FWCS Foundation

Rena Shown serves as the Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Community Schools Foundation, where she is committed to building partnerships that expand opportunities for students and strengthen the future of Fort Wayne Community Schools. She brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership, fundraising and strategic partnership experience, with a proven record of connecting donors, businesses and community leaders to initiatives that create lasting impact.

Rena believes every student deserves access to experiences that inspire learning, unlock potential and prepare them for success beyond graduation. Her vision for the Foundation is to cultivate a culture of philanthropy that invests in innovative programs, supports educators and ensures every FWCS student has the resources and opportunities to thrive. By building an engaged network of donors and community partners, she is focused on creating sustainable investments that benefit students for generations to come.

Originally from Kentucky, Rena earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master of Global Business Administration from Tufts University. She later lived in Busan, South Korea, where she taught English to middle school students—an experience that reinforced her belief in the transformative power of education and the lasting influence of dedicated teachers.

Rena has proudly called Fort Wayne home for the past 14 years. She and her husband, Patrick, a Fort Wayne firefighter, North Side High School graduate and alumnus of the Anthis Career Center Firefighter Program, are deeply invested in the community they serve. They also enjoy spending time with Victra, their retired racing greyhound.

Rena is honored to lead the FWCS Foundation and is dedicated to ensuring that every partnership and every gift helps create brighter futures for FWCS students.