Building a climbing gym in Fort Wayne 🧗🏽 | I own 2 homes but live in a van 🚐 | DM me a dad joke & let's be friends 😂 | Army National Guard 🇺🇸

I remember in grade school I was a loser with no vision or purpose for my life. One day, I met this lady who had pizza outside my middle school. She volunteered her time for an after school program where they created a fun space for kids to be kids. I went to the after school program because, let's be honest, there was pizza.

I finally found a place where I belonged, a place where I could discover who I am. She mentored me. She helped me with my first interview, college applications, and devastating high school break ups. 

She demonstrated intentionality and genuinely wanted what's best for me which is counter cultural. I  had no money to give and nothing to contribute. Yet, she invested in me anyways.

Now I want to give back. I live to equip, encourage, and empower people to reach their potential. I have no expectation of return, only invitation to be better humans.

Edwin Chow, PMP

What do you get when you put a professional soccer play, an architect, TikTok Influencer, Entrepreneur, and Mr. Fort Wayne in a room?

A reminder that Fort Wayne attracts way more talent than people realize.

This panel was intentionally curated to speak to the Best in Class, high school seniors hand-selected by their teachers, principals, and coaches for their leadership, character, and impact.

It was an incredible opportunity to cast vision, share what’s possible here, and show why so many people are choosing to invest into Fort Wayne.

Thank you Greater Fort Wayne Inc. for the invitation and what you're doing for us. 

Thank you to the panelists, Brett Gauger, Sam Casteneda, Janzin Cripe, and Taylor Tropp, AIA Associate — I learned so much from each of you.

And thank you to the students — the future needs your ideas, your talent, and your courage.

Built Fort Wayne's first climbing gym 🧗🏽 | I own 2 homes but live in a van 🚐 | DM me a dad joke & let's be friends 😂 | Army National Guard 🇺🇸

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