Goshen City hosts ‘Give to Gain’ luncheon as women leaders share stories of service and resilience

Goshen City hosted an International Women’s Day “Give to Gain” luncheon where Mayor Gina Liki, along with four local women leaders, framed giving as a pathway to community strength and leadership.

Mayor Gina Liki opened the program, saying attendance had doubled from last year and framing the day around representation: "When women show up, elections shift, communities shift, and the future starts," she said. Liki thanked event sponsors and named partners including the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, the Women in Business Network and the Community Relations Commission, and acknowledged staff who organized the event.

The luncheon featured four speakers who tied personal narratives to the event theme. Carrie Tarman, director of the Hesburg Women of Impact program at the University of Notre Dame, traced formative lessons from her childhood, 4‑H involvement and service abroad to a lifelong practice of listening and curiosity. Tarman noted institutional context for her work at Notre Dame — including that the university went co‑ed in 1972 — and said, "Over 50% of Notre Dame students are on complete financial aid packages," explaining part of her focus on connecting donors with students.

Chelle Hernandez, a bilingual realtor and advocate for Concord Community Schools, spoke about cultural competency and trust in client relationships. Hernandez said cultural understanding can change outcomes: "When you earn someone's trust in our culture, you become family," she said, and described how explaining the home‑buying process in a client's language helps families navigate it more confidently.

Megan Hustle, a trust and charitable administrator at Evance Financial who has served on Goshen’s parks and redevelopment boards, argued that strategic giving and mentorship build durable civic capacity. "Generosity is the clearest expression of give to gain," Hustle said, describing her work helping donors align resources with community needs and recounting leadership lessons from two decades in retail and local boards.

Tammy Hicks, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Elcart County, delivered a personal testimony about raising her son, Ethan, who was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome. Hicks recounted the early prognosis — she said doctors told her Ethan "will never walk. He will never speak any words. He will have seizures by age four" — then described his progress and the family and community supports that helped. Hicks also described her transition from educator to nonprofit leader and noted that she is among the first women to serve in leadership roles on the club’s foundation board.

The program included a roll call of sponsors and logistical notes for attendees; organizers asked guests to move promptly through the lunch line so speakers could begin on time. Remarks concluded with audience applause. The luncheon highlighted local nonprofit work, school advocacy and efforts to expand mentorship and philanthropic support for students and youth programs in Goshen.

The city did not announce new policy actions or funding decisions at the event; speakers focused on personal experience, mentorship, philanthropy and community service.