Celebrating Leadership & Impact: Recent Achievements of our YLNI Board, Staff, and Members

At Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI), leadership is not a slogan—it is a standard. Our work depends on individuals who consistently show up, challenge assumptions, execute with discipline, and remain grounded in service to our community. 

We are proud to recognize several recent achievements that reflect the depth of talent and commitment across our Board and Staff.

Honoring Excellence: Ashley Wagner, Market Manager, YLNI Farmers Market

We are thrilled to celebrate Ashley Wagner, recipient of the 2026 Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award from the Foellinger Foundation.

After nearly a decade of volunteer service, Ashley became the YLNI Farmers Market’s first employee in 2019. Since then, she has transformed the Market into an award-winning community hub and a meaningful economic driver for Northeast Indiana. Under her leadership, the Market has:

• Expanded access to fresh, local food
• Increased visibility for small and minority-owned businesses
• Strengthened community engagement
• Elevated operational standards and sustainability

Ashley’s work reflects what adaptive, forward-thinking leadership looks like in practice. She continually evaluates, refines, and improves systems based on real-world learning—while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service.

The Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award recognizes excellence across four key areas:

• Strategic leadership
• Organizational culture
• Community engagement
• Professional growth and development

Ashley exemplifies each of these standards.

As part of this recognition, YLNI received a $10,000 professional development grant to support Ashley’s continued leadership growth through training, coaching, and advanced learning opportunities. This investment strengthens not only her work—but the long-term capacity of our organization.

This honor is well-earned and deeply deserved.

Recognizing Emerging Leaders: Lea Gamble and Sarah Serna

We are equally proud to recognize Lea Gamble, Vice President, and Sarah Serna, VP of Communications, for being selected to the Forty Under 40 Class of 2026 by Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly.

This prestigious honor recognizes 40 outstanding young professionals who are making a measurable impact through:

• Career achievement
• Community involvement
• Personal leadership

This year’s cohort was selected from more than 200 nominations and evaluated by an independent panel of judges. The process is competitive and rigorous, making this recognition especially meaningful.

Lea and Sarah exemplify what it means to lead with purpose. Through their service on the YLNI Board, they bring strategic thinking, professional rigor, and a genuine commitment to strengthening our region. Their influence extends beyond titles or committees—they help shape culture, direction, and accountability.

Their selection reflects not only individual excellence, but the collective strength of YLNI’s leadership ecosystem.

Celebrating Our Members and Committee Leaders

In addition to Board leadership, we are proud to recognize several active YLNI Members and Committee Members who have been named to the Forty Under 40 Class of 2026:

• Kody Tinnel
• Brice Vance
• Edwin Chow
• Erin Martin

Each of these leaders brings energy, expertise, and accountability to YLNI’s work through active engagement in programs, committees, and community initiatives. Their recognition reflects not only professional success, but a demonstrated commitment to service, collaboration, and regional impact.

This strong representation among the Forty Under 40 honorees reinforces what we see every day at YLNI: leadership is being developed, tested, and strengthened through real work in the community. These members are helping shape the future of Northeast Indiana—thoughtfully, responsibly, and with purpose.

Become a YLNI Member today!

Why This Matters

Awards and recognitions are not the goal. Impact is.

What makes these achievements significant is what they represent:

• Long-term commitment
• Consistent execution
• Willingness to adapt and improve
• Accountability to community needs
• Investment in people and systems

Ashley, Lea, Sarah, Kody, Brice, Edwin, and Erin each demonstrate that meaningful leadership requires more than passion. It requires discipline, learning, collaboration, and resilience.

Their work raises the standard for all of us.

Looking Ahead

YLNI’s mission has always been to attract, develop, and retain leaders who are deeply connected to Northeast Indiana. These recognitions affirm that this approach works—when paired with intentional development and high expectations.

We are proud of these YLNI champions! We are grateful for their service. And we are confident that their leadership will continue to shape a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient community.

Please join us in congratulating them on these well-earned honors!