Volunteer Spotlight: Tony GiaQuinta, MD
Feb 24 2026
Dr. GiaQuinta reflects on finding purpose, connection, and impact through Project Reads and the simple power of saying yes to volunteering.
Pictured are Cinbrecka Campbell, Juliana Bengs, TLA's associate director of workforce development, and Amanda Leffler from Indiana Tech.
Cinbrecka Campbell at the “Speak Out” Event
On February 24, local college students and professional educators gathered at the Downtown Allen County Public Library for an evening called “Speak Out,” focused on real conversations about the challenges students are facing in education today.
During the student panel, two college students spoke openly about their concerns surrounding the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at Purdue Fort Wayne. Another student shared thoughts on the growing role of artificial intelligence in college coursework and the workforce, naming both the uncertainty and the need to adapt thoughtfully to a changing landscape.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when The Literacy Alliance student Cinbrecka Campbell shared her story. As part of the Class of 2000, Cinbrecka was among the first group of Indiana students required to pass both the English/Language Arts and Math portions of the ISTEP in order to graduate. While she passed English, she did not pass Math and was therefore denied her high school diploma.
At the same time, her mother was seriously ill. Cinbrecka made the difficult decision to enter the workforce to help support her family. Today, she is rewriting that chapter of her story by strengthening her math skills at The Literacy Alliance and continuing to work toward her academic goals.
Her honesty and resilience deeply moved the room. Educators and audience members alike praised her determination. Dr. Chris Douse acknowledged that students of color have too often experienced gaps in educational support and expressed regret that Cinbrecka did not receive the help she needed at the time. He also commended her courage and commitment to finishing what she started.
The educator panel featured Liz Bushnell, President and CEO of the Questa Foundation; Dr. Chris Douse, Student Success Strategist and former Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Ivy Tech Community College South Bend and Elkhart; and Dr. Verleaish Jones, Senior Outreach Representative for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, Northeast Region. The evening was emceed by Leonard Williams, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Manchester University.
Overall, the event created space for honest dialogue, reflection, and renewed commitment to ensuring every learner in our community has the support they need to succeed.