A First Fridays Event: Coming Summer 2025!
See below for Vendor and Sponsorship Opportunities
Leadership is more than just a title—it’s a lifelong journey of growth in mind, body, spirit, and finances.
That’s why we created Lead Well, an annual leadership and networking event designed to equip professionals with the tools and insights they need to lead effectively.
This four-hour event brings together expert speakers and panelists, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities—all while enjoying a delicious breakfast with fellow leaders.
At Lead Well, you'll gain practical strategies to enhance your skills, no matter where you are in your career. With thought-provoking sessions on mental resilience, physical well-being, spiritual growth, and financial wisdom, you’ll leave inspired and empowered to lead with confidence.
This summer, join us for Lead Well—a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded professionals who are passionate about becoming better leaders. More details and registration information will be announced soon.
Stay tuned for the speaker details!
General Admission
$55
Tickets are limited.
Speaker Details
Financial Panel
Sydney Cale, CFP®, CEPA®
Sydney Cale is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Mariner. With over a decade of experience, Sydney has a passion to bring peace of mind to her clients by providing clarity and confidence in their financial futures. Sydney serves on the board at First Fridays Fort Wayne as well as Board Treasurer for All for One Productions (faith-based theatre).
Moderator
Austin Thoms, CFP®
Austin Thoms is a committed Certified Financial Planner® at Wealth Advisors Group with a passion for helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. Beyond his professional endeavors, Austin is a devoted family man, happily married, and the proud father of three young daughters. Austin also serves as an Airbnb host, sharing his hospitality with guest from all over the world. In addition, Austin is a podcast host of 2300 Reasons Why where he helps bridge the gap between faith and finances. Furthermore, Austin is deeply involved as the Deacon of Stewardship at Northeast Christian Church, where he helps guide and support the congregation in matters of financial stewardship and charitable giving.
Panelist
Steven Gilbert, CFP®, APMA®, RICP®
Financial Planner | Gilbert Wealth
I am a native to Northeast Indiana and went on to attend Cedarville University receiving a double major in accounting and finance with a Bible minor. Upon graduation, I moved out to DC for a work opportunity at Accenture Federal Services. In 2014, I started my career in personal finance quickly becoming a branch operations leader. After earning my CFP designation, I transitioned to advising clients focusing on retirement. I moved back to the Fort Wayne area in 2018 and continued my career in providing comprehensive advice to clients in all walks of life. In 2021, I launched Gilbert Wealth, a fixed fee only financial planning and wealth management practice to serve clients preparing for and transitioning into retirement. I am active at Blackhawk Ministries and helping out with JA.
Panelist
Gwen Ruppert, AAMS™, MBA
Associate Vice President, Investments, Raymond Jones
I am an Allen County resident who grew up in Whitley County. Earned my Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Indiana University - Fort Wayne and a Masters of Public Affairs from Indiana University – Fort Wayne as well as a MBA from WGU. Previously worked as a Probation Officer in Huntington County, Kosciusko County, and Allen County. Where I was the Chief Probation Officer in both Huntington and Kosciusko Counties. While in Huntington County worked with local leaders and founded the Boys and Girls Club of Huntington County in 2001. I was also a founding member of POPAI (Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana) and on the legislative committee for salary guidelines. I have been a Financial Advisor since the spring of 2017. I have
Panelist
served on the Leadership team for our Region and worked along side other advisors throughout the Country. I am presently involved with the Women’s Fund as a committee member and an Active Council member of the GFW Women’s Network.
Spiritual Panel
Keith Edmonds
Keith is a 1983 graduate of Simpson College (Iowa) where he received his Bachelors degree and completed his Masters in Secondary Ed in 1989 and his 2nd Masters in 2010 in School Administration. He taught and coached in Fort Wayne Community Schools for 28 years eventually becoming a High School Principal for 7 years before retiring in 2017. He currently works as a Careers Coach, a Writer for Fort Wayne InkSpot, and a broadcaster for SummitCitySports and recently received his certification as a Motivational Speaker from the Vera Jones Perseverance Speakers Academy.
Moderator
Joe Jordan
Joe is a lifetime resident of Fort Wayne with over 26 years experience at the executive management level with the primary focus on youth and family development. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Indiana Institute of Technology and a Masters of Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is a BGCA Advanced Executive Leadership graduate, a graduate of Leadership Fort Wayne and is the recipient of the 2017 BGCA Professional of the Year award and the 2019 BGCA Heart & Soul Award. Joe sits on numerous boards including Fort Wayne United, a high profile effort to reduce street violence between law enforcement and youth.
Panelist
Senior Pastor, County Line Church of God
Pastor Stuart Kruse
and concise Biblical teaching. County Line has grown from the small, rural church of his childhood into a congregation that sees over 2,000 people attending each Sunday at their three campuses. But more importantly, over the last 7 years County Line has experienced the hand of God in unimaginable ways. It is evidenced by many who are being introduced to and discipled for Jesus Christ. In just 7 years, County Line has witnessed over 1,000 baptisms and over 1,000 salvations. They have been energized by their vision of “Multiplying the love and joy of Jesus throughout a hurting world...one life at a time.” In 2015, County Line Church of God appeared in Outreach Magazine’s list of the 100 fastest growing churches in America. Stuart attributes all of this to God’s working through the church’s passionate staff, courageous leadership and a congregation with a heart for broken people and obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Stuart Kruse is the Senior Pastor of the County Line Church of God in Auburn, IN. Stuart attended Indiana-Purdue University in Fort Wayne and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1995. After working in the family collector car auction business for several years Stuart sensed the Holy Spirit leading him to pursue vocational ministry. About two years into Stuart’s university study for ministry, County Line Church called him to serve as an Associate Pastor in 2001. He later received his Master’s in Pastoral Ministry from Huntington University in 2004 and was ordained by Indiana Ministries in 2005. In 2009, Stuart became the Senior Pastor at County Line Church. His speaking style is relevant to today’s world with humor, transparency
Panelist
Physical Health Keynote
Kelley Marvin
Kelley’s expertise is backed by years of training in holistic health, nutrition, and integrative wellness: Certified Holistic Health Coach – Institute for Integrative Nutrition (2014), Certified Natural Health Professional – Trinity School of Natural Health (2014), A.S. in Computer Applications & Programming – International Business College (1997), B.S. in Business Administration – MIS – Indiana Institute of Technology (2006).
Her ability to combine data-driven biohacking with ancient healing traditions makes her approach truly unique. She helps women track, measure, and optimize their health using tools like metabolic scales, pH tracking, personalized nutrition, and functional lab markers.
Keynote Speaker
Kelley's Approach & Philosophy: Your body is not broken—it just needs the right environment to heal.
Kelley’s work is centered around understanding the unique needs of each woman’s body and providing the tools, knowledge, and support needed to heal and thrive.
Science-Based: Kelley teaches women how to use biohacking tools to track their progress, optimize metabolism, and support hormonal balance.
Food as Medicine: She helps clients understand how to use real food to nourish their body, reduce inflammation, and restore energy.
Holistic Wellness: From detoxing your home and environment to balancing stress and mindset, Kelley’s approach is truly inside-out healing.
Mental Health Keynote
Missy Blackmer, LMHC, LMFT
CEO, Co-Founder, & Clinical Director of Unboxed Grace Counseling
In the state of Indiana, I hold the titles of Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I've also earned certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), demonstrating my commitment to addressing the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma.
I've had the privilege of working in various roles, both as a therapist and as a clinical supervisor, at institutions like Park Center, Meridian Health Services, Lifeline, and Easterseals ARC of Northeast Indiana. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of the diverse challenges individuals face in their quest for mental well-being.
In addition to my counseling practice, I am also the owner of "The Mental Health Chick." This is more than just a business; it's a platform dedicated to providing mental health education, transformative courses, comprehensive training, and motivational speaking services.
My passion lies in helping women overcome anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma-related challenges. I also work with parents, teenagers, and young adults dealing with issues such as behavior disorders, anxiety, depression, developmental disorders, and the challenges of life transitions. For those who seek faith-based counseling, I'm more than happy to integrate your spiritual beliefs into our therapeutic journey.
Keynote Speaker
Date and Time:
Friday, June 13
8am - 12pm EDT
Location:
Do It Best Foundation Room
1626 Broadway
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
See our Sponsorship Opportunities for Businesses & Organizations:
Wellness
Leader
$750
Includes:
Tickets for 8 guests
Community
Wellness
Leader
$1,500
Includes:
Tickets for 8 guests
Logo on table tent
On-screen promotion
Life
Changer
$3,000
Includes:
Tickets for 8 guests
Logo on table tent
On-screen promotion
Verbal day of recognition
World
Changer
$6,000
Includes:
Tickets for 8 guests
Logo on table tent
On-screen promotion
Verbal day of recognition
60 second verbal or video airtime at event
Vendor table
Limited Vendor Tables Available
for Businesses and Non-profits.
Businesses
$150
Includes:
One six-foot vendor table
2 chairs
2 event tickets
Non-profits
$100
Includes:
One six-foot vendor table
2 chairs
2 event tickets