Each August, enFocus has the opportunity to welcome a new cohort of Fellows. This is an exciting time where new perspectives are added to our meeting rooms, and new community members are connected to the Region.

We have taken the time to carefully select a dozen new Innovation Fellows from our competitive pool of more than 250 applicants. Every member brings unique skills and passions that  will be used to support the diverse needs of our Sponsors. This group of Fellows studied at 6 different universities across the states and represents 3 different home countries. From MBA’s to neuroscience, mechanical engineering to environmental management majors, their broad backgrounds equip them to drive impact and innovation across our key service areas. On just their second day of orientation the Fellows received their assignments and quickly started on some background research, eager to find how their contributions will fit into the larger work.

For a few of our incoming Fellows, working with enFocus is nothing new. After working with enFocus in some temporary capacities, these individuals have decided to return for a full-time engagement.  Joseph McKeirnan, M.S. Management, is excited to extend and expand his work after a recent internship with the Industry Portfolio. Lisa Slomka, a 2021 graduate of Notre Dame’s ESTEEM program, will be continuing her work to support the City of South Bend’s community investment initiatives through program administration. Lastly, returner Nick Dybas, and engineer by degree, will be joining our full-time cohort after completing a stint of service with enFocus as an AmeriCorps member. The nine other new Fellows are eager to get to know the area, its stakeholders, and the problems they’ll be working to address. Sarah Ochoki describes this by saying, “I’m passionate about educational equity, disability rights, and healthcare accessibility. With these varied interests, I hope to explore the work being done in South Bend to improve community equity.”

In addition to benefiting from the new skills and capacity that this cohort brings, our team enjoys the opportunity to view the area and our work for the first time again. Onboarding week means talking about our favorite events, places, and people across the Region - it’s the time of year we schedule get-to-know-you meetings at one of our local coffee shops. When we see the new cohort’s excitement to explore the area, and when we hear the new ideas they have to make this place even more special, it's a reminder to continue forward with optimism.

Our interns have experienced a whirlwind of activity throughout their eight-week internship. They have lived, worked, and played throughout the different counties in our region, and experienced the beaches of Lake Michigan to South Bend Cubs at Four Winds Stadium, to the intricate halls of the Lerner Theater in Elkhart and everything else the region has to offer. The work they have completed along their journey has bolstered our efforts in creating maximum impact in our region. Now, they set their sights high as they pursue future career aspirations with their experience they have gained at enFocus.

Current intern Ashley Less expresses, “enFocus has helped me get valuable hands-on experience working across teams and with stakeholders. In User Interface and User Experience Design, working with a variety of teams with different skills and backgrounds, as well as communicating with and developing trust with stakeholders are truly the name of the game. This internship has allowed me to continue working on my technical skills, while also letting me build on the soft skills that you can’t always practice in the classroom.”

After enFocus, Ashley will continue earning her Masters in Human Computer Interaction. She looks forward to applying her real-life experiences.

Priya Khosla is a Northwestern University student earning her degree in Engineering Management. Working on a variety of projects she also shares her future plans after enFocus. She says, “My internship at enFocus has helped me work on challenging projects that have expanded my experience of working in the United States and apply the learnings from my masters course. I also have a much better understanding of the workings of a non-profit organization and was able to see projects have an impact in real-time. I am grateful to my team at enFocus for such a rewarding experience!”

Another intern expresses his experience working in the region throughout the duration of the enFocus internship. Jake Harsch is a South Bend native who has worked on a project focused on promoting entrepreneurship in Elkhart, IN. He aspires to start a small business consulting firm in South Bend focusing on helping other businesses expand their operations.

Jake shares, “My experience at enFocus has deepened my understanding of how organizations can strategically grow, preparing me to contribute to future organizations’ development. Additionally, I have enhanced my communication, teamwork, and time management skills, which will assist me in achieving my future goals.” Jake’s professional involvement at enFocus will enhance his ability as a future entrepreneur and business owner.

Ashley, Priya, and Jake are just three examples from our larger intern cohort of young professionals who will go on to take their enFocus experience and apply it to the real world. Hands-on and engaging professional activities contribute to the impact of our region and the internship opportunity we offer at enFocus. We cannot thank our interns enough for the work they have done, and the work they will continue to do beyond the eight-week experience we have together. We look forward to their success in all their future endeavors.

The internship experience creates meaningful work opportunities for young professionals in our region. As our interns reflect on their experiences, they share the impact enFocus has had on their professional interests, their insights to the region, and the relationships they have built over their eight-week internship.

Samuel Huang, a Masters of Computer Science student at the University of Notre Dame shares how enFocus has impacted his professional interests. He says, “My time at enFocus has been incredibly valuable, providing me with practical professional experience and a deeper understanding of the importance of project ownership and impactful work. This internship has been instrumental in guiding my career discernment.”

During his time at enFocus, Samuel has had the opportunity to work on both a manufacturing and entrepreneurial project. He looks forward to applying what he has learned in the future.

Intern Jerry McBee expands on how he sees his project work as impactful. He shares, “My primary project aims to create a unified development ordinance for the City of Elkhart by garnering resident feedback and incorporating that feedback into the drafting process. We make sure resident voices are heard, that way we can make their lives easier by simplifying the city ordinance, thus having a positive impact on the City.”

Jerry’s work with the City of Elkhart demonstrates how enFocus creates meaningful engagements with local residents to strengthen our region and relationships across communities. We seek to engage local citizens and talent to make informed and impactful change.

Grace Kloster is also a University of Notre Dame student, currently earning her Bachelor of Science in Analytics. She expresses, “enFocus has so many amazing people with a diverse set of experiences that I have been able to interact with and learn from. Whether that’s a conversation about someone’s background and how they reached enFocus, or leaning into someone's expertise to develop a deeper understanding of my own project, I am so grateful to be among such a talented group of people that encourages and supports each other’s growth.”

As we come to the end of our fiscal year, we reflect on the impact enFocus has had on our talented cohorts. Our work wouldn't be possible without the support of our local sponsors, mentors, and connected network of community stakeholders. We continue our commitment of impact and stronger communities by supporting our interns as they apply what they have learned at enFocus towards their future passions.

Learning is a core value at enFocus, and our interns are leaning into their experience and using their existing skills while leveraging new ones. The projects that our interns are working on span from sectors in manufacturing and technology, to childcare and sustainability. Interns Harshit, Caroline, and Maggie describe their current capabilities, how they use them in current projects, and what they are learning throughout their internship experience.

Harshit Pant, an industry intern earning his Masters in Strategy, Operations, and Supply Chain Management for the University of Notre Dame, is exploring career paths in consulting through enFocus’ project based model. His work on projects with iNDustry Labs at Notre Dame and enFocus has strengthened already existing skills in financial modeling, data analysis, AutoCAD, operations and supply chain management, and project management. He is working towards expanding his knowledge in project management and data analysis.

Harshit elaborates on what he has learned since joining enFocus: “During my internship at enFocus, I have acquired valuable project management experience by coordinating grant research and developing comprehensive application documents. Additionally, my analysis of financial models and market data has significantly sharpened my data analysis skills. Midway through my internship, I feel I have already learned a lot in enhancing my skills in consulting, project management, and data analysis.”

Intern Maggie Kearns is also using her background to bolster professional experience for her interests in sustainability and wellness. As South Bend native, she is excited about the opportunity enFocus gives her to work within her community to strengthen the region. She is currently earning her Bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in Bioengineering. She has a strong interest and aptitude for sustainability and environmental wellness. Her project with urban forestry efforts help her develop skills in market research and innovative solutions.

“I believe I bring a unique perspective to the team and I am able to help address solutions by communicating effectively with a diverse group of people. My passion for wellness and sustainability will help me to work collaboratively among many individuals to develop improved solutions to pressing problems in the South Bend community. I am thrilled to work on increasing Urban Forestry in the South Bend area to improve air quality, energy efficiency, and so much more!”

Caroline Quinn, a Psychology student at the University of Notre Dame, is learning to develop and maintain professional relationships. Her background in psychology primes her to relate to others, discover their needs and strategically analyze data to create and implement a plan.

She says, “I am grateful to be given the opportunity to improve my relationship-building skills through collaboration with enFocus staff and sponsors throughout the region. In developing these relationship building skills, I have discovered how to navigate the business world and have gained confidence in doing so. I believe that my internship at enFocus has allowed me to develop valuable skills that will transfer into my personal development not only in the workforce, but in life.”

Each of our interns has strengths that they bring to enFocus. Not only are they gaining specific technical skills, but they are also learning to form meaningful relationships with project sponsors, mentors, and other team members. Their existing skills expand their capacity to learn new ones, and they look forward to applying their newfound knowledge in impactful ways across our region and beyond.

The South Bend-Elkhart region has a host of offerings for entertainment, food, and outdoor fun. Unique opportunities during the enFocus internship include a walking tour through downtown South Bend, IN and scavenger hunts in Elkhart, IN and Niles, MI. The time our interns spend in the region afford them the opportunity to learn about the history and spirit of our local communities. Our interns describe their excitement and experiences as they reach the half-way point of their internship.

Intern Michelle Leon-Cigarroa shared her experience as a Notre Dame student joining enFocus in South Bend throughout the summer.

She expresses, “Although I have called South Bend home for the past three years while attending the University of Notre Dame, I have recently enjoyed exploring what South Bend and Niles have to offer more thoroughly. In every small business, shop, or restaurant I visit, there are friendly faces eager to have a conversation and share their background, something not common in bigger cities.”

Michelle had fun exploring antique shops and looks forward to continuing exploring recommendations of hidden gems throughout the region.

Ryan Singh, a Student at Miami University, Ohio, elaborates on his experience during the Niles scavenger Hunt. He shares, “Niles is the perfect definition of a small American town. They had really cool mom-and-pop businesses there. My favorite store we discovered was called Veni’s Sweet Shop, which was a one-hundred year old store! All the candy is still crafted using the original boilers and utensils, preserving the authentic taste and tradition.”

Like Michelle and Ryan, Mihir Jain also enjoyed how quaint the surrounding region is. He says, “The South Bend-Elkhart region and Southwest Michigan region are both really calm and idyllic places to be. Their own subtle vibe and charm pushes me to explore both places. In Southwest Michigan I enjoyed visiting sweet shops, where I got to know the history of their business, and also explored an antique mall, both unique to the region.”

The adventures of our region don’t stop here. The interns also explored downtown Elkhart and went rafting down the East Race in South Bend. Many of our interns look forward to future adventures around the region as they finish out the second half of their internship experience.

Ellen Tomlins expresses her excitement for regional exploration saying, “I really enjoyed our visit to Niles! We explored a local secondhand bookshop and enjoyed some wonderful afternoon tea. I’m excited to continue visiting the enFocus offices throughout Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan areas in the upcoming weeks to see the many different communities served by our work!”

At enFocus, we seek to engage interns with local businesses, introduce them to new regional experiences, and create a deeper connection to the community so they can better understand the impact they have. We look forward to our commitment to the region and support its impactful history and entrepreneurial spirit.

Learn more about our Interns and how they are forming connections around the region by following us on Facebook and Instagram!

enFocus and the Regional Internship Program (an internship program affiliated with the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership) are hosting a FREE event for both regional employers and young professionals. The event will be held July 10th from 4:30pm-6:00pm at the downtown location of the St. Joseph County Public Library. Current interns in the area will be looking for everything from full-time careers and part-time work through their fall semester, to internships for summer of 2025.

Fill out this interest form to register as a local employer. Students can register at this student RSVP form if they are interested in pre-registration, but it is not required. Participating employers can reserve a table free of charge to display information about their organization and roles available. Unique employment opportunities and experiences for young professionals offered by local manufacturers and businesses continue to provide a diverse range of careers in the South Bend – Elkhart Region.

Louis Holbrook, enFocus Program Coordinator and Regional Career Fair organizer says, “A free opportunity for employers to connect with skilled young professionals offers our region a way to demonstrate all it has to offer. At the same time, it extends students and professionals the opportunity to explore career paths and build their local network. Bringing these groups together fuels the local workforce and ignites passion for local career pathways.”

Whether you are a local employer looking to hire high-skilled talent, a college student home for the summer seeking an internship for next summer, or a high school senior discovering future careers in the area, this career fair is for you. Local partners like enFocus and the Regional Internship Program look forward to bringing together the right talent resources and employer partners.

We look forward to seeing you there and discovering opportunities right here in the South Bend-Elkhart and Southwest Michigan Region! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to keep up with resources in talent and economic development.

Passion is the energy that motivates skills to ignite exceptional change. Over the course of the next eight weeks, our interns share their passion and skills while looking to a future state for both themselves and their impact on our region. Current skills paired with passion will promote the growth of new capabilities and talents. Meet four of our current interns, the skills they are bringing to the table, and the tools and techniques they hope to learn.

Sujal Soni, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State, brings analytical thinking and critical problem solving skills to enFocus. He shares, “I believe I can utilize my skill set to better manufacturing processes in the South Bend-Elkhart region. Assisting with automation strengthens manufacturing and also creates jobs that will further prosper the region.” Throughout his internship, he looks forward to learning about project implementation, data analytics, and financial acumen.

Interns learn more than technical skills, they also learn how to collaborate across teams. Intern Prisha Singhal who is studying Industrial Engineering at Purdue is excited to work with people from different backgrounds and from all over the world. She says, “I am looking forward to collaborating with so many brilliant and kind people of diverse backgrounds this summer. I cannot wait to dive deeper into the startup world, hone my research skills, and work with stakeholders in industry to make an impact in the region.”

Penny Shi also emphasizes her excitement to develop her skills and work collaboratively. She shares, “I would love to develop practical skills that are important for consultants. I also want to grow my network and accumulate work experiences. It is a great opportunity to immerse myself in a professional environment by working on teams.” She is currently earning her Masters in Public Policy from University of Chicago, and she brings skills like market research, communication, and business analytics to enFocus. She hopes to familiarize herself with data visualization tools such as Power BI and Tableau during her internship to independently analyze problems and find solutions.

Passion is big for intern Mark Stotle, who hopes to have a career in sports analytics. This summer, he brings capabilities in data analysis, problem solving, and analytical thinking skills to enFocus. He strives to develop his knowledge in finance and hopes to step outside his comfort zone to learn about the business world outside of math. He elaborates saying, “My career aspirations involve working in sports analytics. This internship prepares me by using my skills for project-based learning and presenting information to others.” There is nothing Mark loves more than combining sports and math through data and social media.

Our interns are paving the way for their passions to shine. The next eight weeks present an opportunity for them to learn from Fellows, Project Managers, and local Sponsors so they can grow and develop in ways that will fuel their future passions and spur local innovation.

Keep in touch with our interns and their adventures around the region by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

They have arrived! Give a warm welcome to this year’s summer interns. Each of our interns come from a unique background with their own strengths and skills. Over the course of the next eight weeks, they will be immersed in all enFocus and the South Bend-Elkhart region has to offer. With majors ranging from computer science and bio engineering, and public policy to financial economics, we can’t wait for them to embrace hands-on learning to find solutions and drive innovation.

There are so many reasons why an intern joins enFocus. For some, it is an opportunity to strengthen their hometown, while for others, it is exciting to gain experience in a specific field of interest. The next eight weeks hold challenges, learning moments, and activities all around the region. Whatever it may be, we are so excited to have our interns here. Don’t take our word for it, see what they are most excited about during their time here at enFocus!

“I am most excited about building relationships with Fellows and the other interns, as well as gaining valuable experience in project management!”–Jerry McBee, Wabash College

“For this internship, I am most excited about suggesting high innovation solutions for the existing challenges of the sponsors.”–Mihir Jain, University of Illinois

“I’m looking forward to delving into Market Strategy Development and the Manufacturing Process improvement services that enFocus offers in Industry Innovation. I believe working directly with clients along with guidance from the fellows will equip me with invaluable hands-on experience and insights to drive impactful change in the South Bend- Elkhart region.”–Sujal Soni, Michigan State University

“I am most excited to connect with the South Bend community in a way I haven't before. As a non-native to the area, working on projects in this community will be a fun and exciting opportunity!”–Mark Stolte, Wabash College

"I am eager to work hard and make substantial progress that creates a meaningful impact during my internship. I look forward to learning the different facets of managing a project and gaining valuable hands-on experience."–Samuel Huang, University of Notre Dame

“I am excited to start our primary and secondary projects soon and see how much of an impact we are making on the community and the South Bend-Elkhart region. I am also looking forward to experiencing the collaborative environment at enFocus!”–Michelle Leon-Cigarroa, University of Notre Dame

“I'm most excited to work on an interdisciplinary team to help make an impact in the community and see a project through to implementation.”–Ashley Less, University of Indianapolis

“I'm excited to join enFocus to gain hands-on experience in consulting and make a meaningful impact on the South Bend community. This opportunity will allow me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world problems, collaborate on innovative solutions, and contribute to the growth and development of the community I've come to call home.”–Harshit Pant, University of Notre Dame

“I look forward to working on projects and engagements. I hope to learn how to communicate with stakeholders and sponsors and build relationships with everyone around me.”–Ryan Singh, Miami University

"I am most excited to dissect complex problems and find viable solutions that will better my community."–Jake Harsch, Holy Cross College

“Throughout my internship, I am excited to work closely with sponsors to strategically analyze their situations, develop a plan to help them grow, and actively put this plan into action. I am looking forward to learning from and building new relationships with many talented individuals both at enFocus and within the region, as we work together to bring about positive change in the community!”–Caroline Quinn, University of Notre Dame

“I look forward to acquiring market research skills this summer and  learning how to apply my engineering skills in an industry setting. I am also excited to explore the South Bend region and connect with the businesses that contribute to the area's economic success!”–Maggie Kearns, Clemson University

"I am excited to learn technical tools to develop a well-thought solution that can maximize the impact I make on the South Bend-Elkhart region. More specifically, I am most excited to engage with the discover, design, and implement model which is what initially drew me into enFocus."–Grace Kloster, University of Notre Dame

Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram as our interns explore the region, learn new skills, and make an impact on our region.

After months of preparation, we are excited to welcome 20+ interns, selected from a pool 350+ applicants, to our internship cohort. Implementing internship coordination goes beyond the traditional idea of assistance on project work. It takes a team to select applicants, plan internship activities, and create programming that will provide a holistic internship experience.

Program Coordinator, Louis Holbrook, is dedicated to finding and cultivating talent at enFocus. He is responsible for recruiting candidates, scheduling and facilitating candidate interviews, and welcoming team members during the onboarding process. His work showcases enFocus’ success in attracting top tier talent, essential for project staffing and overall impact.

He shares, “Recruitment is more than finding talent; it’s about understanding organizational needs, fitting the company culture, and making connections that drive innovation. It’s a dynamic process that requires adaptability, transparency and strategic thinking to attract qualified and aligned individuals for the job.”

His insight to recruiting candidates emphasizes the necessity for enFocus to conduct holistic programming to our interns. During their eight weeks at enFocus, interns will be matched to projects that align with both their skills and interests, so they get hands-on work that is relevant and meaningful to their future career. Additionally, our local partnerships with the South Bend Regional (SBR) Chamber's Intern SBR Summer Connect program, and the Regional Internship Program provide ways for young professionals to connect with the region. An intern program with relevant work, local connections, and opportunities to build stronger communities embodies enFocus’ commitment to showcase the region and make it home.

In addition to continuing long standing events like, exploration of regional hidden gems, intern presentation days, and mentorship efforts, the internship is continuously transforming.

Louis is working closely with Mike Bogdan, Director of Learning and Development, to enhance our programming. This year, they are working to bolster existing efforts like intern presentation opportunities and professional development tracks. At the same time, they are also implementing additional activities like a regional internship career fair that will be open to all interns throughout the region.

Through Louis’ and Mike’s efforts, enFocus is able to host 20+ interns to support projects and local impact. Their work to intentionally build an environment to foster professional growth and learning enhances our internship programs, and goes above and beyond to assimilate individuals to the region. We can’t wait to welcome our interns!

Follow enFocus on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to see all our summertime adventures!

The ability to analyze data cannot exist in a vacuum. It takes a team of collaborators to collect, analyze, sort, and understand what to do with the information that has been collected. Over the past few years, South Bend Community School Corporation has collaborated with enFocus to develop a searchable digital record retention system that will give way to a myriad of other benefits. Now, Fellow Christabel Kunzekweguta is working alongside SBCSC to maximize their new record system by facilitating the collection of qualitative data in the form of surveys and interviews. Most importantly, she is implementing her ability to engage relationships among stakeholders to integrate the new record system at SBCSC.

Digitizing records has a number of benefits. It increases efficiency, assists with team communication, and promotes consistency. It also eliminates risk of destruction of sensitive information through its physical form like theft, fire, or other potential disasters. Together, SBCSC and enFocus are coming together to ensure the new record system is utilized to its fullest potential in day-to-day communications with key stakeholders.

Christabel is working with SBCSC to understand their current needs, implement accommodating resources, and streamline information to make their new system accessible to all stakeholders including, but not limited to, administrative assistants and school administrators. Her background in data analytics aids her in collecting needed information, interpreting data, and formulating a structured plan to help stakeholders adopt the new record system.

She says, “I have been able to leverage qualitative analysis techniques to understand those involved in the project and identify patterns. I look forward to developing a strategy for implementation of a new digital record framework. By using different communication techniques, I ensure that stakeholders are informed and aligned throughout the project.”

Christabel’s background in data analytics will continue to serve her throughout her time with SBCSC. However, Christabel’s work reveals that she is also nuanced in implementing relationship management to build trust among those who will utilize the new technology, and her commitment to incorporate their feedback so the benefit of the new system is maximized.

Christabel shares, “The objective is to identify stakeholders, challenges, and opportunities associated with record management and to gather requirements for designing and implementing a digital record framework tailored to the needs of stakeholders. The data collected will inform the development of a strategy to streamline record management processes and facilitate the adoption of digital solutions across all grade levels within the SBCSC.”

Christabel’s technical skills set her up for success in gathering and analyzing qualitative data to maximize the potential of SBCSC’s new digital record system. But what sets her apart, is how she builds trust and engages employees to understand how they will utilize the technology at hand. enFocus’ value on relationship building, personal connection, and engagement creates an environment that fosters change. We will continue to look forward to the ways in which Christabel continues to listen, build trust, understand insights, and implement relationship management to drive organizational change.

Interested in how enFocus can help you maximize your resources? Learn more about our services.

There is more than one way to define an effective leader. Some may define a leader as flexible, willing, and open minded while others may say a leader is disciplined and direct. Whatever your definition of an effective leader is, it is most important to understand how you set others up for success in a leadership role.

At enFocus, an integral piece to Fellow professional development is implementing leadership and managerial techniques into project work. One way we give Fellows the opportunity to flex their managerial muscle is pairing them with a summer intern. This year, we are preparing Fellows to foster the professional interests of their interns through a project management development series to help them understand managerial techniques, scope projects, and step into a supervisory role that will cultivate their leadership skills.

The enFocus internship allows for a unique experience. It provides interns with a way to explore their professional interests, while also providing Fellows the opportunity to manage someone within the project scope. Melissa Douhan, enFocus Vice President of Programs, completed the first presentation in a managerial series called, “Stepping into Supervision.” The presentation was a large overview of how different leadership styles impact those you supervise. She also covered how to set expectations and give constructive feedback.

Melissa emphasizes, “Embracing change and cultivating strong leadership goes hand-in-hand. At enFocus, we understand the importance of equipping our Fellows with managerial techniques to navigate project complexities and foster team success. Through initiatives like our internship program and leadership development series, we’re empowering leaders within our own organization to shape the future of our region and drive impactful change.”

Melissa’s guidance was invaluable, but it does not stand alone. enFocus Program Coordinator, Louis Holbrook, is also hard at work finding talented interns and preparing our team to foster a holistic work experience. A large part of preparation for interns is determining how to appropriately scope their portion of project work. Scope refers to the parameters of a project that establishes responsibilities required of an individual, timelines, and process for how completed work will be reviewed.

Louis explains the importance of scoping intern projects. He says, “Effective project scoping for interns is crucial as it sets clear expectations, aligns objectives, and maximizes their potential for growth. By defining project parameters, we not only provide interns with focus and direction, but also empower them to make meaningful contributions within a structured framework. The relationship fosters both personal and professional development.”

Implementing managerial techniques like scoping not only helps interns, it also nurtures the Fellowship experience. As a project-based organization, managing an intern is a vital component of the Fellowship journey. It offers a time for Fellows to reflect on their leadership style and refine their management skills while mentoring the intern. It also deepens the Fellow’s understanding of the project, enhances communication skills, and upholds our value of collaboration among our team.

Our Fellows are about to experience a change in their day-to-day tasks as many of them take on supervisory roles when our interns arrive. We are excited to offer our Fellows resources that will help them navigate change, and provide structures that will help them welcome new ideas and different perspectives. We look forward to all the ways our Fellows will implement their managerial techniques and leadership styles as they continue to catalyze change in the South Bend-Elkhart region.

Self-belief is the driving force behind entrepreneurship, and it hinges on the ability of individuals to transform their ideas into tangible outcomes. At Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) they are working to help students understand what opportunities exist throughout the region to bring their entrepreneurial ideas to life. That is why they are expanding resources and programming through IU South Bend’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to provide students with the tools and connections they need to create pathways towards entrepreneurship.

Fellow Chiyedza Chinake is working with IU South Bend Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to prepare and set-up operational structures. After completing a current state analysis survey among students, it was clear that they had an appetite to learn more about entrepreneurship and how they can benefit from incorporating its practices. Those who completed the survey showed that they had interests in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to, healthcare, arts, and entertainment. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship set out to create flexible entrepreneurship programming and education to educate students on the multitude of pathways they can use to access business resources.

Chiyedza’s work with IU South Bend’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship focuses on designing a certificate program in entrepreneurship. A flexible workshop-based program is emerging through Chiyedza’s work and the program will aim to connect students with the appropriate resources to enhance their current field of study. Currently, they are preparing to launch the first workshop during the upcoming summer semester.

Chiyedza shares, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the initiative at IU South Bend’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about business; it’s about realizing the endless possibilities within ourselves. Through this program, we will be empowering young professionals throughout the South Bend-Elkhart region to explore the possibilities of entrepreneurial pathways.”

As Chiyedza’s excitement for the pilot program grows, she and the IU South Bend Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship are currently taking actionable steps to strengthen the connection of students to entrepreneurial resources. The creation of the student ambassador program will help students connect their peers to possible pathways and opportunities in innovation. At the program launch, IU South Bend’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship hit their target number for student ambassadors, and enFocus presented on leadership and how it can be applied to their ambassadorship.

Chiyedza conveys her anticipation of the program sharing, “enFocus was happy to present on leadership and networking and the importance of entrepreneurship in the region, and why advocating for these resources is an exciting opportunity for students. We hope that the inspiration to be a part of the initiative takes hold, and we look forward to advancements that peers will provide to one another in the ever-growing entrepreneurial landscape of South Bend.”

As the IU South Bend Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship moves forward with their collaborative efforts, the horizon of possibilities expands for students. Together, IU South Bend and enFocus are joining forces to foster regional innovation, provide resources, and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit. We are not only cultivating the next generation of innovative leaders, but also building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem where entrepreneurship can grow and thrive.

Big change often has small beginnings. For enFocus, we understand that every step in the right direction has a considerable impact on the future of an organization. As organizations prepare for big changes, enFocus Fellows often implement quick-win solutions as bigger plans come to fruition. Insulation Components, an enFocus sponsor, is a leading manufacturer of insulated shields, blocks, and inserts for plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical insulation industries. enFocus in collaboration with iNDustry Labs is working alongside them in a myriad of different projects ranging from time studies, automation implementation support, and connecting them with local resources to execute on high impact projects.

Insulation Components is seeking to keep pace with the increasing customer demand for insulation shields by improving the efficiency of their product production line. enFocus Fellow Alexis Hu collaborated with Insulation Components to find inefficiencies and propose both short-term and long-term solutions to help them produce more parts. First, Alexis gathered information to create a current state analysis, and visited the manufacturing site to gather information on each step in the production process.

Her attention to detail outlined the current state of Insulation Components’ process and identified opportunities for improvement. From her results, Alexis provided a detailed breakdown and timed production process. While Insulation Components' ultimate goal is to fully automate their production process, Alexis and the enFocus team saw opportunities for quick-wins that will help Insulation Components keep up with customer demands while preparing for the full implementation of their automated product line.

Alexis expands on the types of quick-win solutions they are implementing. She says, “We proposed that Insulation Components adopt a pallet-style decoiler. The impact-to-cost ratio is improved by reduction in change-over time with added benefits of being less strenuous and improving safety for employees. Together, we are implementing the punching machine as a priority because it will increase their competitiveness in their customer market and sales.”

The quick-win solutions Alexis is implementing with Insulation Components will increase their competitiveness, productivity, and safety for their employees. Not only will Insulation Components make more of their products, but they will also help employees advance their skill and bandwidth as they adopt new technologies.

Alexis emphasizes the importance of automation and how it will holistically drive the impact of the entire business. She shares, “Automation empowers employees to learn new skills and increase their work capacity. By streamlining processes and freeing up their valuable time, automation creates new opportunities for manufacturing employees to focus on creativity, innovation, and higher-value tasks, ultimately driving greater success for both individuals and businesses.”

The measures Insulation Components takes now will help them achieve their long term goals. As they work to implement Alexis’ full plan, Insulation Components is taking steps to save time and keep up with product demands. Not only are they excited to advance their production, but they look forward to the increased opportunities for their employees and their surrounding communities as they catalyze change.

Interested in learning how your organization can implement quick-win solutions with enFocus? See our services to learn more.

Our participation in Dancing with Our Stars to raise funds for South Bend Center for the Homeless is a way for enFocus to support an organization that uplifts individuals to strengthen our surrounding community. The Center offers access to resources and brings people together to discover their worth and potential. As we learn our dance and prepare to perform for the event, your vote will contribute to maintaining, continuing, and expanding services that will benefit individual lives at a local level.

The Center is more than a shelter for residents, it meets guests where they are to provide resources for early childhood intervention, veterans, emergencies, food and dining, adult education, career services, afterschool programming, and more. The programming helps residents improve their quality of life through a communal effort to connect them to resources to break the cycle of homelessness.

Recently, enFocus staff and Fellows visited the Center to learn about their services. Alicia Einfalt, enFocus Regional Internship Manager, was a part of the visit and articulates the expansiveness of The Center and what they offer to residents. She shares, “The Center for the Homeless was incredibly welcoming to us, and showed us the great services they offered the community. I was really inspired by their adult education and career courses. It really gives individuals a pathway to create and develop their skills and reenter the workforce.”

Your votes don’t just help our dancing feet, the funds raised will provide sustenance to the Center’s helping hands. A $45 vote will help approximately 18 people access the services they need to overcome homelessness and build a brighter future.

Voting is just one way to support the enFocus Team! You can also join us for our Pack the House event April 2, 2024 where 20% of all purchases (lunch, dinner, drinks, dessert, and gift cards) at the 100 Center Location of Hacienda will be donated towards enFocus votes. Present the token when ordering to make your purchase count.

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Supporting our team as they dance in this year’s Dancing with Our Stars will go beyond the ballroom, and will contribute to the programs that are giving people hope to advance their lives. At enFocus, we are committed to providing hands-on, tangible impact. After more than a decade of participating in Dancing With Our Stars, we know that the South Bend Center for the Homeless is just as committed as we are to providing access and opportunity to those living in the South Bend-Elkhart community. Please join us in our mission to strengthen our community by voting today.

Our Fellows have many diverse skills, but one of the most important is their ability to creatively problem solve. During innovation projects Fellows may encounter something unexpected, but swiftly pivot to keep the project moving forward. Pratt Intermodal Chassis (PIC) is an enFocus sponsor seeking creative problem solving skills to understand how they can improve the efficiency of their plant floor layout. PIC has worked with Fellow Amy Lee to better understand their current state, implement proposed solutions, and work through project related challenges. She looks forward to her facilitating problem-solving skills as she improves PIC’s current state and takes on a full-time role as Project Engineer.

Amy's first collaboration with PIC was to optimize the plant’s workflow, maximize space utilization, and enhance overall safety in the manufacturing process. Her initial step involved understanding PIC’s existing operations. Amy crafted a process map to gain insight into their current manufacturing functions and pinpoint bottlenecks. Additionally, she developed a spaghetti map which is a playful term for a diagram that illustrates the flow of workers and products within the manufacturing process, enabling team members to identify areas of improvement.

Amy expands on the problem solving skills necessary to create visualization tools. She says, “To create these tools you must critically analyze challenges, strategize effective solutions, and meticulously chart out the necessary steps to achieve success in the project. Visualization tools are a valuable asset to project work because they empower others to navigate complex problems with clarity and efficiency.”

Visually representing the current state helps the PIC team clearly see where they can improve the movement of workflow. They moved forward with potential improvements by creating an implementation matrix to guide shop workers as they moved floor equipment and tools to reconfigure the floor layout.

Amy’s planning paved the way for the project, highlighting the importance of troubleshooting and involving stakeholders to navigate unforeseen circumstances. As the project unfolded, Amy used the plan as a roadmap. She and the PIC team made adjustments as needed to ensure the successful rearrangement of the floor layout according to the project’s objectives.

She emphasizes that problem solving skills require adaptability and flexibility. “Even when you plan, there will always be challenges and unexpected discoveries as you continue the project. Keeping an open mind to what is best for the project, sponsor, and employees will help you get to your end result.”

Amy’s responsibilities also extended to optimizing the layouts of newly relocated equipment substations to ensure maximum workflow efficiency. Drawing upon expertise of seasoned employees, she studied the most efficient subsection workflows before translating the layouts into a CAD drawing. The drawing served as a visual representation so staff could easily implement the arrangement displayed.

Amy’s collaboration with PIC relied heavily on relationships with employees on the shop floor and leveraging appropriate tools for task completion. According to Amy, “Relationships are instrumental in achieving project objectives. Efficiency is a collaborative effort, and our collective teamwork accomplishes objectives for progress.”

Amy will continue to implement her problem solving skills alongside the PIC team as she transitions to a full-time role as a Project Engineer. Amy’s transition to Project Engineer demonstrates considerable professional growth. Now, she will continue to implement change while leading teams and continually building relationships. Her problem solving skills and adaptability will help coach others to catalyze innovative solutions. At enFocus, we look forward to the impact Amy will continue to have at PIC and throughout our community as a facilitator of change.

Want to learn how you can implement problem solving skills to become a facilitator of change? Apply to our Fellowships, internships, and other open positions.