Life in the Spotlight

Play is an integral part of life for both children and adults alike, but as we grow we tend to let life get in the way. For Kara Mackey, this has never been the case; play has always been a big part of Mackey’s life whether it was when she was a...

Jenny Yednak may have grown up in the Philippines surrounded by a mother and grandmother who loved to bake, but she never thought she’d start her own bakery, especially not a bakery in the United States. Yednak’s story goes to show how a love for...

It’s amazing where our passions can take us. When Kyle Feck picked up running 15 years ago he never thought it would lead to him becoming a lifelong athlete or starting his own business. Like many great hobbies, though, running taught Feck the...

It’s incredible how one single moment can completely change a person’s life for the better. When Jamie Panicali was traveling the country, she never thought she’d one day settle down and start her own business. A chance encounter changed...

Many people notice problems within their community, but not everyone is brave enough to do something about them. Kristen Martin grew up in Gary where many of her family members, friends, and even herself struggled with substance use. Martin...

While people grow throughout their lives, discovering their own passions and interests as they go, It’s even more special when a parent’s passions become their child’s passions as well. The restaurant business has always been a big part of...

There are so many kind, thoughtful people doing wonderful things throughout Northwest Indiana, but you wouldn’t know it unless you asked them. Michelle Cicillian may not be one to talk much about herself, but she’s truly making the Region a...

Everything happens in life for a reason, and there’s probably nobody who can better attest to that than Kim Mullen, a retired elementary teacher who fell in love with teaching not just once but twice. We may not understand where we’re meant to...

Not everybody knows what they want to do early on in their lives. After years of working hard, you may discover passions and goals you never dreamed of. Sarah Ling could have easily backed away from her passions and stuck with what she knew, but...

Patrick Johnson, assistant professor and program coordinator from the Department of Communications at Indiana University Northwest (IU Northwest), lives in Merrillville, Indiana. Johnson grew up in Eerie, Pennsylvania, and went to college in Ithaca,...