View the pictures from the ReThinking Health Breakfast

Friday, September 27 @ 8:00 am

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

 

HealthVisions Midwest of Fort Wayne is holding its third annual ReThinking Health Breakfast, an event that brings together some of the most influential community leaders and advocates to address the pressing issue of health equity. This year's breakfast will feautre a dynamic panel discussion with esteemed experts who will share their insights and innnovative approaches to creating a more equitable health landscape in our community. Our panelists, each a leader in their respective fields, will explore the challenges and opportunities in advancing health equity, providing attendees with actionable strategies and inspiration to drive meaningful change. 

In addition to the panel discussion, we will proudly present the prestigious Dignity Award, honoring an individual or organization that has made signifcant contributions to improving health equity. Learn more about the Dignity Award and nominations here.

This gathering promises to be an enlightening and impactful morning, fostering collaboration and sparking new ideas for a healthier, more just community. 

Tickets
Individual – $50.00
Table of 8 – $400.00
Sponsor a Guest Ticket - $50.00
Can't Make It? Donate!   Sponsorship Opportunities

Our Panelists

Meg Distler
St. Joseph Community Health Foundation


Meg Distler, a Fort Wayne native, has dedicated her life to serving her community, particularly through her work with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ since 1993. She has held leadership roles in various nonprofit organizations in northeast Indiana and currently chairs several boards, including Ivy Tech Community College Northeast Indiana and the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance’s Health Equity Workgroup. Recognized for her philanthropic efforts, Meg was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Saint Francis in 2024 and was named Fort Wayne's Citizen of the Year in 2010 for her work with the Burmese Refugee Community. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she remains an enthusiastic supporter of its football team.

Angela Stanley
Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne


Angela Stanley is a Senior Impact Advisor at the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, where she manages grants administration, builds relationships with grantees, and co-leads the Youth Empowered Philanthropy program. With a background in political science from Purdue University and a graduate degree in American politics from Ohio State University, Angela spent seven years at a racial justice and public policy research institute, focusing on community transformation through grant funding. Prior to her current role, she worked as the Vulnerable Populations Program Officer at the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation in Fort Wayne.

Sarah Strimmenos
Foellinger Foundation


Sarah’s experience includes nearly thirty years in the accounting and banking industry before she became the President and CEO of Foellinger Foundation in 2024. Her history with the Foundation dates back 25 years, managing the audit as a CPA at an independent firm for 10 years. She later served on various Foellinger Foundation committees and the board of directors. An avid community advocate, she has dedicated her time to various nonprofit boards, committees, and other volunteer efforts, and believes in their ability to create meaningful change for Allen County residents. A native of Fort Wayne, Sarah enjoys reading, playing golf, and spending Lake Pleasant summers with family and friends.

HealthVisions Midwest Dignity Award

The HealthVisions Midwest Dignity Award Criteria

HealthVisions Midwest recognizes the important role of people who humbly serve and sacrifice to help others live healthier lives. In that spirit, we award this honor annually, using guidelines based on our core values, including Dignity and Respect for All. The criteria for the Dignity Award are as follows.

Dignity Award recipients are those who:

  • Listen attentively and respond courageously to the needs of the time.
  • Willingly serve wherever the need arises.
  • Advocate on behalf of those who are underserved.
  • Use their own skills and talents to help increase the overall health and life of others who are differently skilled.
  • Respect and affirm others regardless of race, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, status, or ability.
  • Treat people equitably, demonstrating that each human being has rights and responsibilities.
  • Intentionally collaborate with others who embrace a common mission to achieve the greatest impact, regardless of individual recognition. 

HealthVisions may award two Dignity recipients. One for an organization or group. The second is for an individual. The 2023 recipients were: Refugee Resettlement Services/Catholic Charities and Tiann Aughinbaugh. If you know an group or individual who meets the criteria for a Dignity Award, please complete the online form by August 23, 2024. The Dignity Award winner will be announced at the 3rd Annual ReThinking Health Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. 

Thank You to our Sponsors!