Recent Developments and Community Initiatives in Northwest Indiana

SPARK Summit Promotes Creativity and Leadership

The Society of Innovators at Purdue University Northwest hosted the inaugural SPARK Summit in May. About 150 high school students from six Northwest Indiana schools attended the event at PNW’s Westville campus. The summit aimed to inspire creativity, innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking through keynote presentations, workshops, and discussions. Students learned from notable speakers like INDYCAR driver Charlie Kimball and branding strategist Olivia West. Topics covered included overcoming obstacles, personal branding, creative collaboration, and cultivating an innovation mindset.

Speakers included Matthew Jones, Faith N. Spencer, Charlie Kimball, Olivia West, Emmani Ellis, and Jason Williams.

NWIBRT Executive Appointments for 2026

The Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable has announced its 2026 Executive Committee officers. The leadership team, representing various industries, aims to advance safety and workforce development in the region’s construction and industrial sectors. The newly appointed officers are:

• Chair: Robert Joseph, ArcelorMittal USA Research
• Vice Chair: Jacob Lenson, Purdue University Northwest
• Treasurer: Adam Fauth, NIPSCO
• Secretary: Dewey Pearman, Construction Advancement Foundation
• Executive Director: Andrea Pearman

Board of Directors members include representatives from prominent organizations such as Steel Cities Steels, Franciscan Health, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, and United States Steel Corp.

HealthLinc Expands Services with New Office

HealthLinc will open a new office in Newton County on June 5, with a community celebration in Morocco. Located at 102 E. State St., the event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature free health screenings, provider meet-and-greets, giveaways, and family-friendly activities. HealthLinc aims to increase access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare in Newton County. As a federally qualified health center, it offers care regardless of the patient’s financial situation.

Suicide Prevention Courses Offered by Franciscan Health

Franciscan Health, in partnership with Sounds of Sarah and the Lake County Health Department, will offer free suicide prevention courses this summer. The QPR Suicide Prevention Course, developed by the QPR Institute, is set to reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative and practical training. The sessions will be held on June 17 and August 4 at Sounds of Sarah in Griffith, from 10 a.m. to noon. Interested participants can register online.

PNW Big Sell Entrepreneurs Win Funding

Purdue University Northwest recently held its 2026 PNW Big Sell, awarding seed funding to three entrepreneurs. The annual pitch competition supports aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses. From ten finalists, the competition winners were:

• First Place ($10,000): GlucoCare, presented by Simrah Khan
• Second Place ($3,000): Low Angle, presented by Kenneth Webster
• Third Place ($1,000): The ANT Tool, presented by Aaron Farrer

For more details on the competition and entrepreneurship opportunities at PNW, visit their official website.

Community Baby Shower for Expectant Mothers

In collaboration with other community partners, Franciscan Health is hosting a free community baby shower for expectant mothers. The event, known as the Tea and Tiny Kicks Community Baby Shower, will provide information on the free Count the Kicks app. The app helps pregnant women monitor their baby’s movements for a healthier pregnancy. The baby shower will occur on June 27 at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The event includes educational sessions, gifts, and community resources, requiring registration online.