Northern Indiana is full of people working hard every day to make their communities a better place. Since 2011, GreatNews.Life has been putting the spotlight on the people spreading this positivity in the Region with our Life in the Spotlight series. New articles are published every Wednesday, so be sure to check back often to learn more about the stories of great people doing great things in Northern Indiana.
Laurel Ridgway had to fly around the country before finding their home in the Midwest. Born and raised in Nebraska, Ridgway spent time in Indiana, Minnesota, and Massachusetts before settling down in Portage, Michigan as an animal ambassador manager...
Sean English hails from metro Detroit, Michigan. He formed his connection to Indiana when he decided to become an undergraduate at Purdue University, studying communications. He’s stayed in the state since and currently works to keep the community...
Mark Tarner was born in Warsaw, Indiana, but moved to South Bend when he was little. When he was younger, he had a paper route. He attended Clay High School and then went on to earn a master’s at Eastern Illinois University, which is where he also...
For 25 years, Dee Dee Gerber has been a dedicated educator within the School City of Mishawaka. As an English teacher and instructional coach at Mishawaka High School, she brings a deep passion for literature and writing that traces back to her own...
With years spent working in higher education and nonprofit leadership, Sam Centellas’ career has been defined by a passion for community. Now, as the executive director of CDFI Friendly South Bend, he continues to bring positive change to the...
James Solarek and his wife have been heavily involved with foster care affairs since 2012. In 2019, they launched Michiana Family Center, a nonprofit dedicated to providing assistance and support to foster children and adoptive families. Solarek...
From drawing and working with pastels as a child to discovering a love of photography in high school, Kaylee McQueen has always been passionate about the arts. What started out as a hobby transformed into a calling when she decided to launch her own...
Matt Harrington always hoped to make a difference in the world one day. Today, as the president and CEO of LOGAN Community Resources, Inc., he’s doing just that — leading an organization dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and...
From early community involvement as a child and transformative years with AmeriCorps to eventually becoming the superintendent of Elkhart Parks and Recreation, Jamison Czarnecki has always fostered a commitment to community and service. Now in his...
For 28 years, Kelly Heying has co-owned Buy Me Toys & Comics in Mishawaka alongside her husband. While she didn’t grow up around comic books and collectibles, it has since become something she is deeply passionate about. A South Bend native,...
