeveloptoolsandmindsetsto improvegoalsettingandperformance.Thisinteractivesessionwillprovide opportunitiesforattendeestolearn,share,andcollaborate,whilebuildinga communitywithacommunity.
SPEAKERBIOS AfternoonWorkshops
AliceMuhammad PeaceofYouHealing
OriginallyformIllinois,AliceMuhammadhasmadeFortWayneherhomeforover10years.Shebelievesthat workinginandwiththelocalcommunityhasbeenablessingforherfourdaughtersandson.Aliceholdsa Master’sdegreeinhealthcare,whichsheusestoconnectpeopletoresourcesandsupport.Currently,sheis onthepathwaytocompleteherdoctoratedegreeinadultandcontinuingeducationtocontinueproviding communityeducation.
GretMachlan
HarvesterNeighborhoodAssociation
Margaret(Gret)MachlanisretiredandnowvolunteerswithcommunitydevelopmentasthePresidentof HarvesterNeighborhood,Inc.Afterearninghermaster’sdegreeinsocialwork,sheworkedinmentalhealth; directlywithclients,developingprograms,writinggrants,andexpandinghersupervisoryandadministrative skills.TransitioningtoChristiancounseling,shebuiltaprivatepractice"RenewingYourStory."Duringeach chapter,sheworkedalongsidemanytalentedpeopleandshe’sgratefultoallwhohelpedhergrow.Shewas raisedinFortWayne,oneof10children;sheandherhusbandGeorgehaveagrowndaughterAndrea.
SharonTubbs
HeathVisionsMidwestInc.
SharonTubbsbeganherprofessionaljourneyasanewspaperreporterandeditor.Today,sheisanonprofit leader,theauthoroffivebooks,andaspeaker.Sharonthrivesinemboldeningothersandhasconducted
FORT-ONetworkingBingoCard
Wehopeyou’lltakesometimetonetworkandgettoknowyourfellowconferenceparticipants-Youcan writethenameofaconferenceattendeewiththefollowingcriteriaineachboxasyougettoknowyour fellowattendees.Yell“FORT-O”whenyouhave5inarowforachancetowinprizes!
Findsomeone who’s neighborhoodis inadifferent quadrantthan yours.
Findsomeone whose neighborhoodhas hostedawalkwith theMayorora CouncilMemberin 2025.
Finda neighborhood associationthat hasinstalled crosswalkmurals (ever).
Findyour opposite:My neighborhood does/doesn’t haveahistorically registereddistrict orsite.
Findsomeone thathas volunteered formorethan tenyears
Findsomeone whoisattending theirfirst conference
Findsomeone whohas conducteda listeningtourin thepast12 months.
Findsomeone:My neighborhood does/doesn’t haveaschool withinits boundaries.
Findyour opposite:My neighborhood does/doesn’t haveapublic park.
Findyour opposite:My neighborhood has/hasn’t wonaCity Grant FreeSpace
Findsomeone thathas organizedatree orflowerplanting eventin2025
Findsomeone whose neighborhood associationhas trafficbox wraps?
Findsomeonethat runstheir neighborhood socialmedia.
Findsomeone thatdidayard ofthemonth competitionin 2025
Findsomeone who’sassociation namestartswith thesamefirstletter asyour association.
Findsomeone who’sassociation hasalogo
Findsomeone who’s neighborhoodis inthesame quadrantas yours. My neighborhood isregistered withtheCity.
Findsomeoneyou didn’talready knowwho attendeda breakoutsession withyou.
Findsomeone thathasserved ontheirboardin multipleroles (President,VP, Secretary,etc.)
Findyour opposite:My neighborhood does/doesn’t havean approved (City)plan.
Findan associationthat heldablock partyinthelast year.
Findyour opposite:My neighborhood has/hasn’t completedhome safety assessments.
Finda neighborhood thathasa walkingclubor neighborhood watch,etc.
FORT-Oprizeswillbeawardedbetween4:30and6:30whilesupplieslast!
2025INSPIRECONFERENCE
MAKECONNECTIONSTHATLAST!
AttheInspireConference,you'resurroundedbyneighborhoodleaders,localexperts,andfuture collaborators.Don’tmissoutonthechancetogrowyournetwork!Takeamomenttojotdownthe namesandcontactinformationoftheincrediblepeopleyoumeet.
KeepthingsorganizedandeasilyaccessiblebyusingthisContactPagetostoreallthedetails. Buildingmeaningfulconnectionsstartswithasimplestep—let’smakeitcount!
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BETTER COMMUNITY for Time and Eternity
At Ambassador Enterprises, we believe in supporting efforts that enrich lives in Northeast Indiana. As a legacy-minded enterprise, we seek three returns from every investment — financial, cultural, and eternal. We work together with partners to strategically invest for the long term and focus on performance that positively impacts businesses and organizations, people and communities.
Ayoga&meditation studiothat’s passionateabout helpingyoustay groundedintheFort WayneArea.
FaithLutheranChurch 1700EastPetitAve, FortWayne,In46806
AWARDDINNER OVERVIEW
FOODBYCHAPMAN’SBREWERY.| ENTERTAINMENTBYAUGMENTASIA
4:30-LiveMusic&Food
5:00-Welcome!
5:05-NeighborhoodLeadersoftheYear
HelpingHand:ToddWalter
RisingStar:JarettzieDominguez
InspiringLeader:JessieJackson ¨
5:15-NeighborhoodAssociationoftheYear
PartnershipCategory:MountVernonPark
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5:30-KeynotePresentations:SharonTubbs
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5:45-LiveMusic
6:30-Thankyou&Adjourn
GettoknowsomeofyourfellowConference&AwardDinnerparticipantswith theseice-breakerquestions…
1.Whatwasyourbiggesttakeawayfromtoday?
2.Whatwasyourfunniestmoment?
3.What’ssomethingyoulearnedthatsurprisedyou
4.What–ifanything–didyoulearnanythingfromspeakersorattendeesthat changedyourmindorchallengedyourperspective?
ASSOCIATIONOFTHEYEAR:ASSOCIATIONPARTNERSHIPS&TEAMWORK
Strongrelationshipsarethefoundationofstrong,connectedcommunities.The AssociationPartnership&TeamworkAwardrecognizesaneighborhoodassociation that,overthepastyear,hasactivelyfosteredcollaboration—bothwithinitsown communityandwithotherassociationsandstakeholders—tocreatemeaningful, lastingimpact.
CongratulationstotheMountVernonParkNeighborhood!Throughoutstanding partnershipswithlocalnonprofits,schools,andcommunityorganizations,theyhave expandedaccesstoeducationalopportunitiesandhostedeventsthatpromotesocialconnectionandcelebrate theneighborhood’srichculturaldiversity.CollaboratorssuchasBridgeofGrace,LevanScottAcademy,elected officials,andothershelpedbringtolifevariouseventsincludingblockpartiesandvibrantculturalnightshonoring Hispanic,Black,andAsianIslanderheritage.Theseeventsdrewover200attendeesandfosteredinclusion,resident leadership,andcross-culturalunderstandingthroughart,dance,food,andeducation.
Additionally,theMVPneighborhoodisproudthattheireffortshavestrengthenedtieswiththelocalschool,providing meaningfulsupporttostudents,educators,andthebroadercommunity.ThankyouMountVernonParkforyour effortstofosterunityandculturalcelebrationinFortWayneneighborhoods!
2025NEIGHBORHOODLEADERSOFTHEYEAR
RISINGSTAR INSPIRINGLEADER
Youngpeoplearen’tjustourfuture, they’reourpresent!TheRisingStar youngleaderawardcelebratesthe effortsofcommunitymembers-25 yearsofageandyounger-whoare makingoutstandingcontributionstoFort
HELPINGHAND
TheHelpingHandisawardedto apersonwhoasgoneoutof theirwaytohelpfamiliesand residentsoftheircommunity. Theyareoftenseenas“unsung heroes.”
CongratulationsTodd Walter!Thankyouforyour serviceandsupportinthe HarvesterNeighborhood.
TheInspiringLeaderawardisgrantedtoa neighborhoodofficerorblockcaptainwho hastakentheinitiativetohelparoundtheir neighborhood.Aleaderwhoisfitforthis awardshowsintegrity,grit,andstrengthin theirattitudetowardsnotonlytheir neighborhoodbuttheirfellowresidents
CongratulationsJessie Jackson!Thankyouforyour leadershipintheContinental ParkNeighborhood.
HealthyMe,HealthyCommunity
Whyself-careandsocialsupport matterinlocalneighborhoods
SharonTubbs
ExecutiveDirector,HealthVisionsMidwestInc.
Founder,MoveForwardCommunications
Inherkeynoteaddress,SharonTubbswill highlightthetransformativepowerof communityinshapinghealthoutcomes, emphasizingtheimportanceofresident-led initiativestoenhancephysicalandmental well-beingacrossFortWayneneighborhoods. Withovertwodecadesofexperiencein journalismandhealtheducation,Tubbsleads HealthVisionsMidwestanditsCommunity HealthWorkersinchampioninggrassroots efforts—suchaswalkinggroups,nutrition webinars,andneighborhoodmeetings—to combatchronicconditionslikeheartdisease, diabetes,andhighbloodpressure.
Thissessionwillalsoexploreopportunitiesfor collaborationwithcityleadersandnonprofit organizationstoaddresssystemicchallenges, includingcrimeandfoodinsecurity.Through theworkoftheAllenCountyHealthEquity Coalition,Tubbswillillustratehowfostering socialconnectionandpromotinghealth equitycancreatelasting,community-driven change.
CONFERENCEEVALUATION
Thankyouforattendingour2025Conference&forallthewaysyoucontributetoFortWayne’s Neighborhoods.Pleasetake5minutestoprovideuswithyourfeedbackbycompletingthe surveylinkedbelow.
THECITYOFFORTWAYNE’SDEPARTMENTOF NEIGHBORHOODSTEAM
Mission:FortWayne’s groups,andcommunityleadersworkalongsidetheCity’sCommuni supportstrongandvibrantneighborhoods.Wecurrentlyhaveat expertiseincommunityengagement,planning,architecture,and
MOREAT
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RashidaLan SummerIntern
Thankyoufromthe 2025Inspire Neighborhoods Conference Committee
