YLNI's Board of Directors governs the organization, steering it towards its mission through strategic oversight of programs and committee initiatives, advocating for our demographic on key issues, and fostering community improvement. The board convenes monthly, and individual members can be contacted via their respective emails, while general inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
Kristin Conley is the Director of PhD Admissions at Indiana Tech, where she has worked since 2017. In her role, she handles all admissions and marketing efforts for the university’s online PhD in Global Leadership program. Growing up on a cattle farm in Silver Lake, Indiana, she has lived in northeast Indiana for most of her life. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media and Public Communication from IPFW and a Master of Science in Leadership from Trine University.
Kristin has been an active member of YLNI since graduating from the Leadership Institute in 2018. After co-chairing the Institute for three years, she joined the board of directors as Director at Large of Leadership Development for a year. As well, during her two years of living in the Indianapolis region, she held positions such as President for the Network of Indy Colleges, committee member for the Hendricks County Young Professionals, and sat on the board of directors for YNPN Indy. She currently is a member of the Indiana Tech Strategic Task Force.
Kristin lives in the ’19 with her husband, two sons, and a multitude of pets and plants. She enjoys traveling with her friends and family, attending concerts and comedy shows, watching and playing sports, reading, and visiting local coffee shops.
Lea Gamble is a BIM Coordinator at Weigand Construction in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In this role, she coordinates 3D building models on the job site, integrating collaborative technology in construction processes. She knew early on she wanted a career within construction and architecture, as well as to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Lea has two Associate of Applied Science degrees in Building Construction Management and Design Technology, both from Ivy Tech Community College. She is also a LEED AP BD+C, passionate about sustainable design and construction.
Lea became involved with YLNI after graduating from Leadership Institute in 2021, thereafter joining the Leadership Institute Committee. She has been involved in various committees within YLNI, including Community Impact and Team YLNI. Aside from her involvement with YLNI, Lea is involved in the Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana, serving on the Young Professionals Forum Committee and the Government Affairs Committee. She has a love for Fort Wayne, Indiana and became involved in the local community to share that with others.
In her free time, Lea enjoys hobbies like playing video games and reading. She can be found spending time with family and friends, attending concerts, theatre shows and watching ballet performances. Ask her about her cats!
Thomas Moffitt was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Thomas Moffitt graduated from Purdue University Fort Wayne with a bachelor's degree in finance and a minor in accounting. Thomas is a Business Banking Portfolio Manager with 1st Source Bank. Thomas became involved in YLNI when he moved back to Fort Wayne in 2025 and graduated from the YLNI Leadership Institute in 2026.
Logan Stevens is a corporate and real estate attorney at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Fort Wayne, where he advises clients on complex transactions involving M&A, commercial real estate, business structuring, and governance. His work focuses on helping clients manage risk and close deals across a range of industries.
Logan has been involved with YLNI since 2020 and is a graduate of the 2024 YLNI Leadership Institute. He values the opportunity to connect with other professionals, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to a vibrant and engaged northeast Indiana.
Logan is originally from Goshen, Indiana. He moved to Fort Wayne in 2019. Logan earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from Michigan State University, and holds a B.A., cum laude, in Economics and Political Science from Ball State University. He also served in the United States Air Force as part of the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne.
Logan brings legal expertise and a strong commitment to YLNI’s vision for a prosperous Fort Wayne.
Claire Wilson grew up in Peru, Indiana and is a 2019 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. She moved to Nashville, Tennessee after graduating to work for Ecolab in their Institutional division. Throughout her time with Ecolab in Tennessee, Claire worked as a Territory Manager, Key Account Manager and Distribution Sales Development Manager helping to retain, grow and gain customers in the hospitality market.
She moved to Fort Wayne in 2023 and she currently works as a Sales Development Manager for Ecolab. Soon after moving, Claire joined YLNI in an effort to make connections in the community and is a 2024 graduate of the Leadership Institute. Claire also volunteers with the Rescue Mission, American Cancer Society and Court Appointed Special Advocates and is a member of Greater Fort Wayne.
Claire and her husband enjoy spending time at the lake, traveling with their family and friends, reading, running and treating their dog as the head of the household.
Brice Vance is the copywriter and brand strategist at NEI. His key responsibility is to tell the
stories of Northeast Indiana across all NEI platforms.
He is an award-winning journalist with several years of experience as a writer, producer and
host. Brice received his Bachelor’s in Communications with a minor in media production from
Purdue University Fort Wayne. He earned his Master’s in Sports Leadership from Indiana
Wesleyan University.
In his role, he is responsible for writing copy for email campaigns, podcasts, press releases,
blogs, and the organization’s bi-monthly newsletter. He also hosts the Pioneer Path.
Brice has been a YLNI member since 2024 and is a 2026 graduate of the YLNI Leadership
Institute. He is a member of Fort Wayne Newspapers’ 2026 40 Under 40 Class.
With a strong background in journalism, media production, and strategic communication, he is
dedicated to making an impact in Northeast Indiana.
Alex Farrell has been the Fort Wayne Office Manager for Force Tech since 2023. In this role, she handles a variety of administrative projects and regular tasks for a rapidly growing AVLB company headquartered in Greenfield, IN. She previously served as Vice Chair for the Young Professionals of DeKalb County in 2024 through 2025. While this is her first year on the YLNI board, she first became a member in 2022. Since joining, she’s served on the communications committee, membership committee, and is a 2023 YLNI Leadership Institute Graduate. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Huntington University.
Originally from Spencerville, IN, Alex currently resides in DeKalb County with her husband where she enjoys camping, spending time with friends and family, and is in her fifth year learning to tap dance at Fort Wayne Dance Collective.
Efe Sobotie graduated from Purdue University Fort Wayne, where he earned a bachelor's degree in computer engineering with a minor in Mathematics. He recently completed his MBA in Engineering Management from the same university.
Efe works as an Embedded engineer at Firefly Integrations. He’s been involved in mentorship and student leadership, previously serving as a Lead Mentor for engineering students and receiving the LEAD Mentor of the Year award. Efe enjoys helping others transition into STEM and staying active in the Fort Wayne tech and professional community.
In his free time, Efe enjoys exploring new tech innovations, reading, writing, traveling, and connecting with other young professionals in the area.
Malak currently serves as the Assistant Director of Admissions for Doctoral Programs at Indiana Tech, where she focuses on marketing for the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program and guiding prospective students through the admissions process. Since beginning her career in higher education in 2022, she discovered a passion for helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.
Malak earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Purdue University Fort Wayne and later completed her MBA at Indiana Tech with concentrations in Management and Business Analytics.
Originally from Libya, Malak moved to the United States at the age of 10 and grew up in Columbus, Ohio, before relocating to Fort Wayne in 2016. She enjoys being actively involved in the community and finding opportunities to give back. Her involvement with YLNI began when she became Chair of the View From the Top Committee, and later graduated from the Leadership Institute in 2026.
Outside of work, Malak enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling. She is also a big sports fan, especially soccer and football, and loves exploring new restaurants and local coffee shops around town.
Request a Speaker
To learn more about requesting one of our Board Members to speak at your event, school, or company, reach out to us!
