Description

The Allen County Leaders Luncheons are an event series designed to inspire and educate with topics chosen for their relevancy to GFW Inc. members and our community. 

Our spring event will focus on the powerful shift our workforce is experiencing as new generations overlap, workplace expectations evolve, and new opportunities for leadership emerge. As seasoned professionals transition out and a younger workforce steps in, organizations are navigating a multi-generational environment shaped by differing values, communication styles, and professional preferences. This educational luncheon will blend a dynamic keynote speaker with a Gen Z panel of local leaders sharing how these differences show up and how to lead through them effectively to elevate your talent attraction and retention efforts.

You’ll gain insight into what motivates emerging talent, how each generation influences the workplace, and how to bridge the gaps without losing the strengths each group brings to the table. Our Gen Z panelists will offer candid insight into their lived experiences— sharing how they define success, what drives their decision-making, and what they’re truly looking for in a workplace. You’ll also hear directly about common misconceptions, where they feel misunderstood, and where they believe they bring the most value. 

Ideal Audience: executive leaders, managers, HR/talent acquisition, people development, hiring teams, etc.

Join us for this impactful conversation and a glimpse into the future of your workforce!

Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Whitney Bandemer, Principal, WB Consulting, LLC
 
Whitney Bandemer is a recovering lawyer, experienced people leader, and creator of Lead Boldly Learning. She is the principal at WB Consulting, LLC based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. WB Consulting focuses on consulting and training services. Her bold, people-centered approach teaches practical skills for leading people well and creating workplaces where people are more collaborative, effective, and focused on the mission.

Whitney held senior leadership roles at Manchester University, Trine University, and the Appalachian College of Pharmacy. She was named a 2024 Champion of Change by Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Whitney holds a J.D. from the University of Tennessee and a B.A. from the University of Virginia. Whitney currently serves on the boards of Benchmark Human Services, Indiana Institute of Technology, Don Wood Foundation (chair), and AWS Foundation (chair).

Meet Our Panel Speakers:

• Ben Burkle, Economic Development Associate, Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
• Audriana Wolfe, Talent Development Specialist, Fort Wayne Metals
• More coming soon!

Event Details:

• Please share any dietary restrictions in your registration. To ensure we can properly support your needs with our caterers, requests must be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
• GFW Inc. is committed to building events that are inclusive and accessible to all. Please indicate any accommodations needed to participate in your registration so we can plan accordingly. Requests may be submitted at any time, including the day of the event.
• Registration Deadline: Friday, May 22, 2026
• NOTE: Payment is considered your reservation and is non-refundable.