Creating a Culture of Collaboration
MLK Montessori School and Little River Wetlands Project (LRWP) have developed what, on the surface, seems like an unlikely partnership. Together, these organizations are supporting, and furthering, one another’s missions.
Amy Silva, Executive Director of LRWP, and Greta McKinney, Director of MLK Montessori, met in Foellinger Foundation’s Leadership Lab—a 12-month program that focuses on building adaptive leadership skills in Allen County executive and rising leaders.
Amy Silva, Executive Director of LRWP
Greta McKinney, Executive Director of MLK Montessori School
“Being in that room together gave us the opportunity to really connect on a higher level and see how we can be supportive of one another—not just polite acquaintances,” said Greta. “We get so busy as executive leaders that sometimes we just don’t have the time to think outside the box and connect with other leaders. Foellinger Foundation gave us that opportunity.”
In 2020, Amy and Greta arranged for the MLK staff to tour LRWP, and during that tour, ideas and inspiration flourished. LRWP staff also visited MLK to learn more about its mission. The two organizations have been connected ever since.
“The partnership goes beyond just Greta and I,” explained Amy. “Because we were able to connect, we were also able to connect our staffs. The collaboration is engrained in our cultures.”
The two organizations have partnered on several projects and initiatives. MLK Montessori students participate in LRWP’s Seed to Marsh program, which includes transplanting seedlings, making seed balls, collecting seeds, and more—all while learning to be stewards of our community’s rich environment. LRWP has also helped MLK Montessori with their gardens and greenhouse, which has given students the opportunity to grow and learn about native plants like milkweed. They also have created programming that educates students about the life cycle of butterflies and the role of flowers.
“As an educator, this was a match made in heaven,” said Greta.
While Amy and Greta have formed a strong bond that ties their organizations together, the entire cohort is still connected and lean on each other for support and camaraderie. Their group still meets every few months over dinner, cookouts, and more.
MLK Montessori School is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) agency that offers a high-quality Montessori education to preschool students from culturally diverse and underserved communities in Fort Wayne. Learn more at mlkdreamschool.org.
Little River Wetlands Project’s mission is to restore and protect wetlands in the historic watershed of the Little River, a major tributary of the Wabash River, and to provide educational opportunities that encourage good stewardship of wetlands and other natural ecosystems. Learn more at lrwp.org.