Fortitude Founder

Allen County
Founder Profile

Destanie

Rogers

Business

D. Simone School of Dance

Founded

2022

Idea

Transforming Fort Wayne’s Youth and Seniors Through Comprehensive Dance Training Programs and Community Engagement

Finding Rhythm, Building Resilience: The D. Simone Dance Experience

In the heart of Fort Wayne, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant culture, Destanie Rogers is orchestrating a dance revolution with D. Simone School of Dance. With a lifelong love for dance cultivated through years of training and teaching, Destanie’s vision is to create a haven where youth and seniors alike can discover the transformative power of movement.

Simone School of Dance isn’t just about teaching dance steps; it’s about fostering confidence, self-expression, and a sense of belonging. Drawing from her own experiences and successes, Destanie understands the impact dance can have on individuals’ lives. From ballet to hip hop, tap to contemporary, the studio offers a diverse range of classes catering to students of all ages and skill levels.

Destanie’s dedication to her craft is evident in her achievements. As a choreographer, she has garnered accolades and invitations to prestigious competitions, showcasing her talent and commitment to excellence. Now, with D. Simone School of Dance, she aims to pass on her knowledge and passion to the next generation of dancers, empowering them to reach new heights and embrace their artistic potential.

With the support of her mentor and a clear vision for growth, Destanie plans to use the grant from the Fortitude Fund to launch a dynamic website for her studio, enhancing accessibility and outreach. Additionally, she intends to allocate funds towards strategic marketing efforts, spreading the word about D. Simone School of Dance and attracting new students to join the movement.

Destanie’s journey is not just about building a successful business; it’s about creating a legacy of inspiration and empowerment through dance. As she paves the way for aspiring dancers in Fort Wayne, she embodies resilience, passion, and the transformative power of pursuing one’s dreams. D. Simone School of Dance isn’t just a studio; it’s a sanctuary where rhythm meets resilience, and every step tells a story of triumph.

Business Updates

Founders Spark wins national skysthelimit competition

Founders Spark is all about building and strengthening connections in the entrepreneurial community, and it was a personal connection that convinced the Fort Wayne company’s young owner to enter a new nationwide business plan competition he recently won.

Local entrepreneur wins $2,000 grant

A Fort Wayne man recently won a national award for entrepreneurship for his business Founders Spark.

Skysthelimit.org awarded Aaron Robles a $2,000 Friends and Family grant, which provides a chance for individual donors to vote for people and projects they believe in, according to a news release from the organization.

Robles holds events for local entrepreneurs in the startup community to provide them the tools they need to succeed. He said in the release that the grant will help cover costs of the events and make them accessible to more people.

Fort Wayne Magazine People of the Year

The last cover of 2019 for Fort Wayne Magazine features People of the Year. Ten people have been selected to represent the People of the Year.

Fort Wayne Magazine says these people are only givers, meaning they only give time, ideas, and experience. They give their 110%.

Fort Wayne Power Circle celebrates diversity, inclusion

Demographic representation improved locally with the election of three African Americans, including two women, to the Fort Wayne City Council. But, participants in panel discussion at a Founders Spark Power Circle celebration said the city remains far from approaching what it could achieve by improving inclusiveness.

Contact Destanie Rogers