Taylor Fisher
executive director
Taylor Fisher is a growth-oriented leader with a background in Human Resources and a passion for empowering individuals through leadership development and authentic connection. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Public Affairs from Purdue University–Fort Wayne.
Taylor currently serves as the inaugural Executive Director of Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI), where she supports and advances the organization’s mission to attract, develop, and retain emerging leaders through community, professional, and social engagement. Guided by a transformational leadership philosophy, Taylor believes in fostering spaces where people feel seen, supported, and confident in their ability to lead and grow.
Beyond her role at YLNI, Taylor enjoys helping others articulate their strengths and career stories and is passionate about building strong, connected communities. She looks forward to expanding YLNI’s reach and continuing to build meaningful relationships throughout Northeast Indiana.
Originally from the Fort Wayne area, Taylor lives locally with her husband and their two dogs. She enjoys exploring new coffee shops and restaurants, gardening, and traveling—always looking for new ideas, perspectives, and relationships.
Ashley Wagner
Farmers Market Manager
For Ashley, Saturday mornings at the YLNI Farmers Market are more than just a job—they’re a way of life. "There's no place that I'd rather be on a Saturday morning!" she shares. Starting as a volunteer in 2010 and becoming the Farmers Market Manager in 2019, Ashley has been instrumental in transforming the market into a top-ranked destination, celebrated throughout the community and surrounding area.
Under her leadership, the market has grown from 30 vendors to an impressive 170 each week, creating a lively hub that supports local farmers, artisans, and small businesses. "The momentum and excitement from a Saturday morning are contagious; I'm so addicted!"
Ashley credits much of the market’s success to the collaboration with her committee members and volunteers. Together, they work tirelessly to ensure each Saturday is a seamless and joyful experience for vendors and visitors alike.
The market has also been a part of Ashley’s personal journey, witnessing her milestones from dating and marriage to raising three children, homeschooling, and thriving in her real estate career.
Dedicated and passionate, Ashley looks forward to continuing to build on the market's success, ensuring it remains a vibrant and cherished part of the community.
Kennedy Crissinger
Events & Communications Coordinator
Kennedy has long believed that connection and a sense of belonging are two of the most powerful forces shaping our quality of life. Since making Fort Wayne home in 2017, she has found a community that reflects her passion for leadership and belonging. YLNI's mission to attract, develop, and retain emerging leaders aligns deeply with her own story. She knows firsthand how important it is to find a space where you feel supported in growth.Kennedy brings over 13 years of experience in communications and storytelling media to her role as Events and Communications Coordinator, a journey that started when she began her photography business at age 14. That foundation gave her a deep understanding of how the right message, delivered intentionally, can move people and build lasting community.
She is committed to ensuring community members feel safe, empowered, and valued through meaningful events and messaging that showcase the best of what YLNI offers. When she is not out in the community, you can likely find Kennedy working to perfect her at-home latte, spending time with family, planning her next road trip, or documenting her own life with a camera in hand.
Nicole Jennings
Farmers Market Assistant
Nicole Jennings brings energy, dedication, and a passion for community to the YLNI Farmers Market. Born in Fort Wayne and raised in sunny San Diego, Nicole moved back to her hometown in 2003. Once she discovered the Farmers Market, she realized she loved everything about it—the vendors, the visitors, and the vibrant atmosphere.
Nicole began volunteering at the market in 2019, taking a bold leap to get involved. Her commitment and enthusiasm quickly became evident, and in May 2022, she officially joined the team as the part-time Farmers Market Assistant. Known for her reliability and versatility, Nicole is always ready to jump in and help with whatever is needed, earning her the admiration of vendors and visitors alike.
You can find Nicole at the market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (and often earlier or later!), ensuring the market runs smoothly and continues to be a cherished community gathering place.
For Nicole, the market is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to give back and connect with her community in meaningful ways.
Current Openings
We're always looking for team members dedicated to our mission! If that's you, click below to send your resume to [email protected].
YLNI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and are available upon request.