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

Barista Masyn Zapata serves a drink at Modoc's Market in Downtown Wabash.
Wabash shares the story behind its growth into one of Northeast Indiana’s best-kept secrets

Wabash has spent decades investing in itself and its people-centered developments downtown, creating a quality of life you wouldn’t expect in rural Indiana. Now, slowly but surely, these investments are paying off.  

With experience managing digital strategies and promotions for Fortune 500 companies, Virginia Richardson shares how her company, Tilde Multimedia, is growing in Fort Wayne’s rush to digitize during the pandemic.
Going digital during the pandemic? This Fort Wayne entrepreneur can help

With experience managing digital strategies and promotions for Fortune 500 companies, Virginia Richardson shares how her company, Tilde Multimedia, is growing in Fort Wayne’s rush to digitize during the pandemic.

When the pandemic began, stained-glass artist Kevin Christon constructed a speakeasy bar in his basement to build hope for better times.
Input Home Tours: A Fort Wayne artist shares his Craftsman bungalow with a self-made speakeasy bar

When the pandemic began, this stained-glass artist in The 05 began constructing a speakeasy bar in his basement to build hope for better times. Now, his project is complete.

Ed Snyder opens a 1920s elevator at Freemasons Hall, an affordable event space in Downtown Fort Wayne.
Hidden Downtown: 11 things you might not know about Downtown Fort Wayne

How well do you know Fort Wayne’s city center? We ask “insiders” to share 11 tips that might be off your radar.

Carmen Perry shares the story behind her startup, Carm A. Sutra, a line of comfy loungewear and lingerie designed to bring out the sensuality within.
Meet a Fort Wayne lingerie entrepreneur, bringing sexy back to comfy clothes

Carmen Perry shares the story behind her startup, Carm A. Sutra, a line of comfy loungewear and lingerie designed to bring out the sensuality within.

Nancy Fritz works on her mural during "Elevation. A Summit City Mural Showcase" on the 2400 block of Central Dr. in Fort Wayne.
Voices of South East: Open Walls elevate artists to promote social mobility and inclusive growth

Francisco “Paco” Reyes shares the vision behind Elevation, a rotating mural showcase, highlighting and uplifting local artists.

Recipients of the 2019 Welcoming Fort Wayne Diversity Awards.
Celebrate Fort Wayne’s welcoming community at the 2021 Diversity Awards

Fort Wayne's annual Diversity Awards seek to honor outstanding immigrants, refugees, and those who work to create a welcoming community in Northeast Indiana.  

Input Fort Wayne's Managing Editor will host a conversation with a national food journalist at the 2021 Local Food Forum & Expo.
Input’s Editor will interview a national food journalist at the 2021 Local Food Forum & Expo

Kara Hackett will host a conversation with national journalist Lela Nargi, expanding on Input's food reporting and exploring how local food systems affect the health, wealth, and wellbeing of Northeast Indiana communities.

Fort Wayne artist Adam Garland invited the public to help create a new permanent mural downtown with biodegradable, paint-filled water balloons.
A new mural brings a splash of color to The Landing in Downtown Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne artist Adam Garland invited the public to help create a new, permanent mural downtown with biodegradable, paint-filled water balloons. Here are the results.

in June 2021, Shi'Dasha “Shi” James opened her first location for Shi Essentials Studio and Spa at 5115 North Bend Dr. in Fort Wayne.
Glow up: The entrepreneur behind ‘Slay by Shi’ natural skincare opens her own salon in Fort Wayne

Licensed esthetician Shi'Dasha “Shi” James of Fort Wayne shares how her business providing all-natural skincare products and services is growing.

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