Society of Innovators at PNW honors inductees who drive regional change

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest celebrated the achievements of nine innovative individuals and organizations in Northwest Indiana.

The Society’s annual Innovator Awards on Nov. 20 honored the spirit of creativity and ingenuity.

The 2024 class of inductees received Chanute Wings lapel pins — a symbol of the Region’s pioneering history. The pin is named after Octave Chanute, whose glider flights on the Indiana lakeshore paved the way for the Wright Brothers.

“During the past 20 years, the Society has inducted hundreds of individuals, helping reinforce the narrative that Northwest Indiana is a place where innovation and ingenuity thrive,” said Jason Williams, Society of Innovators CEO.

By spotlighting innovators, the Society aims to drive entrepreneurship, encourage new ideas and strengthen the regional ecosystem that supports innovation in all sectors.

The 2024 nominees include manufacturers, educators, nonprofits, construction companies and playground designers.

“One of the Society’s core beliefs is that anyone can be an innovator, and innovation can come from anywhere,” Williams said.

This year’s honorees are shaping the way adults and children across the Region eat, work, play and learn. One inductee is literally shaping the landscape.

Their words of hope and perserverance offer a snapshot of their innovations, the genesis of their ideas, their backgrounds and why they choose to call Northwest Indiana home.

Here are their stories:

Individual Inductee

Tyamo Okosun

Research associate professor

Purdue University Northwest Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (Hammond)

Innovation: Integrated Virtual Blast Furnace

Tyamo Okosun led the team that developed and deployed an Integrated Virtual Blast Furnace at local steel mills. The team combined simulation techniques with data analysis, machine learning and sensors.

The IVBF aims to improve the efficiency, cost and emissions of blast furnace operations. It performs modeling in a fraction of a second and provides real-time measurements.

“The IVBF can provide guidance based on advanced simulation technology to give process engineers and operators a window into a complex process that is otherwise quite opaque,” Okosun said.

The IVBF grew from conversations with steel producers and computational modeling of steel making processes.

“We worked with U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs to evaluate what advancements and developments could take our advanced simulation techniques from the lab environment and deploy the knowledge they can provide to be used directly in the steel mill,” Okosun said.

Okosun credits his ingenuity to homeschooling, family support when he was earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University at age 14, mentors and colleagues.

“I believe the ideals of innovation have been present in my life for as long as I can remember,” Okosun said. “The ecosystem of engineers working in complex fields to achieve improvements in long-established processes must be innovative by nature in order to achieve success.”

Okosun has called Northwest Indiana home since he was 3.

“As an engineer, there’s a draw to the challenge of contributing to the depth of focus and immense effort involved in the steel making that is such a large part of our community’s history,” Okosun said.

“It is gratifying to have the efforts we have made towards improving the competitiveness and efficiency of our local industry recognized by the Region.”

Team Inductee

ArcelorMittal Global Research and Development Center

(East Chicago)

Team Members: Gleyson Barbosa, Joe Xiao, Evgueni Poliak, Henry Williams, David Colbert

Innovation: Coil rotation system for advanced high strength steel

The ArcelorMittal team’s innovation solves “coil sagging.” As a round coil of hot steel cools, the coil sags into an oval shape. The team fixed the problem by rotating the coil when it starts to sag. Gravity then causes the steel to droop in the opposite direction, back into a round shape.

“Our solution is a game changer,” said Gleyson Barbosa, ArcelorMittal scientist. “The beauty of this project is its simplicity. It reminds me of the egg of Columbus story.”

Legend says Christopher Columbus proved by balancing an egg on its end after slightly cracking it that difficult problems can have simple solutions.

Coil sagging can result in downstream problems, added expense and scrapped material. ArcelorMittal has deployed the team’s innovation in seven hot strip mills.

“Our innovation creatively solved a difficult problem, cracking its complexity,” Barbosa said.

The team’s innovation was born from observation.

“One of our engineers, while on an assignment in China, realized that coils suspended by cranes had a better final shape,” Barbosa said.

The team’s combined experience, knowledge and ingenuity led to its innovation.

“The three main characteristics of this team’s background are persistence, synergy and dynamism,” Barbosa said.

Barbosa was influenced by his father’s work in the steel industry and steelmakers in the region in Brazil where he was born.

“I was drawn to Northwest Indiana because of its rich history in the steel industry and the presence of one of the leading research centers in this field, the ArcelorMittal Global R&D East Chicago,” Barbosa said.

“Having our project selected brings a feeling of recognition that boosts our inspiration to overcome more challenges,” Barbosa said.

Team Inductee

Erosion & Construction Solutions Inc.

(Merrillville)

Team Members: DJ Moore, Joe Moore, Mike Lorenzo, Tiff Arcella, Ben Landis, Scott Shelton

Innovation: Siltworm and BioWorm sediment filtration devices

Erosion & Construction Solutions’ innovations include Siltworm, BioWorm, and erosion and sediment management services.

“Siltworm, a rolled sediment filtration device, captures 97% of all sediment, preventing runoff from construction sites from polluting fresh water sources,” said DJ Moore, company CEO. “We also developed BioWorm, an eco-friendly evolution of Siltworm.”

The company’s innovations address sediment pollution in fresh water.

“Erosion control is a regulatory requirement, but many contractors either don’t specialize in it or don’t know how to implement it properly,” Moore said. “Our innovations not only help customers stay compliant, but they contribute to the protection of one of our most vital resources — water.”

Siltworm was born from necessity. Moore’s company needed erosion control for a project and didn’t like the available options.

“That sparked the idea to start working with a rolled sediment filtration device,” Moore said. “What started as a need for a single job snowballed into a full product line and service division.”

Moore credits teamwork for their innovation.

“It’s been a team effort, and that’s where our innovation stems from — working together, playing to our strengths and tackling tough problems,” Moore said.

Northwest Indiana is home to most of the company’s employees.

“This community is special,” Moore said. “There’s a strong work ethic and sense of opportunity in the Region. We’re proud to be part of an industry that supports both environmental stewardship and the building of our community.”

“This award is a huge validation of the hard work, innovation and passion our team brings to the table,” Moore said. “It shows that even in a niche field like erosion and sediment control, there’s room for innovation that truly matters.”

Team Inductee

Kidstuff Playsystems

(Gary)

Team Members: Richard Hagelberg, George McGuan, Ed Rodriguez

Innovation: KidsVision modular play systems

Kidstuff Playsystems is being recognized for developing KidsVision, an innovative modular commercial play system for ages 2 to 5.

“Customers were looking for play systems that incorporated a theme along with the physical development activity of slides and climbers,” said Richard Hagelberg, company CEO.

The modular play system features six posts, three platforms and eight openings, allowing for custom-themed design panels and a combination of slides and climbers.

According to Hagelberg, the company’s modular- themed play systems are unique.

“It allows us to develop many different themed playgrounds with the same basic pattern,” Hagelberg said. “These themes lead to learning about a particular subject.”

The idea for KidsVision was born when Hagelberg was on a business trip.

“I saw a stagecoach at a trade show,” he said. “It inspired me to come up with a way to show different themes using one pattern.”

Hagelberg, an educator, and George McGuan, a carpenter, founded Kidstuff Playsystems. They built their first playground in an empty classroom and then expanded to McGuan’s basement. By 1985, they were operating a playground equipment business full time.

“When designing playgrounds, we are always exploring ways to present physical activities with a new twist,” Hagelberg said.

Hagelberg and McGuan have longtime roots in Northwest Indiana.

“I came to Gary as a VISTA volunteer in 1969,” Hagelberg said. “I worked in a second-grade (classroom) at Ernie Pyle Elementary School. Many of the children could not read, and this motivated me to get into the early education field.”

“We have been manufacturing commercial playground equipment for 42 years,” Hagelberg said. “It is great to get recognition for our creative efforts.”

Advocate for Innovation Inductee

Dr. Kristin Burton

Assistant professor of entrepreneurship

Purdue University Northwest (Hammond and Westville)

Kristin Burton has advanced the Region’s economic growth through teaching, community outreach and research.

“My focus is on connecting people and ideas to create opportunities, especially for underrepresented groups,” Burton said. “I encourage students and entrepreneurs to engage with their communities, identify real-world challenges and develop solutions — this hands-on approach drives innovation.”

The significance of Burton’s work lies in its inclusivity and far-reaching impact.

“By providing access to mentorship, resources and hands-on learning, I empower aspiring entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to contribute to Northwest Indiana’s economic growth and entrepreneurial ecosystem,” she said.

Burton sees innovation and entrepreneurship as a pathway to community change.

“I stress solving meaningful, real-world problems like food deserts, transportation or childcare. I encourage students and entrepreneurs to align their passions with problems they deeply understand, fueling creative solutions,” Burton said.

Burton’s journey began at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond. She later earned three advanced degrees and worked with organizations supporting entrepreneurs.

“My combined experiences have shaped my commitment to creating programs that uplift others and drive positive change, and Purdue Northwest has allowed me to bring all of these passions together in service to the Region,” she said.

Burton was born and raised in Northwest Indiana.

“I am deeply passionate about giving back to the community that shaped me,” she said. “This Region has immense potential, and I am committed to helping it grow and thrive through innovation.”

“This award holds profound meaning for me,” Burton said. “I grew up in this area and now am being given the opportunity to return to my roots and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs through my work at Purdue Northwest.”

Advocate for Innovation Inductee

IronWorkz Corp.

(Gary)

Team Members: Faith Spencer, Emmani Ellis

IronWorkz is working to foster entrepreneurial collaboration.

“We bring together entrepreneurs of all ages, creating spaces where fresh perspectives meet lived experience,” said Faith Spencer, IronWorkz president and CEO. “By inspiring diverse thought and encouraging knowledge exchange between the young and old, we create opportunities for learning and innovative solutions that drive change in our community.”

IronWorkz empowers students and small businesses.

“Our purpose is rooted in creating an equitable environment where all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential,” Spencer said.

Spencer’s and Ellis’s backgrounds fostered their innovative spirits.

“We learned early on that when we push boundaries and develop new ideas, we become the best versions of ourselves,” Spencer said. “This mindset shaped our passion for fostering innovation in others, helping them unlock their potential and think beyond the norm.”

The name IronWorkz developed from Gary’s history in steel mills, where many families migrated from the South to create a better life.

“I was born and raised in Gary. When I gained access to more opportunities, I saw the stark difference in resources compared to communities like mine,” Spencer said. “This inequity fueled my passion to bridge that gap, ensuring that everyone — regardless of where they’re from — has access to the resources needed to be innovative.”

“This award is a meaningful recognition of our efforts to transform the entrepreneurial landscape in Northwest Indiana,” Spencer said. “For us, it’s not about the accolade — it’s about continuing to inspire creativity, break down barriers and create opportunities for everyone in our community to learn, grow and succeed together.”

Advocate for Youth Innovation Inductee

Krissy LaFlech

(Munster)

Business teacher

Munster High School

Krissy LaFlech’s role in leading a high school business incubator started long before she became a teacher.

“This award reaffirms my decision to leave corporate and pursue a passion for education — helping young people discover their potential,” LaFlech said.

That decision has led to much more than lecturing in a classroom.

“The program provides hands-on experience in creating business plans, product prototypes and marketing strategies, while emphasizing critical skills like problem-solving, collaboration and creativity,” LaFlech said. “By connecting students with mentors and real-world resources, we empower them to tackle challenges head-on and develop innovative solutions, turning their visions into tangible outcomes.”

LaFlech’s innovative approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning and ideas.

“In a world full of technological distractions, traditional classroom settings often struggle to capture students’ attention,” LaFlech said. “However, by allowing students to choose their own entrepreneurial paths, they become fully invested in their projects.”

Before moving back to Northwest Indiana in 2019, LaFlech worked as a district manager in Chicago with a coffee company. After moving to Highland, she accepted a business teacher position at Lowell High School and later Munster High School.

“My favorite part of my corporate job was training and developing people, so it seemed like a natural fit,” LaFlech said.

LaFlech’s background in business prepared her for guiding students through the complexities of entrepreneurship.

“Transitioning into education has allowed me to combine my leadership experience with a passion for mentoring, empowering students to develop their own leadership skills, solve problems creatively and embrace growth,” she said.

LaFlech was born and raised in Northwest Indiana. She hopes that her students will one day settle in the Region and make an impact on the community.

“I love this community and its strong values, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible opportunities it offers,” LaFlech said. “There’s a rich diversity here that drives creativity and innovation.”

Richard C. Sussman Award for Team Innovation

Food Bank of Northwest Indiana

(Merrillville)

Team Members: Victor Garcia, Julie Anderson, Tricia Sheaks, Steve Mehmert, Diane Wortz

Innovation: OrderAhead food lockers

Victor Garcia, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana CEO, said their OrderAhead lockers are a testament to their commitment to creating innovative approaches to combating food insecurity.

“Through the OrderAhead platform, clients can select groceries online and schedule a pickup time that is convenient for them,” Garcia said. “The lockers, located at accessible sites in Lake and Porter counties, allow for contactless, 24/7 pickup, making it easier for people to get the food they need on their own schedule.”

The lockers provide a stigma-free solution for individuals facing food insecurity and remove barriers like transportation challenges and time constraints.

“This innovation fosters dignity and empowers individuals to meet their needs discreetly and on their own terms,” he said.

The idea for OrderAhead lockers grew from listening to the community’s need for more flexible and discreet food access options.

“Inspired by the growing use of technology in retail, we adapted the concept of contactless lockers to provide a more convenient and dignified way for people to receive food assistance,” Garcia said.

The food bank works to meet community needs through creative problem-solving and collaboration.

“We are open to trying new ideas and learning from them, even if they don’t work,” Garcia said. “We embrace new technologies and fresh approaches, continually seeking ways to enhance access to nutritious food while preserving the dignity of those we serve.”

Garcia has lived in Northwest Indiana for most of his life.

“Our community is characterized by our diverse communities, rich cultural heritage and thriving local businesses while maintaining Midwestern norms that make it an enjoyable and friendly place to live,” Garcia said.

John H. Davies Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Barbara Eason-Watkins

(Michigan City)

Retired superintendent

Michigan City Area Schools

Barbara Eason-Watkins has served students in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan for 50 years. During Watkins’ tenure as superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools, she spearheaded numerous innovative projects.

“When I first started, I did a listening tour,” Eason-Watkins said. “I heard that parents wanted more opportunities for their children.”

Highlights of Eason-Watkins’ career include starting a STEM elementary school and an early learning program attached to the district’s career center.

Many of Eason-Watkins’ initiatives addressed broader community needs impacting children and families.

“We have pockets in our community that don’t have tech and internet access,” Eason-Watkins said. “These are things that matter to our schools and community.”

She collaborated with community stakeholders, companies and other organizations throughout her career.

“Educators cannot just take a packaged opportunity. They have to reach out, to collaborate, to really meet the needs of the community,” Eason-Watkins said.

Eason-Watkins defines innovation as a process.

“Innovation is not about finishing project after project. It’s looking at the big picture,” she said. “One of my jobs as a leader was to make sure I was planting seeds and planning opportunities to grow our students.”

Eason-Watkins’ background gave her courage to pursue creative solutions.

“My parents always made me feel like I could conquer the world and respond to any challenges,” she said. “I felt like there wasn’t a challenge we couldn’t overcome.”

Eason-Watkins worked in Chicago early in her career. Being a superintendent in Michigan City Schools was her dream job.

“Chicago is such a big city. Here I was able to get involved in the community on so many levels,” she said. “I enjoyed conversations in the grocery store. Fifty years was a long, long time, but I loved every minute of it.”

She said the Society honor wasn’t expected.

“To have this lifetime achievement award and this recognition is an honor and a privilege,” Eason-Watkins said. “It wasn’t done because I wanted recognition. I always wanted to make a difference.”

Read more stories from the current issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.