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Our Story
IronWorkz Co. was founded on December 20, 2022, by Faith N. Spencer, Alex Termini, and Emmani Ellis, three visionaries united by a shared belief in what’s possible when community and creativity meet. The name IronWorkz was inspired by the steel mills that shaped Gary, Indiana, where many families, including the founders’ own grandfathers, worked to build better futures.
From that same spirit of resilience, IronWorkz was born to honor where we come from and to reimagine what’s possible for where we’re going. Our work bridges the equity gaps that often stand between great ideas and real opportunities.
We’re more than an organization; we’re a movement built for the community, by the community, a space where creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship collide. At IronWorkz, we believe that when people are equipped to build their ideas, they’re also empowered to build themselves.
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Mission + Vision
Our Mission
To bridge the gaps of entrepreneurial success by equipping under-resourced communities with the resources, knowledge, and environment to build sustainable, thriving enterprises to drive community revitalization, engagement, and economic growth.
Our Vision
A region where every ambitious individual has equitable access, guidance, and opportunity to create sustainable businesses that strengthen families, neighborhoods, and the local economy.
Meet the Leadership Team
Faith Spencer
Founder, President & CEO
Faith N. Spencer is the Founder, President, and CEO of IronWorkz Corporation, a community-rooted organization based in Northwest Indiana that helps first-time business owners, side hustlers, and emerging entrepreneurs turn their ideas into purpose-driven ventures. A proud graduate of Purdue University, Faith holds a double major in Cybersecurity and Network Engineering, with a minor in Organizational Leadership and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a rare blend of technical expertise, leadership development, and entrepreneurial insight.
With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, Faith built IronWorkz to fill a gap she personally experienced: the lack of culturally relevant, practical support for new entrepreneurs, especially those from under-resourced communities. Her journey began just like many of the founders she serves today: starting with an idea, navigating systems not built for her, and learning as she went. That experience powers her passion for designing programs that are accessible, effective, and rooted in real-world outcomes.
Emmani Ellis
Founder, VP & COO
Emmani Ellis is a powerhouse entrepreneur and operator with a deep commitment to reshaping economic opportunity in under-resourced communities. As the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of IronWorkz, she brings a hands-on, systems-driven approach to entrepreneurship education and ecosystem building. A proud Purdue University alumna, Emmani holds a degree in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering Technology and uses her technical background to power innovative solutions that drive real-world impact.
She is also the Founder & CEO of No Limit Living, a real estate investment firm revitalizing housing stock and reinvesting in the heart of Gary, Indiana. From building tech repair businesses in her youth to flipping homes and launching programs that uplift first-time founders, Emmani is no stranger to starting from scratch and scaling with purpose.
Awards &
Recognition
Community & Strategic Partners
Our ecosystem thrives because of the organizations, institutions, and individuals who share our vision. Together, we provide resources, mentorship, and support to ensure local entrepreneurs succeed.
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Past Event Sponsors/Donors & Partners
IronWorkz’s work has been recognized and supported by funders committed to equity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial ecosystem development, including:
Sponsors & Donors
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Indiana Economic Development Corporation
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Urban League of Northwest Indiana
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Legacy Foundation
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Centier Bank
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Ensemble Innovation
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Old National Bank
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New Life Christian Center
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Destiny Dreamer’s Academy
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Incandescent Transportation Solutions
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Lisa & Rashieda
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Strack & Van Til
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Mike Anderson Chevrolet
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West Monroe Partners
Partners
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Flourish Church
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Urban League of Northwest Indiana
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Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest
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Indiana University Northwest School of Business and Economics
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E Marie Project
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CWI’s NexGen
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South Shore Arts
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Hammond Development Corporation
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Kiva
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Gary Alumni Pathways to Students (GAPS)
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Lake Shore Public Media