Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards
The 2024 Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards celebrate the achievements of exceptional immigrants and refugees, native community individuals, organizations and companies that have demonstrated a strong commitment to multiculturalism, and others who have shown dedication to creating a welcoming Fort Wayne community. The awards are presented by Welcoming Fort Wayne, a chapter of Welcoming America and an initiative of Amani Family Services.
There are three categories:
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Lifetime Achiever: Honors an experienced leader who has devoted a significant portion of their career and volunteer work to the immigrant and refugee community. Their service has deeply impacted multiculturalism in Allen County for more than a decade.
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Emerging Leader: Honors a newcomer to the multicultural community who has demonstrated exceptional resilience and commitment to improving the community and lives of immigrant/refugee families through their burgeoning career or volunteer work.
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Welcoming Organization: Recognizes a for-profit or nonprofit organization that has made a lasting effort to be inclusive and welcoming through engagements with the refugee and immigrant refugee community. In addition to its external efforts, the organization demonstrates multicultural representation at various levels of leadership and has taken initiative in hiring immigrants and refugees in Allen County, Indiana.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Pascal Losambe is the Co-Founder, Chief Content Officer, and Senior Consultant for Synergy Consulting Company. He holds a Bachelor’s in Molecular Biology and biochemistry from Middlebury College, a Master of Science in Biology from Boston College where he received the Donald J. White Award for teaching excellence, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Purdue University focusing on cultural competence. He currently serves as the Director of Diversity and Community Life at Columbus Academy.
Dr. Losambe’s commitment extends beyond academia; he played a vital role in the United Front Initiative. He contributed as the keynote presenter and co-curriculum developer, fostering regional unity and reconciliation. Together with his wife and business partner, Dr. Crystal Losambe, he co-authored the impactful book “Breaking the Barriers to Belonging: United by Our Biology and Shared Humanity.”
As a sought-after consultant, Dr. Losambe addresses diverse topics like diversity, equity, inclusion, educational leadership, and organizational culture. His influence is felt in strategic vision initiatives for institutions and workshops on cultural competence at national and international conferences. Recognitions include the Mosaic Award 2018 and invitations to advisory boards at Purdue University and other esteemed organizations, showcasing his dedication to excellence. Dr. Losambe’s prior service on the Independent School Association of the Central States Equity and Justice Committee Board further emphasizes his commitment to equity and justice.