PRESENTATION: "Got G.R.I.T.?"

BIO: Dr. Ron S. Lewis is the founder of Lewis Way Leadership Development. Lewis Way Leadership Development is a professional development and consulting firm designed to support organizations and businesses to achieve workplace synergy and harmony. He graduated from Barry University with his bachelor's and master's degree and completed doctoral education from Indiana Tech. Dr. Lewis has delivered hundreds of presentations to students and professionals alike about leadership, team-building, communication, and diversity while using relatable principles accompanied by compassionate stories from his facilitating experience, and doctoral education. Dr. Ron Lewis's recent appointment to the position of Assistant Professor and Director of the Marketing Program at the University of Saint Francis illustrates his continued dedication to inspiring, training, and teaching others.

PRESENTATION: "Just Be You"

BIO: Nikki Quintana is the Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission. She is responsible for representing the Commission, directing the staff, and overseeing operations of the civil rights agency to eliminate unlawful discrimination. Quintana has played an integral role in reducing case age, improving the investigative process, and promoting the agency through outreach. Quintana holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Saint Francis and a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. She was admitted to practice law in the state of Indiana in 2010. In 2018, Quintana was named Up and Coming Lawyer by Indiana Lawyer. In 2020, Quintana was named Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly Forty Under 40. Quintana is active in her community and is a member of the Mayor’s Commission on Domestic Violence, Rape, and Sexual Harassment and the Mayor’s Commission on Police Reform and Racial Justice.

PRESENTATION: "The Journey of Becoming"

BIO: Councilwoman Michelle Chambers is a native of Fort Wayne, she’s a wife, daughter aunt and full time Business Teacher at East Allen University. She has owned operated Signing Closers LLC for ten years. She has been a strong community advocate serving on several civic and nonprofit boards for the last decade in Fort Wayne. She holds the distinction of being National Urban Fellow and Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. Additionally, she holds two additional certificates: one in Executive Leadership from Kansas University and another in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California. Councilwoman Chambers public service career spans over two decades, working in local municipalities, over-seeing human services and workforce development programming for underserved communities, at-risk youth and their families, direct oversight of multimillion-dollar community, economic and redevelopment projects. Councilwoman Chambers assumed office on January 1, 2020, she created Fort Wayne political history being 1 of the 2 first African-American women elected to City Council and the first African-American woman to hold an At-Large Council seat.

WORKSHOP: "Making CliftonStrengths a Part of Your Brand"

BIO: Sonya attended South Side High School in Fort Wayne and graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) with a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communication and media and public communication. She also holds a master’s degree in professional communication from IPFW. Sonya started with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership in February 2014 as the Millennial 2020 Specialist leading the Emerging Leaders Alliance. She is now Director of Talent Initiatives and oversees our work-based learning initiatives such as the Regional Internship Program for Employers, 21st Century Talent Regions, and the Strengths Network to name a few.

WORKSHOP: "Young Visionaries: What's Your Project?"

BIO: I write, consult, and train companies to blend innovation and entrepreneurship techniques to create breakthrough next generation products, services, and businesses. I have coached startups for over a decade, particularly working with young entrepreneurs. I hold an MBA from the University of Chicago and teach Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Purdue Fort Wayne. I have been associated with Believe In A Dream since 2012 and Pave the Path since its inception.

WORKSHOP: "Developing a Brand"

BIO: Emily Oberlin is the Director of New Tech Academy at Wayne High School. She has been in this position for five years and previously taught history at South Side High School and Shawnee Middle School. She is active in the world of education, but is also involved in sports and art in the city. She is a product of New Haven High School and currently resides in Fort Wayne. When you don't see her in a high school setting, you can find Emily cycling on the trails, kayaking the rivers, or visiting local restaurants and events. Emily is a strong believer that is the role, duty, and privilege of the wise and experienced folks to take young people under their arms, support them, guide them, and help them achieve their dreams.

WORKSHOP: "Leadership & Project Management"

BIO: Mike has been a part of Bulldog Consulting Services for over 9 years, and has spent the last 20 years providing corporate training, project delivery, and process improvement services. He currently resides in Spencerville with his wife and three kids. His hobbies include gardening, projects around the house, and watching movies.

WORKSHOP: "Finding a U in a ME World"

BIO: I was introduced to CliftonStrengths® during a team-building exercise at work. I fell in love with what it gives to an individual: a very up-close look at who they truly are…not a label they have self-applied or been tagged with, and it focuses on what they naturally do best. While attending a Gallup Coaching class, it was then that I understood that this wasn’t just some passing interest…this was ‘‘my calling’’. This is where I was supposed to be and what I was supposed to do.I believe in it so much that I stepped away from an 18-year career in economic development. Now I have the honor of helping others find their best selves, and organizations move forward more effectively through one-on-one coaching and group training. Whether working in economic development, insurance, real estate, radio news, or serving others, people have always been the reason behind my work and they remain my passion. But enough about me…let’s talk about you.

WORKSHOP: "Discerning Your Purpose"

BIO: Dr. Josh Wymore is driven by his personal purpose to help people live and lead with purpose and clarity. He believes that better leadership is the solution to our world’s greatest challenges, and it is this purpose and belief that has led him to coach, train, and mentor leaders for more than a decade. Josh and his family reside on the south side of Fort Wayne, IN.

WORKSHOP: "Building your Brand by Developing a Knowledge of Self"

BIO: My name is Adrian Curry. I am a graduated of Morehouse College with a bachelors of science in Neuroscience and Psychology and a masters in Medical Science. I am a published author in the "International Journal of Spine Surgery". My research is entitled, 'Preoperative Laryngoscopic Examinations in Patients Undergoing Repeat Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Procedures". I have taught dance and stepping for over 15 years throughout Fort Wayne, working with youth and young adults. FWCS, The Brandon Foundation, The Sparks Foundation, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation are a few organizations that I have taught in. I am from Fort Wayne, IN. and I aspire to be a naturopathic healer.
I am the CEO and Director of The Art Leadership Center (ALC) which is designed to systematically develop renaissance scholars and artists with a global conscience that embodies the 5 wells of leadership: Well-Read, Well-Spoken, Well-Dressed, Well-Travelled, and Well-Balanced.
The Vision of The ALC is to duplicate peer-lead and ALC Certified instructors, while developing an elite education system along side a global percussion theatre. Welcome to the House!

WORKSHOP: "World Leaders of Yesterday & Tomorrow"

BIO: Adam joined Greater Fort Wayne Inc. in August of 2015, after working for three years in economic development for the City of Fort Wayne’s community development division. During his time with the City, Adam helped administer the City’s tax phase-in program and the Downtown Revitalization Grant. At Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Adam focuses on implementing the GFW On-Site program to determine what issues can be addressed for businesses in the community. He also identifies growth opportunities and helps businesses become aware of resources available at the local and state levels.
Adam is a 2009 graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in history. In 2012, he received his Master of Public Management, Policy & Administration from IPFW.
Adam is a proud native of Fort Wayne. He serves on the steering committee for the Northeast Indiana Tech Coalition, Allen County Purdue Extension advisory board, Northeast Indiana Passenger Rail Association, and the community advisory board for Purdue Fort Wayne’s Department of Public Policy. Adam is a board member of the St. Joseph Township Fire Corporation, teaches at Ivy Tech Community College – Northeast, and participates in United Way’s Real Men Read program. He is a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and loves spending time with his wife, Bethany, and their three children, Harrison, Leo, and Miriam.

WORKSHOP: "Sharing Your Own Story of Strength: How to effectively share your story to impact for a greater purpose"

BIO: Amy Hanna is the Executive Director of the RespectTeam, a non-profit organization in the heart of Huntertown, IN, that serves the middle schools and high schools in Allen, Whitley, Noble, Dekalb, Huntington, and LaGrange counties. RespectTeam provides educational programs centered on self-respect and respecting others as well as empowering programs for parents and those impacting the lives of teens. They also offer engaging opportunities that connect teens to their community. Amy is also the Chairperson of the Greater Fort Wayne Women's Network, a community of women and men that seeks to empower, inspire, and connect women in the greater Fort Wayne area. Outside of the workplace, Amy runs an online clothing company called Classy & Sassy, is a Mary Kay Consultant, mentors young women at Pine Hills Church, and is a wife to Jesse Hanna and mom to two amazing teenage girls.

WORKSHOP: "Level Up - Brand Building Blocks"

BIO: Britney is a Michigan Native but grew up in Southeast Fort Wayne and considers it home. Britney received both her Bachelor's and Master's Degree within the state of Indiana attending Indiana Tech and Western Governor's University. Britney’s passions include bridging community, culture, through the lens of equity & inclusion in both enterprise and non-profit sectors. Serving in dual roles- she is the Regional Director for a Governor’s initiative implementation project and the Principal Growth Strategist of upLinked LLC where she works provides strategic direction and help businesses use LinkedIn effectively. Last year Britney also started the BeMarie Group where she consults small businesses on effective Business development and Inclusive frameworks for their teams. Britney’s community service includes serving on the Board of Directors for two non-profits; Bring-It-Push- It and Own Your Success along with being a committee chair for Young Leaders of NE Indiana and advocacy for women in business, mentorship, and civic engagement. In her spare time, Britney enjoys being a sports mom, traveling with her family, serving the community, and having coffee with strangers.

WORKSHOP: "Authenticity and the Power Behind It (College Edition)"

BIO: Lilly Scholar and first generation Latina at the University of Notre Dame pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Global Affairs in hopes of becoming an immigration lawyer. On campus, she is currently the senior advisor for the Diversity Inclusion Equity and Belonging Committee and is the social media coordinator for the LatinX Student Alliance on campus where she hopes to empower other underrepresented students to be authentic and passionate. Also, a Snider High School graduate.

WORKSHOP: "NYC to Fort Wayne: The Power of Youth Voice"

BIO: Brian Bereman is Director of Restorative Justice Programs with the New York City Department of Education. Brian advises and supports district and school leaders to effectively implement whole-school Restorative Justice practices and Social Emotional Learning programs. He is trained in Restorative Practices by the International Institute of Restorative Practices, RULER for Emotional Intelligence at Yale University, and in mediation by the New York Center for Interpersonal Conflict. Brian has worked in education for over 15 years as an administrator, aide, and teacher. Brian holds a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice, a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education and a Masters of Education from Columbia University. Also, a South Side High School graduate.

WORKSHOP: "Value Driven"

BIO: Tyler Freeland’s core objective is to simultaneously play three professional sports. While awaiting his opportunity, Tyler champions people at Freeland Group Restaurants and the future at Freeland Group Ventures. Tyler lives in Fort Wayne with “the wife”, “the kids”, and “the dogs”… and can be observed displaying symptoms of Hoosier Hysteria. He advocates, arete, love, protection, and support… reading and helping others navigate the human condition. Tyler enjoys learning from students, operators, non-profits, and the community. Tyler earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business – focusing on Finance, Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation, and regrettably procrastination.

WORKSHOP: "Who Am I?"

BIO: Romeo Morris, native of Fort Wayne attended Martin Luther King Montessori, Abbett Elementary School, Memorial Park Middle School, South Side High School and Morehouse College. I have a degree and sociology and minor in political science.

WORKSHOP: "Be Your Own Hero"

BIO: As a childhood abuse & trauma survivor, Tisha learned at a young age to have confidence in herself to achieve her goals. Enlisting in the military furthered her belief that we can achieve anything, especially women. She believes we grow from our struggles, which can guide us to new paths we didn’t initially see for ourselves. A tough childhood, then inner struggles with her career, and seeing her own children struggle with confidence, Tisha decided she wanted to help. She developed Bring It Push It Own It, to help others build confidence, resilience and strength by stepping out of their comfort zone and into their amazing uniqueness!

WORKSHOP: "Leading with Authenticity"

BIO: Kristin Giant is doing her best. She's a mom of two young boys living in a fixer upper in the "'05". She is also an entrepreneur who launched her consulting firm, Hyper Local Impact, on April 1, 2020. Hyper Local Impact has deployed nearly $800,000 into the local economy in its first year of existence, with nearly $700,000 of that associated with the Family & Friends Fund for Southeast Fort Wayne (of which she is a proud co-founder and pro bono consultant). As if that wasn't enough, she also leads grant administration for the McMillen Foundation and is the Chief Growth Officer for a new tech startup -- Pond. She has no free time, but if she did, she would enjoy spending it meeting new people, laughing with old friends, eating veggies from her kitchen garden, and performing one-woman musicals. Kristin is an attorney by trade and an impact investing evangelist by passion. She has lived in Fort Wayne for 5 years and falls more in love with the city and her residents everyday.

WORKSHOP: "How to Build a Birdhouse 101"

BIO: Sherry Early-Aden is the Vice President of Community and Economic Development at Brightpoint, a 56-year-old Community Action Agency serving 15 counties in northeast Indiana.