The staff at the Questa Education Foundation is proud to help students graduate with less debt through Questa’s loan program, scholarships, and other resources. Each staff member has a specific roll at Questa to help scholars through the process of the program, before, during and after college. We are proud to see our scholars become contributing members of the northeast Indiana region and be a part of the growth in the area!
Leadership & Staff
Elizabeth Bushnell, Ph.D. | Executive Director
Elizabeth (Liz) Bushnell joined the Questa team in April 2020. Liz brings over 23 years of higher education experience to the Questa team through her work at Manchester University, as well as a University of Maryland University College campus in Mannheim, Germany. She holds a doctorate in higher education from Indiana State University, a master’s degree in public administration from Bowie State University and a bachelor’s degree in business and political science from McDaniel College.
Liz served on multiple regional and state boards and has been recognized with the YLNI Exemplary Service Award, CDPI INvested Career Award, Fort Wayne Future Forty, and the Governor’s Award for Tomorrow’s Leaders.
Though originally from Michigan, Liz has enjoyed living in Northeast Indiana for over 20 years. She enjoys reading, traveling and playing games with her husband and two children.
Nicole Penar | Development Director
Nicole is a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne with a wealth of experience in leading both for-profit and non-profit programs and organizations. Deeply committed to her community, Nicole actively volunteers with various organizations such as Junior League, Junior Achievement, and Miss Virginia's Mission House. She has served as the President of Junior League and continues to be an active member.
Earning a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Supervision, specializing in Education from Purdue University, Nicole's exceptional leadership skills were recognized through her selection for The Rising Leader Program by the Foellinger Foundation. She has also received the prestigious Active of the Year award from the Junior League of Fort Wayne and was nominated for the Rising Star award by the Association of Junior Leagues International.
Nicole is happily married to her husband, Chris, and together they are proud parents to their two children. Their family also includes two beloved dogs named Georgie and Otis. They cherish their time spent together, engaging in activities such as cooking, playing golf and co-ed softball, and supporting the Liverpool Football Club. Nicole's passion for Mexican cuisine knows no bounds, and she indulges in it two to four times a week. She shares a deep love for food and coffee, always eager to explore new culinary experiences.
Email: npenar@questafoundation.org
Jana Grothaus | Director of Program Development
Jana has lived and worked in the Allen county area all her life. She has a business administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, and 22 years experience in banking and lending operations management.
Jana manages the various Questa programs and initiatives. She will also be seen out in the NE Indiana region promoting the Questa programs and working with community leaders in support of students earning credentials, skills, and degree's to support our region's workforce.
She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking, and crafting.
Bekah Wren | Program and Outreach Officer
Bekah was born in Wisconsin, but moved to NE Indiana when she was only 15 months old. She is a Homestead High School graduate and holds a bachelor's degree in English from Grace College, which she obtained with the help of Questa’s Traditional Scholars Program. Prior to working at Questa, Bekah worked for the Allen County Public Library as a Teens Librarian where she discovered her passion for helping students succeed and fulfill their dreams in whatever path they pursue.
In her free time, Bekah enjoys reading young adult novels and spending time with her husband and their fun, but crazy, dog.
Email: bwren@questafoundation.org
Raven Morton | Assistant Director for Scholar Success
Raven was born and raised in Southeast Fort Wayne. She is a first-generation graduate who now holds several degrees including a Bachelor’s of Science, Master’s of Science, and Master’s of Education. Dedicating 10 years (and counting!) of service in the social field, she is passionate about creating connections in the Northeast Indiana community.
When not busy building community connections or supporting students, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and shopping.
Email: rmorton@questafoundation.org
Stephanie Smith | Assistant Director for Data and Marketing
Stephanie holds a Communications degree from the University of Saint Francis and has worked at Annie’s Publishing, the University of Saint Francis, and Ash Brokerage. She enjoys living and working in Fort Wayne and having the opportunity to help students while also cultivating a better Northeast Indiana region.
When not at work, Stephanie spends her free time with her husband and daughter reading, watching documentaries, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.
Email: ssmith@questafoundation.org
Ian Paterson | Finance Analyst & Loan Advisor
A Canadian native, Ian has lived several places throughout the Midwest, and has lived in Fort Wayne for the past 6 years. He graduated from IPFW with an economics degree and has held several positions in the finance industry.
Working with Questa’s graduates, Ian walks each Questa scholar through the repayment and loan forgiveness process.
In his free time he likes golfing and taking hikes with his girlfriend and his dog.
Ryan Shepherd | Director of Finance & Operations
Ryan is a business graduate from the University of Illinois. He began his career at Cellular One and ultimately became chief operating officer. More recently, he was operations manager for the Indiana Construction Association in Indianapolis. He brings over 20 years of operational leadership and customer service experience to the Questa team.
Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. His spare time finds him running, biking, and learning about Fort Wayne.
Angela Weaver | Program and Data Specialist
Angela is a proud Questa alumna, graduating from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2017 with a degree in Criminal Justice. She is an experienced leader and communicator, committed to cultivating a positive experience for Questa Scholars.
Angela enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and two cats in her spare time.
Email: aweaver@questafoundation.org
Interested in how Questa Education Foundation is impacting our community? Want to join our team? Find current employment, internship and volunteer opportunities below.