Every great story has a Prologue— that single, defining moment of resilience, choice, or discovery that sets the stage for everything that follows.
Throughout 2026, community leaders will share their personal “prologue“—the powerful moment, realization, or challenge that led to where they are today.
Every story matters. When someone chooses to pick up the phone or walk through our doors, they are starting a new chapter. By sharing these moments, we are showing that courage, choice, and new beginnings are possible for everyone.
What was your prologue?
Aisha Diss
(Founder & Executive Director, project.ME FW, Inc.)
"The prologue to my journey began when years of unmanaged mental health challenges, substance use, and justice involvement finally collided and resulted in a sentence to the Indiana Department of Corrections. Prison was not rehabilitative in the way people often imagine, but it was clarifying. It stripped away denial and forced me to sit with the reality of where my choices and circumstances had led me.
In that space, I came to a simple but life-altering understanding: if I wanted a different life, I would have to do something different. No one was coming to rescue me, and change had to start with my own willingness to take responsibility for my healing.
That lived experience didn’t just shape who I became—it directly led to the creation of project.ME. I built what I once needed: self-guided, nonjudgmental recovery support for people navigating mental health challenges, substance use, and justice involvement. The prologue of my story is rooted in loss and accountability, but it set the foundation for a life committed to radical love, dignity, and making sure others don’t have to walk their hardest chapters alone."
Dave Shadburne
(President & CEO, MidWest America Federal Credit Union)
"The prologue to my journey was finding the courage to be myself, to set my own career and life goals, ask questions, and resist the pressure to simply follow the crowd. It meant establishing my own values and defining success on my own terms, even when those choices weren’t always accepted or appreciated and, at times, created strain in certain relationships. While not easy, that season of conviction led to growth, clarity, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters. It ultimately set the stage for the chapters of life that followed."
Jennifer Kasmier
(Chief Programming Officer, YWCA Northeast Indiana)
"The prologue to my journey was when I finally traded perfection for presence. A rather recent development within the past couple of years and something I continue to work on daily. I am surrendering the heavy roles of the 'perfect' mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, boss, leader, and volunteer to accept the grace of being human. I embrace integrating my worlds, realizing that my leadership belongs in the playroom with my twins as much as the office with my colleagues. By letting go of the pressure to keep up with everyone else, I'm finding that being present is enough to be worthy. I’ve stopped choosing between 'this' or 'that' and finally gave myself permission to be 'and.'"
Rachelle Reinking
(Director of Communications, Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne)
"The prologue to my journey turned a page in my life when my body made me stop and listen. For years, I was stuck in survival mode and finessed my ability to bypass how I felt mentally and physically to keep going. I ignored the toll my negative life experiences and self-imposed expectations took on me–until I couldn't. Eventually, burnout caught up to me. I was exhausted, disconnected from myself, and continuing to fuel a then-undiagnosed chronic illness. I sat with myself, my emotions. Developing the connection between my mind and body not only improved my quality of life but also sparked my drive to help others on the same journey."
Rosalina Perez
(Director, NIIC Women’s Business Center)
"My journey began during a season of deep burnout, when I was overworking myself to the point of sleeping at an immigration law firm to keep up with the volume of cases and families needing help. While the intention was rooted in service, the toll on my mental health became undeniable, and my family felt the weight of it at home, something I knew I could no longer accept. In that breaking point, I realized I had more to offer and chose to shift my mindset, immersing myself in personal development and learning the power of habits, relationships, and stepping beyond my comfort zone. That decision led me to a career change, where I gained so much knowledge in business, expanded my network, and opportunities I never imagined for myself."
Joe Jordan
(President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne)
"The prologue to my journey was learning to understand the ebb and flow of life and realizing that it is all for a purpose—a higher purpose that, at times, I could not fully understand. Yet I have learned to embrace it, trusting in faith that God is molding me for something greater. Once I accepted that everything in life does not need to be understood and held firmly to the belief that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord, the stress and worry about my journey began to fade.
With this mindset, I now move through each day free from fear when things do not go as I planned, recognizing instead opportunities to grow and learn in moments of challenge. I have come to embrace it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly—knowing that each experience is meaningful and carries valuable lessons.
Life is an amazing journey once you embrace it and understand that it is all good, and I am excited for the next chapters still to come. I now see that my experiences were not meant for me alone, but to strengthen my ability to serve others, to lead with compassion, and to help create hope and opportunity for those walking their own journeys. The journey is truly about inspiring and encouraging others along the way—showing God’s love and kindness to those who need a gentle push forward, and extending compassion and empathy, particularly in times of need. Our journeys ultimately evolve into service to mankind, and when they do, we discover that we have lived—or are living—a life of significance."
Jess Hopkins
(FVP, Regional Sales Manager FW.MI, First Merchants)
"My prologue to my journey has been shaped as much by faith as it has by experience. As a woman, I have learned that leadership often asks me to stand firm in who I am while navigating spaces that were not always designed with me in mind. Through it all, faith has been my anchor—guiding me not only to lead well, but to live with purpose, humility, and courage.
Faith has taught me that strength does not require hardness, and authority does not mean losing compassion. It has shown me that leadership can be bold and gentle at the same time. I lead not by striving to fit a mold, but by embracing the calling to show up fully as myself—values intact, voice steady, and heart open to growth. Becoming a better leader begins with becoming a better woman: grounded in truth, confident in calling, and committed to integrity."
