20 Millennials Making a Difference

2016

A special supplement to

Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly 3306 Independence Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (260) 426-2640 • Fax: (260) 426-2503 www.fwbusiness.com Randy Mitchell randymitchell@kpcmedia.com Publisher Lucretia Cardenas lcardenas@kpcmedia.com Editor Linda Lipp llipp@kpcmedia.com Associate Editor Doug LeDuc dleduc@kpcmedia.com Reporter Whitney Wright wwright@kpcmedia.com Reporter Everett Eldridge, Jaclyn Goldsborough Brad Hartman, Jessica Miller Liz Murphy, Carrie Scheiber Guest Columnists Claudia Johnson cjohnson@kpcmedia.com Marketing Manager Beth Welty bwelty@kpcmedia.com Fort Wayne Paginator Kylee Malone research@kpcmedia.com Researcher Andy Eads aeads@kpcmedia.com Advertising Director Ann Saggars asaggars@kpcmedia.com Creative Manager Tracey Robideau trobideau@kpcmedia.com Special Sections Designer & Paginator MARKETING CONSULTANTS Wendy Krzyzanowski Deb Steele Josh Patell Mark Davis Bobbi Jenks Walter Fisher George O. Witwer Publisher Emeritus Terry G. Housholder President Randy Mitchell Chief Executive Officer S. Rick Mitchell Chief Financial Officer 20 Millennilas is a special publication of Fort Wayne Business Weekly, KPC Media Group Inc. ©2016 All rights reserved.

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Growing northeast Indiana means attracting a talented workforce In Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana, our pride is rooted in our gritty determination and creative ability to adapt.

We’ve catapulted ourselves out of the recession and outpaced other regions in the country in job growth. Jobs are growing, but our employers face a critical challenge: do we have the talented workforce to face the needs of tomorrow? The answer to that question lies in the vision of northeast Indiana, a vision of bucking Midwest trends and breaking new ground.

Our vision is to become a region of one million people by developing the quality of life assets needed to attract top talent and expand our business landscape. Now, we are on the Road to One Million. Through the development of quality of life projects in the 11 counties of northeast Indiana, we are attracting and retaining talent and growing the region to a population of one million people. We’re building a bigger, better and bolder region.

Baby boomers are retiring and we need to grow our workforce. Yes, that means you, young professionals. Millennials equipped with degrees or certifications are needed here. Northeast Indiana employers have jobs, but they need the talent and the workforce.

This is the why behind the Road to One Million plan developed last year. But what does the Road to One Million mean? How do we grow northeast Indiana’s population to one million people? The region’s population is growing at 0.7 percent and we need to triple that in order to compete with cities we’ve benchmarked across the country.

There are two approaches for growth: • Build the region so they will come, and • Market the region so they know what’s here.

By winning last year’s Regional Cities Initiative and the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority beginning implementation of quality of life projects across the region, we are on our way when it comes to building the region.

So far, the RDA has funded projects including:Great Lakes Capital for the Skyline Tower; Trine University; University of Saint Francis; Embassy Theatre; and The DeKalb County YMCA. In addition to building the region, we must market the region. People around the country must learn why they must move to northeast Indiana and that starts with telling the authentic story of the region 20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Jaclyn Goldsborough Millennial Leaders Alliance

and its people. We’ve made progress on this front, too. As a result of national public relation efforts, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership secured three national news outlets published stories about the region last week, resulting in more than 34 million national media impressions.

Northeast Indiana is featured in the following:“Entrepreneur Magazine” featured millennial entrepreneur Jamal Robinson, owner of Desiar, online and in the May print edition where Robinson is highlighted on the two page spread preceding the article. Desiar, an eyewear company, recently launched a new cherry wood frame made in Huntertown called the “Hoosier.” Entrepreneur Magazine has a print circulation of 3 million and 12 million monthly online visitors.

Parents.com featured northeast Indiana business Capeable, a company that manufactures weighted products, in an article endorsing the Fort Wayne made products on their website. Parents.com has 2.1 million online monthly visitors.

“Thrillist” published its online roundup of the 25 Best Small U.S. Cities to Spend the Weekend, featuring Warsaw. Along with noting the town’s appealing lake activities and restaurants, the article also notes Warsaw’s orthopedics reputation.

Thrillist has 16 million online monthly visitors.

It’s clear to us why we love living in northeast Indiana, but now it’s our job to attract others to make the region their home. By building a region with exciting quality of life assets and marketing the authentic stories that happen right here, we’re all on the Road to One Million – together.

JACLYN GOLDSBOROUGH works at the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership as communications coordinator. She is passionate about creating positive change in Northeast Indiana and enjoys writing, music and exploring the outdoors.

Table of Contents Growing northeast Indiana .............................. 2

Jorge Ortiz ........................................................... 17

Jonathon Brown................................................. 4

Lance Price ......................................................... 18

Catherine Collins ................................................ 5

Katie Robinson.................................................... 20

Jaclyn Garver ..................................................... 6

Jennifer Rohlf ..................................................... 21

Three books ........................................................ 7

Amanda Seilheimer ........................................... 22

Ruthie Hall ........................................................... 8

Jennifer Sharkey ................................................ 24

Three actionable ways...................................... 9

Getting connected ............................................. 25

Candice Holbrook............................................... 10

Tiffany Templeton ............................................... 26

Melissa Hostetler ............................................... 12

Nicholas Wisel ................................................... 27

From fax to FaceTime ........................................ 13

Justin Vedder ...................................................... 28

James McFadden .............................................. 14

Rachel Vedder .................................................... 29

Laine Mello.......................................................... 15

Andrea Zwiebel .................................................. 30

Silas Norris.......................................................... 16

Making an impact .............................................. 31

Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly is proud to partner with the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and its newly opened Conference Center, official venue for all 2016 Business Weekly events.

20 Millennial portraits taken by Ray Steup, Creative Content Producer, KPC Media Group

Awards 2016

NOMINATIONS DUE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 fwbusiness.com under the events tab This event combines three popular Business Weekly events into one elegant dinner program. Outstanding business sponsorship packages are available. For more information email events@kpcmedia.com or call 260/426-2640 ext.3324

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Jonathon Brown Mill Operator Age: 29

Hometown: Fort Wayne Residence: Fort Wayne Company: Steel Dynamics Community organizations which you support and in which you are involved: Fort Wayne Free Art Collec-

tive, Artlink, Arts United, YLNI, Wunderkammer and the FWMOA

Do you have any hidden talents?

I’d say my hidden talent is actually cooking. My plan when I was younger was to attend culinary school and become a chef. I worked in the restaurant business for a few years and I still love to cook at home when I can.

Which social network do you use?

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I’ve used others in the past but those are my three go to platforms.

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? My main

form of communication is through messaging, either text, or social media.

Email is great but i feel like it makes you lose some of the personal interaction.

What is your biggest accomplishment in your workplace, school, or community? My biggest accomplish-

ment is the formation of the Fort Wayne Free Art Collective. This organization is built on a foundation of grass roots community involvement.

Our goal is to make art accessible to everyone; regardless of age, income, or simply knowledge of our talented arts community.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this? I have learned

many things along this path. First and foremost, that when you make an effort to be inclusive of your community, you are creating a more intimate and gratifying experience, for not only the participants but also for the leadership.

I think this is an invaluable direction to take, and it leads us away from the isolationist tendencies we have in our world these days.

To what do you contribute your success to date? I contribute our

success, first of all to my two amazing partners in this venture. Lissa Brown, and Ryan Krueckeberg, make up the other two-thirds of the FWFAC founders. They are two amazingly talented, and driven leaders, who work tirelessly for the good of their community. Second, I believe that Fort Wayne has always had these intentions to be involved in in our arts culture.

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What is the largest obstacle you have had to overcome to achieve what you have thus far? The largest obstacle

I have had to overcome is time. My partner Lissa and I have three daughters, which as any parent knows, keeps you busy. Balancing that between my career and her career as an artist, as well as the FWFAC has been a lot for us to handle this year.

What superhero best represents you? I suppose Spider-Man would be

my choice to represent me. He has always appealed to me as the friendly, neighborhood crime fighter. Doing his part on a personal level for the benefit of his neighbors, sounds like something we should all aspire to.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you? I would say the millennial

stereotype that fits me best would be entitlement. To clarify, I don’t mean to say I am deserving of anything without devoting all of my time and ability to the

20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

task at hand. However, I do feel entitled to pursue the career, and the life that I feel passionate about. I understand that we have one chance to get this life right, and i want to make the most of that opportunity.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion? That we are naive,

because we don’t subscribe to more traditional ways of thinking. Millennials tend to have a more open, and accepting worldview. Our transition into adulthood took place during one of the worst economic downturns our country has experienced. As a result we have learned not to make the assumption that the “American dream” will be an option available to us. This strengthens our need/desire to reach out to our community and build a support system.

This in turn gives us a more empathetic approach to the various lifestyles people lead.

Catherine (Leugers) Collins

Assistant Corporate Counsel & Corporate Compliance Officer Age: 31

Hometown: Fort Wayne Residence: Fort Wayne Company: Franklin Electric Co. Inc. Community organizations you support and in which you are involved: Most Precious Blood School,

former chair of the board at The League for the Blind and Disabled.

Any hidden talents? I love to cook and bake, but whether or not I’m talented at it is up for debate.

Which social networks do you use?

Facebook and LinkedIn

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? Email for

work and text message for everything else.

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community? I’ve spent the last few

years developing the global compliance program at Franklin Electric, including reviewing and revising compliance policies and designing and conducting compliance training at our locations around the world. Part of the challenge of creating an effective compliance program is conducting training that enhances our employees’ understanding of our policies and ensures that we can show them how to apply the rules to their day-to-day work – that these are not arbitrary laws that they must follow; rather, these policies are guides that help them make every day ethical decisions as they go about their work because, above all else, our compliance program

should reflect our desire to always do business ethically. Combining that task with cultural differences and language barriers has been a learning experience.

I’ve enjoyed developing relationships with colleagues around the world, and nothing gives me greater pleasure than when someone seeks advice based on training that they’ve attended.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this? Email has made

communication quicker and easier, but that doesn’t always mean that it is the most effective mode of communication. When explaining policies and how they apply around the world, face-toface conversations can yield a greater understanding for both parties of how rules and regulations affect, and are integrated into, the daily work of our colleagues.

To what do you contribute your success to date? My family. I have

remarkable parents - my dad is a fantastic role model for hard work and respect, and loving and enjoying your family. My mom was an extraordinary “working mother” in a time when flexible working hours and work-fromhome opportunities were unheard of.

She is intelligent, funny, loving and giving, and I can only hope to be half as good as she. My husband is wonderful and supportive, and he keeps me from being too introverted and serious. We have two amazing little boys who remind me of what is truly important 20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

in life.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? Continuing my

career, spending time with my family and becoming more involved in our community.

What superhero best represents you? Because my knowledge of

superheroes begins and ends with Superman, I’ll say there are a number of women whose accomplishments I admire: Mother Teresa for her compassion and dedication to the service of others; Mary Wollstonecraft, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the multitude of other women who fought tirelessly in the face of much adversity for women’s rights; pioneering scientists such as Marie Curie, Shirley Jackson, and Mae Jemison; and authors who entertain, teach, or inspire through their writings as did Louisa Mae Alcott, Jane Austen, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Harper Lee. What is a millennial stereotype that fits you? Millennials work to live

rather than live to work. I enjoy my job, the work I do and its challenges, but I also think it’s important to step away and enjoy life.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion? That we aren’t willing

to put in our time. We have much to learn from more experienced mentors, and it takes years to gain the experience necessary to be an effective leader.

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Jaclyn Y. Garver Marketing Age: 33

Hometown: Fort Wayne via New Lenox, Ill., via West Center, Ohio, via Joliet, Ill. Residence: Fort Wayne Company/School: Ivy Tech Community College Northeast. I’m also COO at Jac & Elsie LLC, an online jewelry business with handmade and vintage pieces. I opened it in 2009 and have had sales to more than 20 countries.

Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

Since moving to Fort Wayne in 2008, I have supported a variety of organizations, including Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Artlink, the American Heart Association and The Paul Clarke Nonprofit Resource Center. I am the point person at work for Bus Stuff and I also support Easterseals of Chicago.

My younger brother attends its adult program.

Any hidden talents? I’m not sure you’d call this a “talent,” but I can make a noise with my cheek that sounds vaguely like Donald Duck.

Which social networks do you use?

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? Email, for

sure. I loathe texting (I suppose that loses me millennial points …)

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community? In March, I won a

gold Paragon award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations for a social media project I worked on last year. That was huge for me because my background is not in marketing — it’s in newspapers. I’ve never doubted my career change — it has been great for me on so many levels — but getting that kind of recognition, that kind of assurance from a national leader in my field, was invaluable.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this? I learned that I

really thrive on learning new skills, and I enjoy managing larger projects with many moving parts.

To what do you contribute your success to date? I don’t scare easily.

If I try something and fail, oh well.

My sense of self-worth is not tied into my success; therefore, I’m not hesitant to try something where the results are uncertain. If it doesn’t work out, I can move along without getting too bruised.

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What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far? Changing careers. Not

that it was an obstacle, per se, but it’s nerve-wracking to look around your industry and realize I don’t think I can retire in this field. It’s sad to leave behind something you love.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? I’ve been dabbling more

and more into other areas of writing. I’m working on a book now, draft four, and would love to continue exploring that aspect of my life.

What superhero best represents you? Is there a superhero who really

loves pajamas and curling up with a book on Saturday mornings? That one.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you? The negative way of saying it

is, we have no loyalty to companies.

The positive way I look at that is, I know 20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

and understand what I bring to the table, and I view a working relationship as just that - a relationship. I think respect has to go two ways. Also, I know when it’s time to move on. In 11 years since graduating college, I’ve worked for three companies, but leaving meant I knew it was time for a change. I felt stagnant, and no one does her best work when she feels stagnant.

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion? I think

this generation brings a lot of optimism and enthusiasm to the table. It doesn’t shy away from trying new things, and when a millennial gets excited about something, she gets really excited. If you can get millennials that excited about your company, you’ll have an excellent cheerleader (and one who’s pretty great at getting the word out on social media).

Three books young professionals must read Harry S. Truman once said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”

This quote is significant in my mind because it asserts the idea that both personal and professional growth can often stem out of the simple act of opening a book. When considering the three most important books for millennials to read, it’s extremely hard for me to narrow it down since there are so many great ones that have impacted both my own life and the lives of other young professionals that I know. But, like many of you, I know how helpful a concise list is, so I’m going to share my top three book recommendations young professionals must read.

1) “Strengths Finder 2.0,” by Tom Rath To help people uncover their talents, Rath introduced a book that complements Gallup’s famous online strengths assessment, “Strengths Finder.” Both the book and the assessment help millions of people around the world discover their top five talents then build on those talents to be a better team member. After completing a short assessment, you’ll receive a personalized strength profile, which is your guide to growth. As part of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Millennial Leaders Alliance, we completed the assessment and book and I was truly amazed at what I learned about myself. Since the assessment and strengths coaching, I’ve enjoyed talking about my results with friends and co-workers. I’ve even used the results on resumes and in job interviews.

It’s a great tool for millennials to learn their weaknesses and capitalize on their overall strengths.

2) “The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success and Happiness,” by Jeff Olson “The Slight Edge” explains how small changes in one’s habits can often lead to big pay offs personally and professionally. The entire book focuses on action instead of intention and how waiting for someday is possibly the biggest deterrent to success. As a young professional, it’s easy to get caught up in the everyday grind of building a career and relationships, all while failing to take a greater responsibility and consideration of how smaller daily choices have bigger impacts later on. Here’s a quote from Olson that I love: “People on the success curve live a life of responsibility. They take full responsibility for who they

Carrie Scheiber

Millennial Leaders Alliance

are, where they are and everything that happens to them.”

3) “Never Eat Alone,” by Keith Ferrazzi This last recommendation is a book about relationship building. It teaches the lesion that who you know often dictates what you know. While this title was published over a decade ago, its recommendation still holds true today. This book challenged many of my introverted tendencies and really helped me consider just how important a network is when developing as a young professional. Ferrazzi explained that poverty wasn’t only a lack of financial resources; it was isolation from the kind of people who could help you

20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

make more of yourself. He continually emphasized the importance of social capital and how to seek out, cultivate and appreciate a mentor. This book definitely challenges one’s comfort zone and I think that is a must for growth.

The three books recommended above are some of the best out there for readers of any age, but millennials in particular.

These books have impacted my own life by challenging me to capitalize on my strengths, take responsibility for my goals, and actively seek out a network of support. Now, I challenge you to take the time to read one or all of them yourself.

Maybe even consider reading one as part of a book club within your school or workplace. To me, a successful leader is also a successful learner, and I can guarantee that these books prepare one for lots of learning opportunities.

CARRIE SCHEIBER works full time as a new business administrator at Ash Brokerage in downtown Fort Wayne. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her dogs, Nilla and Newton, playing tennis and working for the Whip N’ Chill food truck.

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Ruthie Hall

Manager of Education and Health Age: 30 Hometown: West Africa Residence: Fort Wayne Company: United Way of Allen

County

Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

United Way of Allen County, Arts United, my church, various mission organizations Any hidden talents?

To be honest, I feel like I have so few talents that I would not keep any hidden if I could.

Which social networks do you use?

Facebook

Which form of communication do you use most frequently?

Text Message and email

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community?

I would say that my biggest accomplishment has been successfully coordinating our Kindergarten Countdown program for the past four years. I love the opportunity to collaborate with so many organizations whose goal is to ensure the success of these children entering kindergarten.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this?

I learned project management skills and that it truly does take a village to raise a child.

To what do you contribute your success to date?

My faith, family, friends, and coworkers. Without those things in my life I would not be where I am today.

Having a good support system has been critical to my success.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far?

The largest obstacle I have had to overcome so far has been my lack of confidence in my own ability to achieve my goals. Since I am an introvert, I often struggle with being able to show my confidence.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

Working for either my current employer or another an organization that is having a lasting impact in the community.

What superhero best represents you?

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Batman, because what makes him super is his continual research, knowledge and preparedness for every situation he encounters.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you?

I would say the stereotype that fits me best is my sense of adaptability.

Having moved quite a bit while growing up and living in third world countries with cultures that are completely different than mine, I have learned how to adapt to just about any situation that is thrown at me.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion?

I think one of the most misunderstood aspects of the millennial genera20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

tion is that they really do care about their community and giving back. I have had the privilege to coordinate various volunteer opportunities and the one thing that never ceases to amaze me is that despite millennials being labeled as lazy and entitled they are the ones that show up consistently to volunteer and truly want to help make their community a better place.

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion?

To be honest, if a company finds a millennial with the skills and talents that fits their needs they should hire them. Millennials are the future leaders of commerce and employers should hire and mentor them, so they can continue to become great leaders.

Three actionable ways for millennials to grow professionally You may have noticed the billboards around town over the last month with this powerful phrase, “When a leader gets better, everyone wins.”

While this is the mantra of the Global Leadership Summit, it is also the exact reason why professional development is extremely important.

As millennials, we have the responsibility. We are the future leaders. If we get better, our careers, our region and our country get better. Just like a company seeks to continuously improve, so should you.

The ultimate goal of professional development is to develop you into being a better employee and a better leader. Here are three actionable steps you can do this year to jump-start your professional growth: 1) Read Reading allows you to learn from some of the greatest thinkers and leaders throughout history right in the comfort of your own living room.

There are two effective ways to read to maximize professional growth: industry-specific books and leadership books. When I had to learn a new program for work, I found it helpful to read a couple books and find online resources. Trust me, it wasn’t a page turner, but it allowed me to learn a new skill to take on a new project at work. By finding a specific skill you need to learn, you can take on that next project or earn that next position.

While tangible skills earn you the projects, leadership skills give you the credibility and ability for the next career move. The “Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni is a personal favorite, and a recently recommended book, Good to Great by Jim Collins, is next on my list. If you have a hard time staying on track, just pick up a book and read one chapter a night.

2) Find a mentor As an avid reader, I can promise you books can only get you so far.

Just as those in the arts learn under the tutelage of a master, so should you. Strive to have a mentor in each of these areas: your workplace, your industry and your community. Mentors help you get connected, share experiences and bring out the best in you.

Mentorship is about the transfer of knowledge and growth of the next generation. John Crosby, who is most known as a newspaper columnist, said it best: “Mentoring is a brain to pick,

Brad Hartman

Millennial Leaders Alliance

an ear to listen and a push in the right direction.”

3) Get involved Outside the obvious charitable reasons, getting involved has two fringe benefits – networking and experience. Organized networking events can be tough and awkward, however, getting involved offers a more informal opportunity to meet and connect with other motivated peers.

Most often, volunteer organizations will meet frequently and give you the chance to forge deeper, longerlasting bonds. Secondly, it broadens your background and makes you a more attractive candidate for future positions. Whether you get to lead a committee or organize a community

project, volunteering gives you diverse experiences. If you’re wondering how to get involved in northeast Indiana, ask your mentor, boss or friends. Just find a group, topic or organization your passionate about and devote your free time. For me, it is the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Millennial Leaders Alliance. For you, it could be helping our under-served youth, joining a cycling group or volunteering for a local non-profit. Your passions are yours alone, so get involved in what drives you.

I’ll leave you with a quote from Albert Einstein: “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.”

So don’t look on and do nothing, jumpstart your professional development journey today.

BRAD HARTMAN is recent alum from the University of Saint Francis and a financial analyst for Ash Brokerage. Not originally from northeast Indiana, he now calls the region home, and is passionate about personal growth, giving back, and making an impact.

People like these come along once in a millennium.

United Way of Allen County congratulates Ruthie Hall on being named one of the Twenty Millennials Making a Difference.

Well deserved, Ruthie.

You make a difference in our community every day. www.unitedwayallencounty.org 20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

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Candice Holbrook

Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Age: 34

Hometown: Kendallville Residence: Kendallville Company: West Noble School Corp.

Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

Noble County Economic Development Corp. and Junior Achievement Any hidden talents? I can dance!

Which social networks do you use?

Facebook and Instagram

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? Text

message, email and phone

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community? I have a lot to be proud

of because I am part of a team that is making a difference in so many ways.

One of the most recent accomplishments that I am most excited about is the implementation and growth of our dual language immersion program. It is a unique opportunity that promotes biliteracy in English and Spanish.

Children will develop a cross-cultural appreciation for their community and world. By the time students graduate from high school they will be equipped with a skill set that better positions them to become a more competitive citizen in a global society.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this? The dual

language program is still in its earliest stages so I am learning something new on a daily basis. The one thing that I Page 10

have learned throughout my experiences that holds true for the program is understanding the purpose and the importance of communicating that purpose to all that will listen. Without a well defined purpose and mission, buy-in will be difficult to create. This also helps with any decisions that need to be made along the way. Decisions must align to the mission otherwise it is easy to get off track.

To what do you contribute your success to date? My success is contrib-

uted to my support system. My parents helped nurture a strong work ethic and drive that can only come from within.

My husband steps up in so many ways for my son and I, allowing me the time to focus my energy where it is most needed whether it is home or work.

Finally, West Noble builds leaders.

I am fortunate to be surrounded by mentors and those that will challenge me to learn and grow in my thinking and practice.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far? As with most new

programs that have been implemented, funding is often a barrier that I encounter. It is important to me and those willing to support the program to come up with a long-term sustainable plan to demonstrate how the benefits outweigh the initial cost upfront. This is another reason why defining the purpose 20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

and communicating it is essential for understanding.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? I want to continue to be an

agent for change that makes a difference for our children. Providing opportunities that make a lasting impact for our children will ultimately create a world that is a better place to live, work, and play for all of us.

What superhero best represents you? The Black Widow. She is a very

effective strategist, tacticia and a field commander. Black Widow is tough but not invulnerable, brave but not fearless.

She’s also an accomplished ballerina.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you? Often I hear that millennials

are always looking for “the next best thing.” In some regards this is true of me. For example, I am always looking for ways to improve for optimal results.

I do not like to settle, even if things are going well. I like to celebrate our success and then ask, “What’s the next step?”

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion? Millennials can be

challenging to work with, but they are challenging because they are often challenging convention. Millennials make others feel uncomfortable. I have learned that making others feel uncomfortable often means they are growing. This is how millennials can be a force for change.

Fort Wayne’s

Storyteller Arts • Entertainment • Community

Melissa Hostetler Staff Accountant Age: 25

Hometown: Goshen Residence: Fort Wayne Company: Turnstone Center for

Children and Adults with Disabilities

Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

member of local not-for-profit Fiscal Managers Group; volunteer at Turnstone Center Any hidden talents?

I really enjoy music and playing instruments. I currently play the cello, which I have played at the Turnstone Board of Directors’ Gala for the past three years and for occasional weddings. I would love to get back into piano, violin and singing.

I also played tennis in high school and college, which has led me to assisting with the tennis program at Turnstone.

Which social networks do you use?

I have Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Snapchat, but I rarely use them.

Which form of communication do you use most frequently?

I use text message or group text apps and email the most.

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community?

The Plassman Athletic Center expansion at Turnstone brought a lot of new opportunities and responsibilities.

The building opened about a year after I had been promoted to staff accountant.

So along with being pretty “green” to Page 12

the field and learning the ins and outs of Turnstone, I was also learning about setting up new processes and controls, and accounting for all these changes.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this?

I learned a lot about accounting in general, but also a lot about the inner workings of an agency; how to introduce changes and create new processes while continuously looking at the big picture and where you want to end up.

To what do you contribute your success to date?

I have had the right people around me and learned a great deal from them. My family has always supported me in what I wanted to do and helping me get there and Turnstone has been a great environment full of wonderful, understanding, helpful people (coworkers and clients) that have helped to drive me forward.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far?

I don’t think there has been one great obstacle in my life. I have taken advantage of opportunities that have come my way. Where others may have shied away, I have launched myself into the challenge.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

I wouldn’t be surprised if was still at Turnstone. But where ever I am, I will be

20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

doing something I love where I can make a difference.

What superhero best represents you?

I’m not sure I’m the superhero type, but more like Felicity Smoak – the brains behind the brawn, handling the details and keeping everything in balance.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you?

I have a desire to grow, am very adaptable and want to do something I’m passionate about.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion?

I don’t know if there’s one more misunderstood than the others. Most of the stereotypes I have heard are negative sides of a fact. But when you look on the positive side it can outweigh or at least equal the negative side. So it’s all in how you choose to look at them or relate with them. For example – flex schedules can benefit both the employee and the employer.

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion?

As good as it is to have one eye on the past and have all the experience an older generation has, you also must keep one eye on the future. Millennials are the future. We want to learn. I believe we can take advice from the past and innovate it for the future.

From fax to FaceTime

Thriving in the multi-generational workplace

Famous novelist George Orwell once said that each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it and wiser than the one that comes after it.

Well if this is true, we’re all in for a tough time in the workplace, especially as it relates to communication, employee engagement and succession planning. In my time as a young leader, I’ve picked up a few tips for working with generations other than my own. Before we cover those though, let’s first recap who comprises each generation, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The traditionalists, also known as the silent generation, are made up of those aged 70 or more. They are often patriotic, loyal and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. They were defined by life events like Pearl Harbor and the Korean War. The baby boomers are between the ages of 52 and 69. They are often optimistic and seek to build a stellar career. Events like Woodstock, the Vietnam War and the introduction of the fax machine have shaped their life experiences.

Those aged 36-51 are considered part of Generation X. These people are usually flexible, motivated and highly adaptive to change and technology.

They experienced the first personal computers, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Challenger disaster as life-defining events.

Then you have millennials, like me, also known as Generation Y. Aging roughly between 19-35, we value diversity among our coworkers and meaningful work. We also value a flexible schedule and training opportunities. Millennials – who were defined by events like the Oklahoma City bombing, the Monica Lewinsky/Bill Clinton scandal and the U.S.-led War on Terror – are the nation’s largest living generation.

Generation Z is loosely defined as anyone age 18 and younger. This generation is still being defined but you might notice them as the ones who are taking selfies, using hashtags and

Jessica Miller

Millennial Leaders Alliance

enjoying on-demand video like Netflix and Hulu. Today’s toddlers are on the younger end of this generation and likely already know how to FaceTime, Apple’s live video chatting app.

Hundreds of life experiences, backgrounds and beliefs might come together as generations commingle in the workplace. So what’s the key to peaceful co-habitation? I may be a millennial with a lot to learn, but here are a few tips from my personal playbook: 1.The essential first step is R-E-S-PE-C-T– find out what it means to your coworkers. This step goes far beyond respecting your elders; it’s about

respecting one another’s values and life-defining events. It’s also about respecting the time of those with whom you’re working, using your manners and – most importantly– seeking input when you don’t have the answers.

Each generation, in many ways, is like working cross-culturally, said Evan Wood, owner of a local consulting firm that specializes in executive coaching, strategic planning and management training. It requires individuals to be attuned to their own biases and willing to understand others’ frame of reference.

2.Transparency is good. For all generations. Never pretend to understand someone or a reference they’ve used – not only will you be left in the dark, but you will have missed a learning opportunity. And any respectful coworker will value your honesty.

3.Build mentorships. The best way to engage across generations is by creating internal support systems. Not only are mentorships n See FACETIME on PAGE 23

Congratulations Melissa HostetlerStaff Accountant for Turnstone on the honor of being named one of the Top 20 Millennials in our community All of us at Turnstone are proud of your accomplishments.

www.turnstone.org 260.483.2100 20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 13

James McFadden

Assistant Director/Check & Connect Mentor Age: 30

Hometown: Fort Wayne Residence: Fort Wayne Company/School: McFadden

Resource Center/South Side High School

Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

Vincent Village, Franciscan Center, Boy and Girls Club, Brightpoint Head Start, Beaufort Jasper County Head Start, Pockets of Hope and Catholic Charities Any hidden talents? Of the few talents I do possess I try to flaunt as much as possible, so, no, no hidden talents.

Which social networks do you use?

Facebook

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? Text What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community? Having the opportunity

to grow my nonprofits program, Read a Book, Build a Library, to connect with a myriad of schools and organizations has been a major accomplishment for me.

Working with youth, both here in Fort Wayne and abroad, is a passion that I have been blessed to be able to cultivate through this program. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch students elevate themselves academically as well as morally through the commitment they have shown.

In addition, being a mentor with the Check & Connect program at South Side High School has given me the opportunity to interact and form relationPage 14

ships with amazing individuals. I see the challenges and hardships that the youth of today face and I am in awe of their tenacity and moral fortitude when given the chance to shine. I am honored to work with those who want to better themselves.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this?

In order to create something truly impactful, we all must glean as much as we can from those with whom we are trying to collaborate.

To what do you contribute your success to date?

Surrounding myself with creative individuals who are passionate about working with the youth of Fort Wayne. I have been blessed to have had amazing mentors in my life that have guided me in a positive direction. I attribute my success to those who have invested in me, which is what I hope to do for the youth I interact with on a daily basis.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far? The largest obstacle that

I have had to overcome is the process of proving the legitimacy and pertinence of both the Read a Book, Build a Library program as well as the Check & Connect program. Fighting to establish ourselves with other programs that have been in existence longer is incredibly difficult, but we are now being recognized for our efforts and hopefully will be able to reach more individuals in a positive way 20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

because of this.

Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I hope to be doing what I’m doing now, but on a much larger scale. I see myself expanding our organizations reach to connect with those who are making a difference for our community and abroad. I love what I do and I believe I will be in this field for many years to come.

What superhero best represents you? Spider-Man. I too, can shoot webs

from my wrists on command.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you? Unless it’s an extremely

important conversation, I would rather text than talk on the phone.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion? That we as millen-

nials have no loyalty to the places we are employed. The nature of the work environment is such that we are given very little choice in the matter if a better opportunity presents itself. We are eager to excel and thrive for the opportunity to do so in different ways.

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion? I feel

millennials are always open to new ideas and are very adaptable to change.

We are constantly trying to excel which pushes us to be the best we can be and can withstand adversity within the workplace.

Laine Mello

Marketing and Communications Coordinator Age: 26

Hometown: Fort Wayne Residence: Fort Wayne Company: Design Collaborative Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

Manchester University Alumni Association board of directors, Three Rivers Festival board of directors, The Literacy Alliance board of directors, BIG volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, member of the Millennial Leaders Alliance, co-chair for Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana’s Living Fort Wayne Concert Series, youth basketball coach for SportONE’s Always 100, Allen County SCPA supporter, YWCA supporter and Special Olympics supporter Any hidden talents?

I can make a dolphin (some argue it’s a squirrel) noise.

Which social networks do you use?

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Timehop

Which form of communication do you use most frequently?

I use email and text message every day, but use them for different purposes: email for work, text message socially.

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community?

Coaching girls’ basketball for four years and making an impact on their lives has really given me meaning in life.

It’s not about the wins or trophies. It’s

about the girls’ lives on and off the court.

Am I helping shape them in to better athletes and citizens of our community?

That’s my goal.

know where I’ll be in five to 10 years. I think that’s because every time I plan my life out, it changes and never goes how I thought it would.

I learned that I didn’t want my players to make the same mistakes I did when I played in college. I push them harder than I ever could have been pushed myself because I don’t want them to look back and regret anything.

I don’t know much about superheros, so I asked a co-worker who’s well versed in them. He suggested that I’m closest to “She-Hulk.” I’ve read about her, and I’m not sure if it’s a compliment or not, but I decided to just roll with it.

My failures. It sounds cliché, but my biggest fear is failure. I don’t like to let people down. However, I know that learning from mistakes isn’t really failing at all. I grow every single time I make a mistake. I am who I am because of my mistakes, and because of the people who believed in me during them.

I want to make a difference — at work, in my community, with the kids I coach. I don’t get involved with anything because of the money or because it might be a resume builder. I am so involved because I want my community to be a better place. I want to help those that aren’t as fortunate as I am. Millennials do things because we buy in to “the why” of an organization or community.

And for all the organizations I’m a part of, I truly believe in why they do it.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this?

To what do you contribute your success to date?

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far?

When I changed my thinking from “poor me” to everything happens for a reason, my life changed tremendously.

I work hard to be the best I can be, but sometimes if life doesn’t go the way I planned, it still all works out how it is supposed to.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

I don’t know if it’s a generational thing, but I hate this question. I don’t

20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

What superhero best represents you?

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you?

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion?

People think we’re lazy or naïve.

And I think sometimes that’s because there is a lack of understanding of who we are. It’s important all demographics, including generations, learn more about those demos that they’re not a part of.

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Silas Norris

Business Owner/House-Flipper Age: 30 Hometown: Leo Residence: Fort Wayne Company: MBN Properties Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

Local church, Dayspring Community; Ducks Unlimited; Fountain of Life Ministry out of Zambia, Africa.

Any hidden talents? Plays guitar, runs 40 miles a week, dad to two great kids Which social networks do you use?

Facebook

Which form of communication do you use most frequently?

Text or email

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community?

Took a $50,000 investment in one property, and turned it into a multi-million dollar business that has flipped hundreds of properties in four years.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this?

I’ve found that one of the keys to success in general, is to love people more than the business. For me this encompasses every part of my work.

So, not only do I love what I do, but it’s that I’m working with the right people (my partners and staff), is what makes it worth it. From the outside, it may appear amazing what we’ve achieved, but it’s not our profit margins that drive me, it’s enjoying who I work with each day.

Another big thing, and this comes back to my faith and my family, is to be present. It’s easy to have regret over past mistakes, choices or even failures. And equally easy to worry over the future.

But, knowing that my worth is found in Jesus Christ helps me to live each day with gratefulness and the right priorities when it comes to work and my personal life.

To what do you contribute your success to date?

Risk, and not being afraid of taking chances is huge. But, also, not being afraid of failure. People can often fear themselves to failure, and the way we deal with mistakes is more telling than anything. I’ve accepted that failure can happen, and desire to learn from it rather than run from it. I’ve also heard it said that a wife and family can learn more from you in your response to failure, than from any success you might have.

What is the largest obstacle you

Page 16

have overcome to achieve what you have thus far?

Managing growth, while maintaining efficiency in such a competitive business.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

That’s hard to answer because myself and my partners are pretty open and flexible. We have to be when it comes to real estate. But, we are always looking for opportunities to grow and diversify, so really it’s just a matter of staying open while continuing to do what we do well.

What superhero best represents you?

Samantha, the witch in Bewitched.

And before you raise your eyebrows, tell me if there’s anything she can’t do?

Combine all the superhero powers and she could do them all.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you?

Ability to work mobile, remote and from phone. Our company still doesn’t have a physical office space, and we

20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

don’t intend to anytime soon. We love the vibe of coffee house work, and the flexibility that being self-employed offers for me and my family.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion?

That it takes a four-year degree to do something great. The next generation contains people that are hard-working, smart, creative and may lack a college education. I think our generation has people that desire to make a difference and be successful on their own terms, not just because the culture or someone says it has to be done via a set route.

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion?

Honestly, as an employer, I’ve not always had the best results hiring young people. However, I know I was given a chance at a young age, to prove myself through my work ethic and sales ability.

Jorge H. Ortiz

Congressional Staff Member, Regional Director Age: 28 Hometown: Valparaiso Residence: Fort Wayne Company: Office of U.S. Sen. Joe

Donnelly

Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

Rotary Club of Fort Wayne; Active 20-30 Club of Fort Wayne; Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana; Indiana Army National Guard; The Rescue Mission; Boys & Girls Club; Northeast Indiana Military Assistance Network; Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana Any hidden talents? I am a formidable ping-pong player and top shelf singer (in the shower).

Which social networks do you use?

Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and LinkedIn

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? Text message What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community? Helping to raise thousands

of dollars for local, economically disadvantaged kids to be able to start the school year strong with new clothes and school supplies through the Active 20-30 Club of Fort Wayne.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this? I learned that

there are people in our community who are not as fortunate as I am; and that if I can do something to make someone’s life a little better, I have a moral obligation to do it.

To what do you contribute your success to date? I place a high value

on respect for others. Without mutual respect, people cannot come together to achieve good things for the betterment of the community.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far? I think one of the

toughest obstacles I have overcome recently is successfully completing the Army’s basic training program. In order to graduate, I had to push my physical and mental limitations beyond what I had ever experienced. As a result, the Army has made me a better and stronger person.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? I see myself continuing to

serve Indiana through my work in the United States Congress and as a commissioned officer in the Indiana Army National Guard.

What superhero best represents

you? Superman because he always tries to see the good in others.

millennials are directionless or only think about themselves.

wherever I go. I have at least three devices on me at all times.

should hire a millennial because that person will likely be a hard worker and will know how to think outside of the box or see a complex situation from various perspectives. That person will also be technologically adept.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you? I am always connected

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion? I think some people from

older generations erroneously believe

20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion? A company

Page 17

Lance Price Engineering Age: 30

Hometown: Angola Residence: Angola Company: Price Automation LLC Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

SC Cancer Association, SC Economic Development Committee Any hidden talents? Basket weaving, interpretive dance and, of course, extreme sarcasm.

Which social networks do you use?

LinkedIn

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? Email, phone

and emojis

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community?

It’s taken two years to develop a fully automated solution that provides a new ground breaking technology to orthopedic, rehabilitation, sports medicine and therapy industries. It was specifically designed to bridge the communication gap between manufacturers of prosthetics, doctors, and patients so that a robust science can be formed for today’s ‘art’ of rehabilitation and physical therapy.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this?

Perseverance and not holding your breath. This takes a long time to develop and bring to market when you only have two hands and one brain.

To what do you contribute your success to date?

God, and my wife, Natalie Price, who’s love and support I hold paramount to all things in this world.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far?

Java. The java interface which allows full control of sessional therapy and therapeutic accessories from your smart phone (iOS and Android) or a windows based tablet has posed extremely difficult but is nearing realization. It contains both a local server wired via Ethernet IP to the machine and a wireless interface, both that needed their own programs and handshaking setup. The server was necessary to give the machine extremely reliable processing of impact and control data when the wireless controller isn’t connected, glitches, or powers down. It also serves as an access point between the machine and the wireless interface when the user wants to command the machine to do something. My formal Page 18

education at Trine University as an electrical and mechanical engineer gave me a deep understanding into how the machine needed to be constructed via those disciplines, but I had to enter the real world sometime right? So I had to embark on software engineering without even the formal education on programming that some third graders are now getting. I’ve been able to teach myself a significant skill and hope to triumph soon.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

I’m happy now. I’m always happy. I look into the future knowing that it’s an obscure, moving target. I’m an engineer and automation is my passion.

What superhero best represents you?

Green Lantern – but shake off that gaudy green ring as I sport a fully customized laptop often referred to as my fourth child, barring an actual fourth child of course.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you?

I’m good at leaving when I’m supposed to arrive, yet I’m extremely impatient. To be honest, my internal

20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

clock seems to think my time is more important that anyone else’s.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion?

Simply put, we have “misinterpreted results” when compared to other generations in the workplace.

I know we agonize over how to do something correct more than any other generation I’ve worked with. And I’ve worked with all of them. Other generations need to understand we’re aware that the results are what makes us important and certainly what pays the bills, but the results don’t always make us feel important. If all we are asked for are the results of labor, we’re often looking for alternative workplaces. We find success in the journey too, in the process. If you find that you’re not getting the results from a millennial performing a specific position or job in your company, worse, if you find that you can’t keep a position filled and your turnover rate is high, you need to stand back and stop blaming the millennial. Look at the environment, look at the team, look at the process, the rules, the steps, the thoughts, and break down the job.

Grab

!

attention AND

Customers ATTRACT NEW Advertise in

and watch your profits grow.

CALL 260/426-2460 ext. 3324 TODAY! 20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 19

Katie Robinson

Marketing Specialist Age: 26 Hometown: Fort Wayne Residence: Fort Wayne Company: Fort Wayne-Allen County

Airport Authority

Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana, Millennial Leaders Alliance, Warbirds Hockey Any hidden talents?

Not so much hidden as maybe retired.

I grew up singing in choir and was in show choir in high school. I like to think I can still carry a tune fairly well, although my car and shower are about the only places I perform now.

Which social networks do you use?

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, LinkedIn Which form of communication do you use most frequently?

Outside of work, which is most definitely email, I would say text. I love all of the social networks and use them quite frequently for work and pleasure, but if I really need to “talk” to someone I’ll send a text.

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community?

My biggest accomplishment has been spreading my wings and getting involved in our community. Now, I work with YLNI as the communications chair, and am heavily involved with Millennial Leaders Alliance. These organizations have opened my eyes to all of the ways I can make a difference in northeast Indiana, and have made me want to really become a champion for our community. I love being able to promote and work towards improving our wonderful community in my “free” time.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this?

Never be afraid to put yourself out there. It may feel awkward at first, and you may not feel like you have much to contribute, but if the things you’re doing aren’t a little bit scary they’re probably not worth it.

To what do you contribute your success to date?

I would say that having a solid support system both personally and professionally has contributed a great deal to my success. Growing up, and still today, my family has made it a point to celebrate every accomplishment and Page 20

always take time to offer encouragement when needed. In short, they like to tell me I’m special. In my professional life, I have been lucky enough to have bosses, coworkers and mentors that are more like confidants and friends. Feeling like you have people willing to step up for you and give you a boost when you’re doubting yourself, and even to praise when you’re not, does wonders.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far?

There isn’t one traumatic or challenging event that necessarily comes to mind, but I would say that I tend to be my own biggest obstacle. I always kind of operate with the mindset that what I am doing isn’t good enough, worth enough, or significant enough.

Maybe it’s my way to keep pushing myself. It takes a lot for me to truly celebrate my work or accomplishments, which is actually humorous because, in my personal life, I tend to be a very confident person.

20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

This is actually something I’ve been thinking about quite a bit lately. In all honesty, I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. I know on a more basic level that I would love to start a family with my husband, buy a house, the whole nine yards. Professionally, I’m still figuring it out.

What superhero best represents you?

Bubbles from the Powerpuff Girls.

She is sassy, enjoys bright colors, likes sparkly things; but she is also smart, sensitive and cares for others and the greater good. Sounds about right to me.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you?

I always have my face in my phone.

I like to blame this on the fact that I manage social media for part of my job, as well as for some organizations, but I really know I just get the urge to “be in the know” at all times.

Jennifer Rohlf

Community Education Coordinator Age: 26 Hometown: Decatur Residence: Fort Wayne Company/School: YWCA Northeast

Indiana

Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

I am able to participate in quite a few community events focusing on violence prevention, equality, and racial justice through my work at the YWCA. I am also involved in the Indiana Family Health Council, the Journey Fellowship and the Emerging Leaders Program.

Any hidden talents? I am a pretty decent cook. I love to eat and food can definitely bring people together, so it is a win for everyone.

Which social networks do you use?

Facebook and Snapchat

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? Texting and

email

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community? My hope is that it has

been raising awareness of social issues in the community. I have spent the past three years educating youth and adults on domestic violence, healthy and unhealthy relationships, racial justice, diversity, and equality. I have also assisted in organizing events such as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Stand Against Racism, Diversity Dialogues, Women’s Equality Day and other initiatives. It is hard to measure the impact that I am having on these issues, but the feedback I have received from those I have reached has kept me going. I am so proud and passionate of the work I do and really believe that hate and violence is preventable. My goal is that one day my job will not be needed.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this? It is all

about planting the seed. You might not change a person’s whole world-view or completely change the situation of normalized violence from one interaction, but overtime you start to see small changes taking place. These small changes can start to change a person’s life, create a little more understanding, or even lead to more small changes.

To what do you contribute your success to date? A whole lot of help

from the community: my coworkers at the YWCA who work with victims of domestic violence, refugees, immigrants

and others in need, community partners who allow me to present and educate in their workplaces and classrooms, and all the people who have fought for equality and justice before me.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far? I am very passionate

about the work that I do, but have not always been taken seriously due to my age. Over the years of college, my internship, and my career, I have learned a lot about how to assert myself in conversations as well as how to communicate my points to reach a common understanding.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? I have no idea. I love

my job and my organization and hope to continue to work in my passion of promoting equality and peace. I am usually quite the planner, but when it comes to my career I am open to where life takes me.

What superhero best represents

20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

you? I’m not sure because unfortunately there aren’t enough female superhero’s represented in mainstream media. I think the women of the suffrage movement and other women’s equality movements are about as amazing as any superhero.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you? I really like instant feedback. I

can be a little impatient.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion? That we are lazy.

Millennials work hard; they just do that in different ways than previous generations. There are a lot of misconceptions between generations because we each have such different life experiences as the world continues to change.

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion? Millennials

are open to change and new ideas. They often have passion for their work and are good at multitasking.

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Amanda Seilheimer

Transfer & Special Populations Coordinator Age: 29 Hometown: Rogers, Ark. Residence: Fort Wayne School: Indiana University – Purdue

University Fort Wayne

Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

Graduate school consumed much of my time over the past two years, but I am looking forward to getting involved in community organizations in the future.

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community? My biggest accomplish-

ment benefited both my workplace and school, IPFW. As I worked on my master’s degree in communication, most of my research focused on academic advising at IPFW. My goal was to improve the undergraduate student’s experience of academic advising.

Two graduate student colleagues and Iconducted a quantitative study on academic advising and the impact it has on a student’s self-efficacy. The data was presented to the IPFW Academic Advising Council. I co-presented with Dr. Irwin Mallin at the National Academic Advising Association Region 5 Conference on the utility of affinity-seeking strategies in academic advising. For my final graduate research project, I conducted a qualitative study on how academic advisors across IPFW gather information about how to do their job. It has led to recommendations on how to improve training and provide better support to academic advisors.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this? I learned that

research is messy and at times frustratingly imperfect but worth it when you can see the ways that it can improve individual’s lives. I also learned how important it is to surround yourself with supportive colleagues. I needed fellow graduate students and communication professors to bounce ideas off of and to push me to complete research that I didn’t think I was capable of.

To what do you contribute your success to date? I’ve had some

amazing mentors, Dr. Julie Hook and Dr. Irwin Mallin, whose passion for serving students drive me to constantly question what I am doing and if I can do it better.

My husband’s unwavering support made it possible for me to spend a significant amount of time on research and writing, I truly couldn’t have accomplished anything without him. Lastly, my parents Page 22

made many sacrifices to provide me with the best education they could afford and I strive daily to make use of the many opportunities their sacrifices afforded me.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far? Work-school-life

integration was the largest obstacle that I had to overcome thus far. If I was accomplishing things in graduate school, it often meant that I was missing family events and spending time with my husband. If I was attending family events, then it meant I was not spending time doing homework and research for graduate school. I never found the perfect balance but I think that was the greatest lesson learned.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? My goal in five to 10 years

is to be overseeing a comprehensive transfer center at IPFW. We are at the beginning stages of offering new services 20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

and programming to both pre-transfer and admitted transfer students at IPFW, which is a student population that was previously lacked the support structures to help them persist to graduation.

What superhero best represents you? The superhero that best represents

me is Spider-Man. He lives by the words “With great power comes great responsibility,” which I try to live by as well. He works to always do the right thing, even in the face of controversy.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you? The millennial stereotype

that fits me is I am a pragmatic idealist.

I firmly believe I have the opportunity and obligation to leave the world in better shape than the world what I was born into. My little sliver of the world is northeast Indiana and my access to evolving technology gives me the tools to make a difference in the lives of the people who live here.

n FACETIME: Seek

cross collaboration Continued from PAGE 13

essential to succession planning, but your mentee(s) will also feel more engaged with the organization. “My top recommendation is to develop a reverse mentoring program,” said Wood. Reverse mentoring might pair a baby boomer with a millennial. The millennial shares technology updates and means of using them, while the boomer shares organizational history and perspective. This develops a series of mutually beneficial relationships.

4.Seek opportunities for cross-generational collaboration. Complementary to building mentorships, never be afraid to ask someone else’s opinion or invite others to participate if you think their input would add value.

When it comes to generations working together, the key is to work together, as often as possible, to share ideas and learn from one another. According to “The Hartford Business Journal,” millennials are projected to make up 75 percent of the total workforce by 2025. It is everyone’s responsibility to equip the next era of leaders – no matter their age –with knowledge and opportunity, making engagement among generations vital to an organization’s success.

So, contrary to what Orwell said, it is well worth our time to remember that those who came before us are intelligent enough to build the stage so that those who come after us can be wise enough to someday be in the spotlight.

JESSICA MILLER is a local public relations professional, Whitley County native and three-year member of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Millennial Leaders Alliance. In 2015, she was named one of Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly’s Forty Under 40 young professionals.

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260/426-2640 ext. 3324 20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 23

Jennifer Lynn Sharkey County Engineer Age: 31

Hometown: Battle Creek, Mich.

Residence: Angola Company: Steuben County Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

I’m currently the vice president of the Indiana Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. I also coach women’s soccer at Angola High School and am involved with the youth soccer program at the Angola YMCA. I’m a member of the Steuben County Young Professionals Network and the Indiana Association of County Highway Engineers and Supervisors.

Any hidden talents? Working in the transportation field I like to think I have a strong sense of direction when it comes to traveling and navigating.

Which social networks do you use?

LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? It depends on

the group I am communicating with and the information that is being exchanged.

In the workplace, email and phone calls are the most used communication mediums. Much of my communication as a county engineer needs to be documented and recorded, which makes email a quick and convenient form.

Other activities, such as coaching the Angola High School women’s soccer team, requires a medium that provides quick, concise communication such as text message or Twitter, which tends to work best to reach athletes and parents.

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community? As an employee in the

public sector, my biggest accomplishment is being able to directly impact my neighbors and community members and formulate management plans to use taxpayer dollars to the best of our ability as a government agency.

As a member of our global society, I am blessed to have had the opportunity to travel the world and bridge cultures through the People to People Ambassador program. We are more alike than we are different and I am proud to share my experiences from across the globe with my family, friends, and community to promote peace and understanding.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this?

Any accomplishment takes time and

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hard work. It is important to identify a goal, make a plan, and stay true to that plan. Making intermediate deadlines or goals helps keep me on track to accomplish a larger, more complex achievement.

To what do you contribute your success to date?

I have been blessed with an encouraging family, supportive friends, and wise mentors who have guided me to where I am today. Growing up, I had the example of hard working parents who were academically and professionally accomplished but never sacrificed time with family and friends. They showed me how to live a balanced life and that every person is important.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far?

It is impossible to please everyone.

While I may not please everyone, it is important to show respect and strive for understanding of each others’ views and needs.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? Continuing to develop

my personal and professional skills by

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serving others in my community.

What superhero best represents you?

Since I didn’t grow up with superheroes or comics, I actually had to take an online quiz to determine this. But according to the quiz, I am Superman because I am mild-mannered, good, strong and love to help others.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you?

I am a multitasker. Although, as I’ve continued to grow and experience life, it is best to focus on one task at a time and to be present in the moment. Planning ahead and applying time management practices allows me to be actively involved in several organizations and events while maintaining balance.

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion?

Millennials are flexible and can take on diverse roles within an organization.

We enjoy tackling challenging work assignments in which creativity and “out-of-the-box” solutions are explored and encouraged. We truly care about our society and are passionate about making it a better place for all.

Liz Murphy

Millennial Leaders Alliance

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS

How to get connected within northeast Indiana Imagine accepting a new job that requires you to move to a new city and state.

The first thing that probably comes to mind is: What will I do about my friends and family?

As we attract talent to northeast Indiana and grow our population to one million people with the Road to One Million plan, this is a common scenario for many professionals these days. That’s why, as we welcome new people to the region, we need to get connected to the community and get

CONGRATULATES Jennifer Sharkey AS A WINNER OF THE 20 MILLENNIAL

Award

n See CONNECTED on PAGE 31

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Tiffany Templeton Account Supervisor Age: 26

Hometown: Fort Wayne Residence: Fort Wayne Company: Asher Agency Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

With the exception of the Fort Wayne Sports & Social Club, I’m not currently involved with any community organizations outside of my work environment, but I do plan on getting involved with Turnstone and Big Brothers Big Sisters Lunch Buddies program after I close on my new house and get settled.

Which social networks do you use?

Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and LinkedIn

Which form of communication do you use most frequently?

Text, email, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community?

My biggest accomplishment is how I came to work at Asher Agency. I interned at Asher the summer between my Junior and senior year at Ball State University. I must have made an impression because one month before my college graduation I received a call from Tim Borne and Tom Borne, Asher’s CEO and president, with a job offer.

This was four years ago, since then, I have made my way from account coordinator to account supervisor and have conquered many of my personal uncertainties along the way.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this?

The biggest takeaway I have from my internship to today is that good things come to those who work hard and offer their help to others when it’s needed.

When you stay motivated and ambitious, those traits get noticed and awarded.

To what do you contribute your success to date?

My family, my friends and the people at Asher Agency. From a young age I was taught that you have to work for what you want. Motivation and ambition are vital characteristics to have in order to succeed but it’s the people around me in my personal life as well my professional life I need to give credit to that have pushed me to be the best I can be and helped shape the person I am today.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far?

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The largest obstacle I’ve had to overcome would have to be my personal fear of public speaking. I would lose nights of sleep before an upcoming college presentation or prior to a client meeting I would have to host. I don’t particularly enjoy public speaking now, but I’m not losing sleep over it either.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

I’ve never had a solid answer for this one. However, if all things continue on as they have been I imagine I’ll be starting a family of my own, finally be student loan debt free, continuing to evolve and learn more in the advertising industry and have more of a footprint in the community.

What superhero best represents you?

BuzzFeed said I’m most like Wonder Woman so it must be true.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you?

One stereotype that fits me well is the fact that I don’t go anywhere without my phone. I feel at a loss if I go more than a

20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

few hours without checking my notifications and I’d likely still be lost on a side road somewhere if it weren’t for Google Maps.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion?

The most misunderstood saying I hear about millennials quite often is they want a trophy for showing up. I can’t speak for the entire millennial generation but I want to ensure I’ve earned any acknowledgement and recognition coming my way. I know it’s not a significant sample set but my friends who are part of the millennial generation share the same view.

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion?

Times are changing and it’s more important than ever to stay current and relevant. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to hire someone of a generation who understands this by nature.

Nick Wisel

Human Resources Manager Age: 31 Hometown: Fort Wayne Residence: Auburn Company: Sodexo Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

Goodwill, ARC

Any hidden talents? Great dancer and talented woodworker

Which social networks do you use?

LinkedIn and Facebook

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? Phone, text

and email

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community? Building hiring

partnerships with community employment placement service providers like Goodwill Employment Specialists, ARC and faith-based organizations. These partnerships have given opportunities to the developmentally disabled, underemployed and other displaced workers in our Fort Wayne Community. I believe in encouraging everyone to thrive instead of just survive and finding opportunities for them to achieve that goal whether it’s with my company or someone else’s.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this? Whenever

forging new paths in business you will face obstacles or as I like to call them opportunities to improve your process, and when you approach these opportunities with an open mind you quickly find the best solutions.

To what do you contribute your success to date? My family, friends

and all the people I meet along the way of life’s journey. My ambition and drive comes from those I love. Of course you have your detractors as well, but I find motivation from them as well. I firmly believe success comes from finding those different motivators in life regardless of how positive or bleak your situation currently is.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far? Pinpointing one obstacle

is a challenge because, as a majority of people know, life will bring you many obstacles throughout your time on this planet. I would have to say having a wife battling thyroid cancer, while raising two young daughters, saddled with hefty school loan debt, while just coming out of a recession and trying to develop a career that could financially change your family’s life. Meaning it wasn’t

one particular obstacle, but rather the combination of obstacles at that stage of my life.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? In five years – executive

level HR manager, blessed husband and proud father. In 10 years – CEO of an established company, college professor and “over the hill” husband and father with a long road ahead of him.

What superhero best represents you? My daughters say Batman and my

wife says Superman. I used to work at a company where the employees called me Clark Kent. Therefore, it’s probably best I leave that answer to the opinions of others.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you? That Millennials just want

positive feedback. I feel this is true about me because I deem all honest feedback as positive feedback because you’re dealing with reality and therefore can move forward in a positive manner.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion? That we are all lazy and

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entitled. Every generation has people who work hard or are lazy. There are varying degrees or percentages that these generations express these traits, but ultimately there are always those groups of people. What changes is each generation’s environment around them and how they interact with that environment with these standardized characteristics of lazy or entitled. Reality is many of us are driven and hardworking and battled through many of the same types of struggles as previous generations.

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion? Millen-

nials are often misunderstood and are the future whether companies want to recognize it or not. We all have proficiencies and deficiencies that need developed and maintained. Therefore the goal should always be a diversified workforce that compliments each other and builds a successful team.

Giving opportunities to millennials is an essential piece of creating that diversified team and seeking success in your company for the next 20 years.

Page 27

Justin Vedder

Graduate Architect Age: 33 Hometown: Columbia City Residence: Fort Wayne Company: Design Collaborative Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood Association (secretary), Best Practices Neighborhood Initiative, ARCH Inc. (board member), Packard Area Planning Alliance-Fairfield Corridor committee Any hidden talents?

I used to be a decent painter; albeit, it has been 10 years. It’s a very hidden talent.

Which social networks do you use?

Almost exclusively Facebook.

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? Email, I hate

to have unread messages in my inbox.

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community?

My biggest accomplishment, is probably an aggregate of small wins that help to add to the positive changes we are experiencing in our community today. Things like working with PAPA to see new street trees, lighting, traffic patterns and crosswalks along south Fairfield Avenue, and working with the Best Practices Neighborhood Initiative to create an historic walking tour through an overlooked part of town. Professionally, it is rewarding to be involved in many of the visionary development projects, like Cityscape Flats, or Skyline Tower, that are reshaping our city’s downtown experience.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this?

Success doesn’t often come quick.

This may be obvious to most, but it is always good to be reminded of. It takes time, perseverance, and dedication to really see ideas come to fruition.

To what do you contribute your success to date?

Probably my ability to stick with it.

I think back to when I was a child and remember not being very good at basketball camp. I’m still terrible at basketball, but somewhere in that experience, I remember learning from my parents, to finish what I start. It seems to pay off in the end.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far?

Probably the biggest hurdle has been

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learning what I don’t yet know. There’s usually so much I don’t know, but figuring out what those things are, and then looking for answers to net results always seems to a common obstacle.

Luckily, I’ve started to enjoy jumping this hurdle.

One millennial stereotype that I think I fall into would be the need for what I do to be of some importance. I’ve never just wanted to just earn a paycheck, but to make sure what I did impacted many people in a positive way.

I hope to still be here in Fort Wayne. I moved back to northeast Indiana because I wanted to make a difference in the community that shaped me. So, in the coming years, I hope to have an even greater impact, continuing to challenge people to appreciate and be proud of our community than I do today.

I think one of the traits that is looked down upon is that millennials are entitled. I guess I can see this perception through the eyes of another generation, but I urge those generations can see past this perceived flaw.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

What Superhero best represents you?

I’ve been likened to Wolverine recently, but I believe that was due to a gnarly beard I sported last winter. As a child, I was always pretending to be Lion-O. Any 80s millennials out there get that?

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you?

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What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion?

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion?

I think company culture and work environment has much to gain from having more millennials on staff. This generation has a lot to offer the work force in terms of the work-life-balance equation. We are passionate about living life through hobbies, friends, and family, as well as the great satisfaction we look for in our professional work.

Rachel Vedder

Graduate Architect Age: 32 Hometown: Fort Wayne Residence: Fort Wayne Company: Design Collaborative Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

City of Fort Wayne Historic Preservation Commission, Northeast Indiana Beekeeper’s Association, Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood, Best Practices Neighborhood Initiative 2013, YLNI Any hidden talents? I have an uncanny ability to find four-leaf clovers.

Which social networks do you use?

Facebook, Instagram and I occasionally update LinkedIn when the marketing department tells me that it’s necessary.

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? Most

frequent form of communication for work is probably email with phone as a close second. Some things are just better handled over the phone or in person. I text quite a bit, too – mostly with family, friends and colleagues.

What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community?

I’m mostly proud of finding such an awesome place within the community – with home and with work – and being able to contribute to its future in small or big ways. I grew up here and was that teen always complaining that there was nothing to do. Now, I see the growth underway and appreciate all of the exciting things Fort Wayne has to offer. I love being a part of the progress. Whether that’s the Turnstone Big Dream, USF Downtown, Riverfront FW, or our continuous improvements within our incredible neighborhood, Williams Woodland Park. I am just so proud to help make things happen in my hometown.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this?

I’ve learned just how much a small group of people can influence the future of their community with enough hard work and dedication. Change is rarely easy, but there’s a great rate of return for any investment made.

To what do you contribute your success to date?

Any success I have is only because there’s an awesome team of people that I get to work with making that happen.

Design Collaborative is chock-full of talented people willing to put in extra effort to assure that a building’s design

addresses the client’s needs and desires in an impactful way. Moreover, DC people are talented and fun. Same is true for our corner of the 46807. Almost all of our neighbors have renovated their homes in the last five to 10 years.

That sense of rejuvenation spills onto the porches and sidewalks and streets that make up Williams Woodland Park.

Last but not least, my partner in this adventure, Justin, is a big part of all of my successes. Whatever catchy saying there is about marriage not being 50/50 but 100/100 is true. Our successes are result of a team effort in supporting the life we dream about. All these efforts generate a collective, encouraging energy. That positive momentum is what I consider success.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far?

It’s hard for me to jump into the water even though I can’t see the bottom, so to speak. But I’m learning to that following 20 Millennials • 2016• fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

my gut and my heart leads to good things every single time.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? Here. Only more involved

in the community, better at my job, and making a bigger difference.

What superhero best represents you? My initial though was Batman;

I like his cape, wear a lot of black and have had my fair share of experiences with bats in my old home. But after asking the office superhero expert, I’ll go with Jean Grey. Something about her powers of perception resonates with me.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you? My phone is another

appendage; I’m anxious if I ever leave it at home. Also, I find integrating work & life is more successful than trying to strike a balance.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion? That we are lazy and feel

entitled. That’s certainly not true of the millennials I work with daily.

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Andrea Zwiebel Program Manager Age: 32

Hometown: Washington Island, Wis. Residence: Wabash Company/School: The Honeywell

Foundation Inc.

Community organizations you support and in which you are involved:

Nine years with the Wabash County on Arts United’s Regional Advisory Council; board of directors for the Wabash Marketplace, a downtown revitalization organization.

Any hidden talents? I have a visual art degree from Hillsdale College. My favorite artworks are the doodles on the chalkboard wall in my office.

Which social networks do you use? Facebook for the long-distance

grandparents and friends. I’m on the older end of the millennial spectrum. I grew up without high speed internet and I graduated college before social media exploded. AOL instant messenger was my jam in college.

Which form of communication do you use most frequently? 1)

Email 2) Text 3) Phone I’m boycotting Snapchat and Twitter. #Idontusehashtags #Idontgetit What is your biggest accomplishment within your workplace, school or community? My biggest accomplish-

ment within the community is developing the “Public Art Master Plan” for the city of Wabash. I am not an expert on the topic, but the committee did lots of research to craft the vision. It was a long, but rewarding process.

What did you learn along the way while achieving this? There will always

be “grumblers” in the process. Grumblers are individuals that don’t have the same vision. They don’t see a need to change and resist the efforts. Forge ahead anyways. Believe in your vision.

To what do you contribute your success to date? I’m skilled at making

connections. I find similar pieces and put them together to make the puzzle.

Sometimes it feels like a lot of effort, but I rarely regret the outcomes.

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome to achieve what you have thus far?

The largest obstacle is creating work/ life balance. My husband and I moved to Indiana for our careers. Our immediate families live out-of-state. We both have full-time jobs. We have two kids, ages 3 and 6. Life is adventurous.

Where do you see yourself in five to

Page 30

10 years? My passion hasn’t changed in the last 32 years, so I am positive I will be working within the arts community.

What superhero best represents you?

I’m not much of a superhero fan.

(My 3-year-old son would disown me for saying that.) I see courage in the small acts - ordinary bravery. Having a kind, yet direct conversation about work performance. Sharing the things that scare you in life. Offering to help someone that didn’t ask for help. My superheroes look more like Brene Brown than Batman.

What is a millennial stereotype that fits you?

That we use our phones for everything. It’s true. I held out for as long as I could, but I eventually got an iPhone. I knew I would be obsessed with it. It truly is an amazing invention. I appreciate it every day.

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What is the most misunderstood aspect of the millennial generation in your opinion?

I experience judgement based on my age and, therefore, perceived inexperience. “She’s too young to _____ (insert task here).” I try not to spend a lot of time convincing others of my qualifications. Results tend to speak louder than words.

Why should a company hire a millennial in your opinion?

A company should hire the best fit for the job — millennial or not. I am impressed with the variety of life experiences among millennials. Generations before us seem to stay closer to their home base. Millennials venture into the world at a young age. They are well traveled and speak multiple languages.

Cultural awareness is a valuable asset to offer an organization.

Making an impact: The millennial generation is made up of risk takers, innovators, doers and creators.

It’s a generation of young leaders that are influencing the progress of northeast Indiana. The Millennial Leaders Alliance is a network of millennials, between the ages of 17 and 29, committed to developing a community of future leaders and together creating opportunities for action, growth and regional pride.

So, how does joining the MLA benefit its members? The dedicated members of the MLA represent each of our 11 counties in northeast Indiana. They attend monthly meetings, discuss current and upcoming initiatives and participate in the community and economic development happening in the region. The members also serve on committees focused on professional development, communications or community programming.

These young professionals do everything from coordinating volunteer groups, assisting with various events and providing opportunities to grow professionally. Here’s a highlight of what they’ve accomplished so far:The communications committee is responsible for the success of our Instagram account. The Instagram page is where the members post content to showcase the quality of life assets in the region and the talent that calls it home.

In May, under the guidance of the professional development committee, the MLA hosted its very first book club meeting. Yes, you heard that right - book

Millennial leaders alliance offers members a chance to grow skills, the community

Everett Eldridge

Millennial Leaders Alliance

club. The book club serves as professional development by proving stimulating and professionally themed material that we can discuss as a group. The group discussion is guided by a regional leader. The first discussion was over “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” by Patrick Lencioni, and the discussion was guided by Chad Towner, CEO of Dupont Hospital.

The MLA members also organized and participated in the 4th annual Speed Networking event at Britton Marketing + Design group, to connect community and business leaders with the young emerging millennial talent in northeast Indiana. More than 20 young professionals and 20 regional leaders participated in the networking eavent.

In June, members of the MLA and the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership participated in the annual dragon boat races hosted by Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council. More than 20 people gathered in a narrow boat to paddle down the St.

Marys River in downtown Fort Wayne.

Twenty-two dragon boat teams competed to not only become the “2016 Dragon Boat” champions but to also raise money for several local nonprofit organizations. The event showcased Fort Wayne’s riverfront and allowed members of the community to experience the rivers in an exciting and memorable way.

In August, the MLA kayaked down Pidgeon River in Mongo as part of a team bonding experience. It also allowed the group to enjoy the quality of life assets in Northeast Indiana and explore the region as a group. The group explored 7 miles of waterways and wildlife. The Trading Post has an appropriate variety of trips to choose from and has great prices for rentals. For the MLA members, the trip was an incredible experience and really highlighted the beauty the nature and wildlife the region has to offer.

Constantly, MLA members are actively working to ensure that we are pursuing the mission to develop a community of future leaders and create opportunities for action, growth and regional pride. Want to learn more about the Millennial Leaders Alliance, visit the website at neindiana.com.

EVERETT ELDRIDGE is a student at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and an intern for the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. He moved to the region in the summer of 2014 and lives in Fort Wayne.

n CONNECTED: Be part of something bigger than yourself

Continued from PAGE 25

those connected to the community.

Whether you’re new to the region or a lifelong resident, connections need to be made and new relationships need to be built – that’s a community. In order to attain those new relationships you will have one of two choices: either curl up into a blanket and watch Netflix for the rest of your life or put yourself out there and risk meeting new people. This task can seem daunting, but thankfully Northeast Indiana has an enormous amount of groups and organizations to get involved with.

In a recent interview regarding the 2016 Olympic men’s basketball team, Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers said,“I want to be a part of something bigger than myself.” Don’t we all? Getting involved in something within the community allows us

to become part of something bigger. There are various organizations to join including volunteer groups, professional development groups, specialty hobby groups and much more just right here within northeast Indiana.

Find something you are interested in or passionate about and get involved. Talk to coworkers about what they do outside of work, start attending local events or even utilize google to find organizations to get involved with. Start small by going to events in the community. I find the farmers market is a great place to meet people in your neighborhood.

Maybe take a step further and attend an event such as a Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball game. There are always local groups set up around the Tin Caps stadium.

They usually give out free swag and want people to join their group or organization.

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The Three Rivers Festival is another event that volunteers are needed. An organization can volunteer or an individual can volunteer for various help needed for the event.

Service groups are also great ways to get connected within the region. Career development groups are heavily prevalent though out the region as well as professional groups. The groups allow young adults to network and meet people in the area that share similar interests in leadership growth.

Regardless of interests, profession, or background, northeast Indiana has infinite ways to keep its residence tied to the region.

Getting involved can be easy and help provide a new sense of belonging.

LIZ MURPHY is a senior logistic analyst transplanted from metro Detroit to Fort Wayne. She loves all things related to working out, being outside and family.

Page 31

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