Honoring Leadership, Service, and Heart: Celebrating Ian Broad-White and Brad Wanek
At Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI), we believe our strength lies in our people—the leaders who invest their time, talent, and passion to help this organization thrive. As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to what’s next, we’re proud to recognize two individuals whose dedication has left a lasting mark on YLNI.
2025 EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARD: IAN BROAD-WHITE
The Exemplary Service Award is reserved for board members who have completed three full terms—six years of volunteer leadership. It honors those who go above and beyond to position YLNI for the future.
This year, we are thrilled to present this award to Ian Broad-White, whose leadership has shaped the very foundation of our organization.
Ian joined the YLNI Board in 2019, following his graduation from the YLNI Leadership Institute. He began his journey in leadership development and quickly became a trusted voice in shaping YLNI’s programs and long-term vision. In 2022, Ian stepped into the role of Vice President, and just a year later, took the helm as Board President.
As President, Ian led with passion, clarity, and an unwavering belief in YLNI’s mission. His vision and strategic approach were instrumental in preparing the organization for its next chapter. While his term as President wraps up this year, Ian’s commitment to YLNI continues. He will remain an active force within the organization, serving on the YLNI Foundation Board and as Immediate Past President in an ex-officio advisory role.
2025 DEDICATED SERVICE AWARD: BRAD WANEK
The Dedicated Service Award honors board members completing their board service, recognizing the time, care, and countless hours they’ve poured into YLNI’s mission.
We’re proud to recognize Brad Wanek for his outstanding contributions to YLNI over the years.
Brad joined the YLNI Board in 2022 as Vice President of Social Programming, a role he held for two years with enthusiasm and dedication. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Membership, where he focused on building meaningful connections and creating experiences that made every member feel seen, valued, and welcomed.
But Brad’s journey with YLNI began long before his board tenure. He graduated from the YLNI Leadership Institute in 2016, interned with Fort Wayne Trails in 2017, and served as a dedicated Social Programming committee member from 2021–2022. In every role, Brad has shown up, volunteered, and led by example—making a lasting impact with his positivity and presence.
As we honor Ian and Brad, we are reminded of the power of servant leadership and the ripple effect of dedication. YLNI would not be where it is today without the efforts of leaders like them—thank you both for helping shape the future of Northeast Indiana.