The inception of Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) was inspired by concerns over the "brain drain," referring to the exodus of young professionals from Indiana. In response, the Northeast Indiana Corporate Council, in 2004, sought insights from young professionals on how to make the region more appealing and retain its talent. This engagement led to networking and the realization among these individuals that they could collectively influence the economic and cultural development of Fort Wayne and beyond. Choosing to be part of the solution rather than the problem, they founded YLNI, committed to the prosperity of northeast Indiana. Since its foundation, YLNI has grown to over 1,000 members who have significantly contributed to the community's development, with many ambitious projects still in the pipeline.
Northeast Indiana Corporate Council surveyed groups of young professionals to ask what they wanted from their community and combat the “brain drain,” a reference to the large number of YPs leaving Indiana to live and work in other states.
On the evening of Friday, May 20, 2005, YLNI was first introduced to the public at Dash-In as a young, dynamic group committed to making our community a vibrant and viable place to live, work and play. This meeting paved way for young leaders to learn about projects, connect with others, and enjoy food and entertainment.
On the evening of Friday, September 30, 2005, YLNI held it's first-ever General Membership Event (GME). All current and potential members were invited to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art to learn about YLNI committees and activities, connect with other young leaders, browse the galleries, and enjoy food and entertainment.
YLNI hosted the grand reopening of the historic Barr Street Market from September 10-October 1, 2005. The types of vendors included Honey/Beeswax, Products, Produce (Fruits/Vegetables), Coffee, Breakfast Pizza/Pastries/Baked Goods, Organic Farmers, Blown Glass, and Organic Flowers. Live music also filled the corner of Wayne & Barr Streets as market-goers visited to browse and shop.
YLNI held an after-party the night of the United Way Mastodon Auction. In the Indiana Hotel Lobby, guests entered the black-tie affair wearing masks as they enjoyed the hippest party of the year!
In 2006 YLNI participated in the National YP Summit to collaborate and learn from other YP Organizations around the country.
The inaugural class of Leadership Institute graduated in 2006. YLNI in collaboration with IPFW have paved the way for hundreds of participants to date. Leadership Institute involves hands-on instruction, small group activities, personal reflection, and sharing to help participants develop skills needed to advance in their careers and community. To date, we’ve graduated several hundred young professionals.
This was the set of documents filed with the government to legally document YLNI's creation.
YLNI was honored in January 2007 by the Downtown Improvement District as “Volunteer of the Year” for work on the Barr Street Market.
YLNI's first grant awarded was from the Lincoln Foundation
YLNI took a proactive role in engaging both its members and the broader community through educational initiatives and advocacy, particularly highlighted by their panel on the Harrison Square Project, emphasizing the project's significance. Imagining Fort Wayne without landmarks like Parkview Field underscores the impact of mobilizing young professionals, a strength of YLNI. Additionally, in the fall, with support from the Lincoln Financial Foundation, YLNI launched "YLNI the Vote," further educating young voters. This initiative included hosting a candidates' night and producing informative publications on candidates' stances, showcasing YLNI's commitment to informed community engagement and participation in civic matters.
In July 2007 YLNI partnered with the Three Rivers Festival to bring back the Three Rivers Festival Bed Race. The event was the largest in YLNI’s history with over 6,000 people in attendance along downtown Main Street.
YLNI the Vote was initiated through a grant from Lincoln Foundation that registered voters at various community events, produced booklets disclosing candidate’s responses to key issues for our demographic, and hosted a candidate forum for all those running for office. YLNI the Vote continues to raise awareness for political races each election.
In 2008 YLNI started the Get on Board program designed to educate and train YLNI members to serve on local nonprofit boards. The events take aim to connect young professionals with local nonprofits in need of board members or volunteers.
YLNI had a 5th Birthday Bash and closed down Calhoun Street in front of the Dash-In and Pint n Slice. This was a huge milestone for the all-volunteer organization.
Barr Street Market was voted Fort Wayne’s Best Farmers Market in 2010 by the Readers Choice of Fort Wayne Magazine.
YLNI, in collaboration with Parkview Health and King + Knight, launched Living Fort Wayne (LFW), establishing a pivotal digital hub for all things celebrating the dynamic essence of Fort Wayne. This platform highlights the best of living, working, and playing in the city, aimed at showcasing its vibrancy. Furthering their commitment to fostering community engagement, YLNI organized the inaugural My City Summit. This event, inspired by findings from the Knight Foundation’s Soul of the Community survey which pointed out a notable gap in community attachment among young college graduates in Fort Wayne, was met with enthusiastic participation. Attracting over 200 young professionals and community leaders, the summit focused on celebrating Fort Wayne's achievements while brainstorming ways to enhance community bonds and boost economic vitality, marking a significant stride towards redefining community engagement in the city.
Founded in 2012 , the Get On Board Committee has developed a series of programs to train, connect, and support. This programming provides essential services for fostering rich nonprofit leadership and community connections. Our goal is a community in which both emerging leaders and nonprofit organizations grow, strengthen one another and positively impact Northeast Indiana.
YLNI presented “My City Summit: Connect & Thrive”, a dinner conference for over 300 young professionals and community leaders to explore their role in building stronger connections in our city by addressing important topics such as inclusion and diversity, economic development, and lowering crime, as well as exploring the impact of engagement, happiness and attachment on the continued revitalization of Downtown Fort Wayne.
Created from the 2014 My City Summit, Creative Class helps emerging leaders have a better understanding of the impact that arts organizations have in our community, and how they, as emerging leaders, can impact our community’s major nonprofit arts organizations. Arts United and YLNI designed this series to help people take the first step in Fort Wayne’s popular art community.
The Living Fort Wayne Film Series started in the summer of 2014 after the idea to create a series of outdoor movies from the 2014 My City Summit. Now, it is run by Riverfront Fort Wayne and it has grown into something bigger that the community embraced.
In 2014 both Commissioner Peters and Mayor Henry were present to celebrate the Barr Street Market’s 10th year.
In May 2014 YLNI, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, worked to raise $43,466 for five local nonprofits in the Let’s Give Allen County Campaign. Over a period of twelve hours a total of 635 individuals contributed to the campaign through online donations.
June 2014 marked the start of three Living Fort Wayne Concert Series. Held at Headwaters Park West amphitheater, these family-friendly concerts featured local musicians, local food trucks, and a beer garden from JK O’Donnell’s. The concerts brought in 1,000+ visitors
This event started from an idea at the 2015 My City Summit with the belief that Fort Wayne – a booming city with a rich history of festivals – needed something to look forward to in the long days of winter. What a better way to celebrate winter in Downtown Fort Wayne with arts, music, food and fun? Weather the Fort, created by John Felts and Ted Pappert is an outdoor winter festival with live music, ice carvers, fire dancers, fireworks, food and many other activities.
The 2015 My City Summit brought awareness to a music venue project already underway in the region. The Summit sparked additional attention towards needed funding for the midsized music venue, thus boosting the region’s talent retention and keeping talented artists here. This venue is now known as The Clyde Theater.
Approval was granted to create the YLNI Foundation, a 501c3.
YLNI hosted a 10 Year Celebration at Pint & Slice. This was a huge milestone for the volunteer-led organization, and this event provided an opportunity for current and past YLNI Membership to enjoy each other’s company while discussing 10 years of success. The YLNI Foundation 501c3 was also introduced.
Leaders and supporters from the 2017 My City Summit put energy behind the need for funding of The Landing redevelopment project. This My City Summit was instrumental in determining what The Landing would become, which included the decision to close the street to vehicle traffic.
Conversations during the 2017 My City Summit focused diversity and inclusion in order to make a statement about northeast Indiana to the national community. After the Summit event, one of the first undertakings was creating an inclusivity pledge that rallied regional businesses around the common goal of a welcoming, inclusive environment. Since then, over 50 of the region's largest employers have signed it, including Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry.
As part of Allen County's Bicentennial, YLNI is championing the One Million Acts of Kindness challenge. Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering with a local charity, or spreading joy through small acts at home, work, or in the community, every gesture matters! Companies, schools, organizations, and families are participating as a group or individually. Throughout 2024, to honor Allen County's 200th birthday, YLNI has inspired others, created a ripple effect of positivity, and is leaving a lasting legacy of kindness in Allen County and beyond!
In approaching our 20th anniversary, YLNI unveiled a new logo and updated branding. This milestone is more than just a testament to our longevity; it’s a celebration of our community, our achievements, and our vision for the future.
From 2005 to 2024, and our best estimates are that 1,078,431 visitors have enjoyed the program since its revitalization. In July 2024, the market hosted its one-millionth guest!
Join us as we commemorate two decades of leadership, community engagement, and impactful initiatives at the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) 20th Anniversary Celebration! This milestone event will bring together past and present members, community leaders, and supporters to honor the journey and achievements of YLNI.