Andrea Kendall, MLK Montessori School's Board Chair, was recognized as this year's recipient of our David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award. The 17th leadership award ceremony took place on October 23rd, 2024. Congratulations Andrea!

As we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act—which was passed on July 26, 1990—Luke Labas, Director of the Inclusion Institute at The League and graduate of the Leadership Lab, reminds us that “the disability community is the only minority group that 100% of people will join, it’s just a matter of when.”

Linda Jackson, Board Chair of Erin’s House, was recognized as the 2023 David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award recipient at a ceremony on September 27, 2023. Congratulations, Linda!

On Thursday, December 15, the 2022 Sonder Fellowship participants gathered to celebrate their graduation. The Sonder Fellowship is a year-long program for leaders who serve Southeast Fort Wayne residents. It was developed in partnership with and facilitated by Danielle Shoots. Nineteen Southeast leaders graduated from the program in 2022.

Greta McKinney has served as MLK Montessori School’s Director since 2012. Her professional experience is rich in social services, having worked with a variety of audiences, including those with developmental disabilities and aging populations.

Gail Doran, Board Chair of Super Shot, was recognized as the 2022 David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award recipient at an award ceremony on September 28, 2022. Congratulations, Gail!

Kandace Kelly has worked to uplift our community’s citizens for more than 25 years at Positive Resource Connection. Kandace was drawn to working there because she is passionate about helping people, especially those who are often overlooked.

Andrew served as the Executive Director of Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House from 2013-2019, and in 2019 he assumed the role of CEO at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne.

Gail Doran, Board Chair of Super Shot, was recognized as the 2022 David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award recipient at an award ceremony on September 28, 2022. Congratulations, Gail!

Over the last 14 years, Amanda Shepard has played a pivotal role in advancing the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Joining the Museum in 2008 as the Assistant for Adult Education, her leadership continued to grow—to Director of Adult and University Programs, then to Deputy Director of Administration and Programs, and now to Vice President & COO.

As part of our Five with Foellinger series, we’re proud to introduce new videos that highlight important leadership topics.

Nonprofit leaders and board members are encouraged to share these videos directly with board members or watch together during a meeting. Each video has a complementary PDF with follow-up prompts and exercises for reflection. Check back for more videos as they become available!

Foellinger Foundation established the David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award to recognize the importance of individual board members in nonprofit organizations. Each year, this award is given to an Allen County nonprofit board member who exemplifies four focus areas: governance, leadership, financial sustainability, and program impact. The award recipient’s nominating organization receives a $25,000 operating grant.