News

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Nov. 12, 2024 — The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) has named Brenda Gerber Vincent as the 2024 recipient of the Dr. Daryl Yost Community Impact Award. Presented at The Daryl Yost Ideas@Work event, the award honors individuals who lead transformational change within the community and carry forward the legacy of the late Dr. Daryl Yost, known for his humility, commitment to serving others, and lasting impact on Fort Wayne and beyond.

Brenda Gerber Vincent, chief impact officer at Greater Fort Wayne Inc., exemplifies the leadership, compassion, and dedication celebrated by the award. Nominated by John Urbahns, CEO of Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Gerber Vincent is recognized for her ability to foster meaningful relationships, drive impactful initiatives, and exceed expectations in her work to build a stronger community.

“Brenda is an extraordinary leader, possessing a unique blend of grace, humility, and a deep commitment to positive change,” Urbahns said. “Her work with the Fort Wayne Carriage House, 100+ Women Who Care, and the United Front Initiative has transformed these organizations and created lasting benefits for our community. Brenda embodies Dr. Yost’s legacy—she serves with humility, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Among her many contributions, Gerber Vincent is a co-founder and 27-year board member of the Fort Wayne Carriage House, a “clubhouse” model facility that supports more than 1,600 members struggling with severe mental illness. Through her advocacy, she helped secure essential funding to Carriage House, enabling expanded services statewide.

As a founding member of the Allen County 100+ Women Who Care, Gerber Vincent has contributed to raising nearly $1 million for local nonprofits. Her influence also extends to boards including the Parkview Health Systems Board, Love Fort Wayne, and the Vera Bradley Foundation, where her leadership has enriched each organization.

Brenda Gerber Vincent currently serves on numerous boards and committees, including the United Front Initiative, the Board of Governors for the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series, 100+ Women Who Care, the Vera Bradley Foundation, the Carriage House, Love Fort Wayne, and the Parkview Health Systems Board. She has also served as a governor-appointed bicentennial commissioner and was the only representative from northeast Indiana appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb to serve on the Opportunity Zones Task Force, a federal initiative aimed at increasing private-sector investments in low-income areas in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana.

Gerber Vincent’s tireless work reflects her unwavering faith and passion for service, mirroring the compassionate spirit and lasting impact of Dr. Yost. Her contributions have not only transformed lives but have also strengthened the organizations and communities she serves.

The NIIC is honored to recognize Brenda Gerber Vincent as the 2024 Dr. Daryl Yost Community Impact Award recipient. Her achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on a community—a legacy the NIIC is proud to honor.

Contact:
Jami Thomas
Senior Director of Business Development
Northeast Indiana Innovation Center
Phone: 260-416-3441
Email: jthomas@niic.net
Website: https://niic.net/ideasatwork