How can we strengthen our neighborhoods and uplift the residents who call them home?
The event will feature a keynote presentation from Seth Kaplan, author of “Fragile Neighborhoods,” who will share insights on the vital role neighborhoods play in shaping the health, resilience, and opportunities of the people who live in them.
Following the keynote, Foellinger Foundation President and CEO Sarah Strimmenos will lead a panel conversation with community leaders. We look forward to a rich discussion on how we can strengthen our neighborhoods and uplift the residents who call them home!
Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner catered by Blu Spoon. Free, accessible parking is available on-site adjacent to the building.
This event is by invitation only. RSVPs required
“Seth Kaplan reminds us that it is not enough for cities to merely have strong economics. A successful community requires strong social institutions: people working together, humbly, to build prosperity from the bottom up. ‘Fragile Neighborhoods’ gives a path for even the most struggling communities to experience prosperity and a higher quality of living.”
– Charles L. Marohn, Jr.
Founder and President, Strong Towns
About Seth Kaplan
Seth D. Kaplan authored “Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time” and is a leading expert on fragile states. He is a Professorial Lecturer in the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, Senior Adviser for the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), and consultant to multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and OECD as well as developing country governments and NGOs.
In “Fragile Neighborhoods,” Kaplan offers a bold new vision for addressing social decline in America, one zip code at a time. By revitalizing our local institutions—and the social ties that knit them together—we can all turn our neighborhoods into places where people and families can thrive.
Panelist Bios:
Mayor Sharon Tucker, City of Fort Wayne
Mayor Tucker is the 37th mayor of Fort Wayne and the first Black female mayor in Fort Wayne’s history. She previously served as Executive Director of Vincent Village, in addition to being the City Councilwoman for Fort Wayne’s 6th District, a position she held from 2020–2024. She was the first Black female to hold that position as well. Mayor Tucker is a Foellinger Foundation Leadership Alumnus.
Tamesha Fikes, MidWest America Federal Credit Union
Tamesha Fikes has worked in the financial services industry for 19 years. Her love for financial empowerment and helping those in her community are what inspire her daily, working to help others better themselves. Tamesha is also a member of Foellinger Foundation’s Thrive Committee.
Javier Mondragon, Bridge of Grace
Javier Mondragon founded Bridge of Grace in 2012. He aspired to create a ministry with an open-door policy to the community after feeling that church doors were closed to him during his childhood in Mexico. Bridge of Grace aims to break the cycle of poverty by building thriving and sustainable neighborhoods in southeast Fort Wayne.
Please contact Amanda Jamison at amanda@foellinger.org with any questions.
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