MEET THE TEAM

Dustin Thorp

“My Name is Dustin Thorp, and I'm originally from New Haven, IN right outside of Fort Wayne. I grew up in a pretty unique family. One half of my family is local, and other half originated from the Philippines. Once graduating from New Haven high school I joined the Army two years later. I spent seven years on active duty. During that time frame I spent five of those years living in Heidelberg Germany working at the military hospital. I met my wife, who is also from the Philippines, and my three children were born there. Once returning to Fort Wayne after my service in the Army was over I decided to take advantage of going to school again. Since then I've completed my BA and MBA from Indiana Tech. Having been around many different people from my childhood, to my military experience, to college in my late 20s and early 30s, it felt right to embrace the Human Library in whatever capacity I could. I'm now on the leadership team for our Fort Wayne depot and it is extremely fulfilling. I so look forward to what the future brings for our depot. Both domestically and internationally.”

Jane Meredith

Jane Meredith has been a resident of Fort Wayne for the last 14 years. Hailing from South Carolina by way of 35 years in the DC area, she is a glass artist by profession, and a writer by avocation. Having learned decades ago the power of exploring lived experiences in conversation with others, she found Human Library to be a perfect fit. Part of Human Library Fort Wayne since its inception in 2018, she says she has found her people. Married and with children and grandchildren in the area and in Baltimore, she is also active in Plymouth UCC Church and in the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus.

Regina Gordon

Regina is a mother to two daughters and has two grandchildren. She loves growing her own vegetables, tending to her houseplants, and writing poetry. She earned her Bachelors degree & Masters degree from Indiana University. She volunteers for various organizations. As a result of a dear friend speaking about the Human Library and telling her what it was about, she contacted them and shared her first experience in 2019. Regina became one of our books and found her place on the leadership team.

Hthamay Paw

“A book is a story to be read. A life is a gift to be shared. Together, I am a human book. My name is Hthamay Paw and I am the ambassador for The Human Library and also a librarian. Outreaching and connecting with people flows through me as it is in my nature. As such, enthusiastically, I am an inspiring educator that is passionate in advocating for the communities and families. With great passion comes great responsibilities. Caring for my family has given me the sense of responsibility and commitment one needs. During my personal time, I am currently learning how to play the kalimba, a beautiful wooden instrument that is also known as a thumb piano. Aside from that, watching anime and reading manga eases my mind. While art and craft is a good way to destress from my busy schedule.”

Luke holliger (He/him)

Luke Holliger is a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana and is the Technical Director for Arts United.  He has been involved in performing, designing, choreographing, production managing, and directing in the performance arts since he was a kid. His credits range from local events/organizations to nationally touring competitive ensembles. Prior to joining the staff at Arts United, Luke enjoyed 10 years working in elementary special education. In his daily job he manages Arts Campus Fort Wayne’s venues through sound, lighting, stage management, fostering and mentoring arts organizations, and education of young technicians and artists. His passion for the arts, inclusion, and education is at the core of everything he does. Luke has been a part of the Human Library organization since the Fort Wayne Depot began in 2017 and now is active not only locally on the leadership team, but globally with the international organization based out of Copenhagen as a Book, Librarian, and trainer. The Human Library organization has given him the opportunity to share his passion of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access by creating opportunities to break down stigmas and biases through conversation. Understanding another’s life is a large step towards learning how to “Unjudge.”

Jan Evrard

Jan retired several years ago from banking and geriatric care management, and devotes her time to teaching yoga and staying involved in social justice issues. She is married, has 3 children, 3 step children, and 5 grandchildren. She and her husband, Monty attend Plymouth Congregational Church, which is a constant source of community and calling to do more. Jan feels that the Fort Wayne Human Library is an example of such a calling as its purpose of bringing people together and tearing down biases and stereotypes, is exactly what is needed in today’s world. Jan is a book titled “Alcoholic” as well as a team member.

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Please meet Nicole and Ellen - the dedicated curators of Human Library Fort Wayne.

Nicole and Ellen met in the spring of 2017 while each was exploring ways to better serve their community as activists. In the beginning they were aware of their similarities - two women with a passion for serving Fort Wayne - but it was their differences that they promised not to ignore. They knew that if they were going to truly create honest, compassionate spaces for others in their community to share stories and to challenge perceptions, then they had to first create and work from a foundation built upon truth and compassion. Many earnest conversations have occurred between them, some revealing the bits and pieces of their life paths to now, some wide-open confessions of the wounds faced from systemic oppression, and some letting go of societal norms prescribing how two women - one white and one black - lead and follow.  

They consider their intentional partnership laden with honest, compassionate conversation to be a Human Library case study.