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.
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,...
Angelica Healy’s journey to becoming the director of operations at St. Margaret’s House wasn’t always a clear path. Embracing life’s twists and turns, Healy’s journey reflects a commitment to community and self-discovery. Growing up in...
By the time James “Jim” Boger was in fourth grade, he already knew he wanted to be a teacher. Now, after a 30-year career with Brandywine Community Schools in Niles, Michigan, Boger prepares to retire as the principal of Brandywine Elementary...
From her roots in a small farming town to her role as Goshen’s first female mayor, Gina Leichty’s journey has been anything but linear. Her experiences in nonprofit work, communications, and entrepreneurship helped shape her into the leader she...
As president of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and chair of the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership, Pete McCown has made a lasting impact on the region. His leadership and commitment to the community has been instrumental in...
It’s not too often that you find a job that makes you feel like you're living your dream, but for Shelley Becker, that’s exactly how she feels as director at LoveWay, an equine-assisted service organization. Though she has always had a heart...
