Meet the 2026 Leadership Award Recipients
The recipients of the 2026 Nonprofit Leadership Awards were honored at Foellinger Foundation’s Annual Meeting on January 22, 2026!
Ashley Wagner, Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI), Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award Recipient
Donna Elbrecht, Easterseals Northeast Indiana, Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award Recipient
Jill Boggs, Turnstone, Nonprofit Board Member Leadership Award Recipient
Learn more about each recipient below.
Ashley Wagner, Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award Recipient
After nearly a decade volunteering as Market Manager, Ashley Wagner became the Market’s first employee in 2019. She transformed the YLNI Farmers Market into an award-winning community hub and economic driver, expanding access, boosting local business visibility, and increasing community engagement. YLNI received a $10,000 grant for Ashley’s professional development!
What’s your leadership “philosophy”? How would you describe your approach to leadership?
I like to go against the flow. I don’t want to be like everyone else, nor do I want our market to imitate any other farmers markets. I’m going to lead in a way that makes us stand out on purpose; we will do things differently intentionally.
Which of your accomplishments at YLNI Farmers Market are you most proud of?
This is a challenging question. I often feel like I just direct vendors to their setup spots each morning, and they handle everything else. They bring the atmosphere—the contagious, joyful energy of the market—that draws in customers, our community. I’m proud of them for choosing to dedicate themselves to being there every Saturday, rain, shine, snow, or ice. I’m grateful to the YLNI board for allowing me to do this year after year. Additionally, I’ve always had an incredible team of staff, volunteers, and committee members who stand beside me, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. It has taken each of us to build this market. From five vendors in 2004 to over 170; from a few hundred weekly visitors to more than 10,000; from under the awnings of the History Center to closing a few city streets—I’m proud to share this story and be part of its rich history.
If you could speak directly to another nonprofit staff member, what advice and/or encouragement would you offer them?
Take leadership classes. Figure out your style. Listen to advice and take what resonates with you. When you fail, evaluate, learn, and keep moving forward. Also, apologizing is a powerful tool; it's okay to be wrong. Lead by example; don’t ask your team to do what you wouldn’t do yourself. Lastly, don’t be afraid.
Congratulations, Ashley! We’re so grateful for your leadership in making Allen County a more vibrant community
Donna Elbrecht, Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award Recipient
Since becoming CEO in 2010, Donna Elbrecht has transformed Easterseals Northeast Indiana into a model of innovation and stability. She has restructured governance, expanded donor engagement, and redirected resources to mission-driven programs, including teen and transition initiatives, wellness coordination, and an on-site health clinic. Easterseals received a $10,000 grant for Donna’s professional development!
What’s your leadership “philosophy”? How would you describe your approach to leadership?
My approach to leadership involves collaborating with my team to establish clear strategic priorities and supporting our leaders and teams in executing them—either by providing assistance or stepping back when needed. I spend significant time analyzing customer strategies. Since the payers for our services are not the end users, it’s essential to prioritize those we serve by developing strategies that meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities while also navigating external funding priorities and being good stewards of our donors, grantors, and other stakeholders.
Which of your accomplishments at Easterseals are you most proud of?
I take pride in our organization’s many achievements over the years. We are now supporting more individuals and families than before. Our advancements in healthcare for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities have resulted in better preventive care and overall health outcomes. The on-site health clinic remains a key innovation, ensuring access to appropriate health services at the right time and place. Our employment programs are our flagship efforts, successfully preparing people for work and helping them find roles aligned with their goals.
If you could speak directly to another nonprofit executive or a rising leader, what advice and/or encouragement would you offer them?
Remain committed to your mission despite numerous needs. It may feel daunting, but trust that doing the right things will attract funding to support your efforts. This involves maintaining intentional focus, staying objective, and prioritizing listening over speaking.
Congratulations, Donna, and thank you for making Allen County a place where each person has the chance to thrive.
Jill Boggs, Nonprofit Board Member Leadership Award Recipient
Through her vision and leadership, Jill has positioned Turnstone and Fort Wayne as premier destinations for adaptive sports. Jill’s dedication draws new events, athletes, and supporters—keeping adaptive sports thriving in Fort Wayne and ensuring our community remains inclusive and welcoming to people of all abilities. Turnstone received a $25,000 unrestricted operating grant!
What’s your leadership “philosophy”? How would you describe your approach to leadership?
My leadership style is diplomatic, emphasizing inclusion as my top priority. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, collaborative, positive, and energetic environment. I often compare a nonprofit’s administration to the lungs of the organization, as our role is to breathe life into the team so they can have the greatest impact. Fortunately, my personal values align with those of my organization, which makes everything click. If your values don’t align, it's important to recognize this and consider joining an organization that better fits your mission to serve others.
What motivates you to dedicate your time to Turnstone’s mission?
Let me count the ways! Inspired by Turnstone’s services and clients' stories of strength, I applaud the board and staff for their commitment to excellence. Governance has always mattered to me, and as chair of Turnstone’s governance committee, I enjoy working with the board. I respect the leadership and their passion for Turnstone. The energy of staff, clients, athletes, donors, and partners motivates me to support financially, attend events, and improve adaptive sports and accessibility in our region. It’s a values match that drives my service.
Reflecting on your time with Turnstone, what is one of the greatest successes you and your fellow board members have helped achieve?
Several factors contributed to our successes, including the board's vision in building the Plassman Athletic Center and a successful capital campaign led by retired CEO Nancy Louraine. This expanded adaptive sports events and services for Turnstone athletes. After Nancy's retirement, CEO Mike Mushett, with extensive adaptive recreation and Paralympic experience, activated the new fieldhouse and turned Turnstone into a U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site. These elements—applied vision, campaign success, and a smooth leadership transition—fostered organizational growth.
If you could speak directly to others interested in community involvement, what advice and/or encouragement would you offer them?
Align your values and passion with the organization you want to serve. Learn everything you can before you sit at a board table. You have a right to know as much as possible before accepting a nomination to serve in this role. Please do not serve if you cannot fully commit your time, talent, and treasure. Nonprofit boards need highly engaged and passionate members. Not being fully invested in your role is a disservice to the organization, its mission, and the people it serves.
Congratulations, Jill! Thank you for creating a more inclusive Allen County.
Please help us extend our gratitude to every nonprofit board member, executive, and staff member who was nominated for an award! Thank you for being champions of opportunity. Because of you—and the legacy you are building—Allen County will become a stronger, more vibrant community.