Teachers, neighbors, coworkers, family members, mentors, friends, coaches. Whoever the people in your life may be, they can always use a bit of encouragement and recognition for the difference they are making in others and in their community. We were able to shine the spotlight on hundreds of lives in the Region that continue to make their corner of the world a brighter place.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 Life in the Spotlight articles on NWI.Life in 2021:
A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Kelly Dysktra
Kelly Dykstra is reinventing farmers' markets and community events in Cedar Lake and the Region. In addition to being the coordinator for the Cedar Lake farmers' market, Dykstra also runs other markets, owns a salon, and is a wellness educator. Although these are vastly different occupations and passions, Dykstra has one common goal: helping others.
A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: James Upchurch
Originally from Hammond, Ind. and a current resident of Calumet City, Ill., James Upchurch is a working man through and through. Upchurch runs a construction company, The Region Public Adjusters, and a nonprofit organization called The Region Paws and Claws. Through his work, Upchurch is able to not only support his family, but also the community.
A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Kevin Hutnick
Kevin Hutnick’s mom always wanted him to be a State Farm agent, but he and his family ended up owning the Valparaiso Once Upon a Child instead.
“I was looking for a career change, and my mom was saying, ‘Hey, you need to become a State Farm agent.’ And I'm like, ‘Look, I don't want to be a State Farm agent. It doesn't sound fun at all.’ Well, she just kept on me and kept on me and kept on me. And finally, she said, ‘Hey, I got you set up. Go down to Indianapolis,’” he said.
A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Gail Nicolini
Originally a native of the Southside of Chicago, Gail Nicolini received a call from Andrean High School that would change the trajectory of her life forever. While finishing her undergraduate degree at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL., Andrean called her about a job opening they had for a math teacher.
A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Cindy Lopez
One day Cindy Lopez called Merrillville Florist and Tea Room to purchase some flowers. Instead, she purchased the shop.
A Northwest Indiana native, Lopez had always wanted to own a flower shop. That dream became her reality when the Merrillville Florist and Tea Room went up for sale in late 2019.
A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Jodi Mann-Bella
Jodi Mann-Bella has two passions: helping the older adults in her community and taking photos. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Mann-Bella works as a business development manager for Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana and also runs a photography business with her husband.
A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Andrea Sherwin
After witnessing the kindness and generosity of her community, Andrea Sherwin decided to change careers and devote her professional life to paying that kindness forward. As President and CEO of Mental Health America (MHA) of Northwest Indiana, Sherwin works to provide services and support to those in need.
A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Carrie and Scott Nichols
Carrie Nichols and her husband Scott created Happy Harvest Sunflowers located in Lowell eight years ago. They both grew up in the area and have been together for 25 years. Being able to provide a stand that brings such positivity to their family and the area means a lot to them.
A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Shane Evans
Shane Evans has been the owner of the Hobart Art Theater and the Brick House Bar and Grill in Hobart since 2019. It has morphed from a small movie theater to a venue that hosts comedic, musical acts, and everything in between.
A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Aaliyah Stewart
There is light within darkness. Positivity can be created in wake of a tragedy. For activist Aaliyah Stewart, she experienced two family tragedies that she used to spark long-lasting positive change in her community. In 2014, Stewart started the ASW Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) dedicated to the end of gun violence.