Nationally Recognized Thought Leaders Make a Positive Impact on Allen County

While grantmaking is a large part of Foellinger Foundation’s philanthropic efforts in our community, it’s also our mission to provide thought-leading speakers.

These speakers address topics designed to strengthen the board and staff members of our nonprofit organizations.

Beginning in 2000 with the Earnest E. William Lecture Series, through the leadership conferences in 2015 and 2017, we have heard from a variety of nationally-renown speakers giving their perspectives on community leadership, effective philanthropy and organizational effectiveness. From Steven Carter, Yale University law professor, to Irma Tyler-Wood, Fort Wayne native and former Assistant Director of the Conflict Clinic at the Harvard Negotiation Project, to Candace Bertotti, adjunct lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School and interpersonal communications specialist, these speakers have a variety of expertise.  

In 2003, Malcolm Gladwell spoke to our nonprofit leaders sharing the principles of his book, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. Since, he has published five more books and has been named one of the 100 most influential people by TIME magazine.

Lee Cockerell, former executive vice president of operations of Walt Disney World, delighted our audience with stories of his leadership, management and service excellence experience in 2011.

In 2015, our Language of Leadership conference welcomed keynote speaker Dr. Ronald Heifetz. Dr. Heifetz is the author of Leadership without Easy Answers, a groundbreaking book on the importance of “adaptive leadership” and navigating new challenges.

Foellinger Foundation believes these thought leaders inspire our community’s nonprofit leadership and strengthen their organizations to promote self-reliance and build community. We are proud to have brought them to Allen County and we are committed to continuing that tradition.