Author

Kara Hackett

Kara Hackett is a Fort Wayne native fascinated by what's next for northeast Indiana how it relates to other up-and-coming places around the world.

After working briefly in New York City and Indianapolis, she moved back to her hometown where she has discovered interesting people, projects, and innovations shaping the future of this place—and has been writing about them ever since. Her work has appeared in The Journal Gazette, Living Fort Wayne, Glo Magazine, FoxNews.com, and The Huffington Post.

In January 2018, Kara helped launch Input Fort Wayne, in partnership with its parent company, Issue Media Group, based in Detroit, Mich., and a coalition of regional sponsors.

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @karahackett.

Kara Hackett's Latest Articles

Sharon Tucker, Executive Director of Vincent Village, in front of the Sally Weigand Community Center.
Who’s unhoused in Fort Wayne? Often, it’s mothers and those escaping abuse without social networks

“Single mothers are at greater risk of being unsheltered because of the multitude of barriers they have to face as opposed to family units, where one spouse can stay home while the other works. Single parents don’t have that option.”  

The "Mise & Place" crew behind the scenes, filming Season One in Downtown Fort Wayne.
Go behind the kitchen doors of Fort Wayne’s food scene with the film series ‘Mise & Place’

“Why can’t we use the production resources we have in Fort Wayne to create the type of films we would want to watch on TV about things happening right in our own backyard?”

Andre Portee is the Fort Wayne artist and creator of AbsorbALL, renovating basketball courts at local parks into playable murals.
#PlacesofNEI: There’s a new basketball court mural at Reservoir Park

AbsorbALL is renovating basketball courts at local parks into playable murals.

SoundWalk is a free smartphone app that pairs music and stories to places using GPS technology. 
Deepening a neighborhood’s cultural memory: This Fort Wayne audio tour shares resident stories

The SoundWalk app pairs music and podcast-like stories of local residents and historians to physical places, inviting residents to share neighborhood memories.

A gallery called Our Web features artists and teams from around the world, offering alternative ways to experience the internet and human connection online.
What could make the internet more positive? That’s the question behind a new gallery in Fort Wayne

From July 21-Sept. 10, Our Web features artists and teams from around the world, offering alternative ways to experience the internet and human connection online.

The Indiana Rail Experience in Northeast Indiana features various train rides throughout the year, including an all-day ice cream train and a wine and whiskey train.
Climb aboard a historic steam locomotive with the Indiana Rail Experience

The Indiana Rail Experience in Northeast Indiana features various train rides throughout the year, including an all-day ice cream train and a wine and whiskey train.

An art installation at 1232 Crescent Ave. in Fort Wayne has 780 flowers taped to the wall upside down—one for every child, ages 0-17, killed by gun violence in the U.S. so far this year.
#PlacesofNEI: A Fort Wayne art installation draws attention to gun violence

A Fort Wayne art installation at 1232 Crescent Ave. in Fort Wayne has 780 flowers taped to the wall upside down—one for every child, ages 0-17, killed by gun violence in the U.S. so far this year.

Alle Wims of Brain Geeks Learn educational services works with her student Charles during a private tutoring session at PENTA Center, 2513 S. Calhoun St.
Investing in people: Building inclusive networks to support young creatives in Fort Wayne

“It’s not just about networking, but making sure we are building a broader and stronger network for others.... We’re trying to make sure folks have the equity they need to be successful.”  

Jamie Curtis in her apartment on Edgewater Ave. in the Lakeside Park neighborhood.
Home Tours: Explore a cigar-factory-turned apartment by the riverfront near Downtown Fort Wayne

“I’d say my greatest inspiration comes from living in Haiti, my island home—a place filled with life and color. I want my apartment to reflect that.”

Jenee Johnson is Program Manager for Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana (JANI).
Investing in People: Validating and spotlighting young entrepreneurs in Fort Wayne

Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana’s Jenee Johnson shares how she meets young entrepreneurs—and introduces them to Fort Wayne’s network of support.

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