For 22 years, Austin Under 40 has celebrated the city's young, innovative, and inspirational leaders. And this year is no different, with 80 outstanding locals who were revealed in March.
This year's finalists, chosen from the largest pool of nominees AU40 has ever received, were selected by a panel of 140 judges after five rounds of consideration. They span 16 categories and include a wide range of professions, from associate county judge to public relations star.
"AU40 spans 16 industry categories and is filled with local heroes who have rallied together to support our Austin community during COVID-19," says 2020 event co-chair Derek Steffen. "As a co-chair of this event, I’ve had the pleasure to witness and converse with individuals who are actively demonstrating the importance of professionalism, servitude, and community."
Winners in each category will be revealed at the annual black-tie gala. Originally slated for May 16, the program was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 crisis, but has been rescheduled for later this year.
Proceeds from the evening support YWAF and the Austin Sunshine Camps, the philanthropic missions of the Young Women’s Alliance (YWA) and Young Men’s Business League (YMBL), who partner on the annual event.
The 2020 finalists for Austin Under 40 are:
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Gerardo Gandy, David Goujon, Nhat Ho, Megan Lasch, and Ashley Wainscott
Arts and Entertainment
Anna Gallagher-Ross, Cassie Shankman, Chet Garner, Danielle Benson, and Kristyn Ciani
Civics, Government, and Public Affairs
Denise Hernandez, Aurora Martinez Jones, Bianca Garcia, Julie Fisher, and Bino Cadenas
Culinary Arts, Events, and Hospitality
John Antonelli, Turgay Yuksel, Heather Emerson, Lindsey Sokol, and Gabe Erales
Energy, Mobility, and Transportation
Dana Harmon, Sam Sargent, Mandy McClendon, Leslie Pollack, and Marissa Monroy
Financial and Insurance Services
Malini Rajput, Vanessa McElwrath, Rina VonFrisch, Chris Ragland, and Chris Palmisano
Innovation and Start-up
TiWanna Kenney, Janice Omadeke, Ben Rubenstein, Nathan Ryan, and Brooke Waupsh
Journalism, Marketing, and Public Relations
Hema Mullur, Levente McCrary, Brianna McKinney, Rusty Shelton, and Jesse Stowell
Legal
Megan G. Holloway, Lauren Schoenbaum, Rick Flores, Caitlin Haney Johnston, and Noah Galton
Medicine and Healthcare
Rebekkah Schear, Lucas G. Hill, Natalie Crawford, Jason Bradley Terrell, and Terrance Hines
Mentor of the Year
Stuart Vick Smith, Emily LeBlanc, James Butler, Paula Bookidis, and Holly Christine Hayes
Nonprofit Service
Shaleiah Fox, Alex Villa, Chas Moore, Mimi Marziani, and Lindsey Linder
Real Estate
John Berkowitz, Lezlie Tram Le, Paul Smith, Kristen Williams, and Schuyler Williamson
Sports, Wellness, and Fitness
April Owen, Gloria Chan, Emilia Edmonson, CJ Finley, Melody Afkami
Technology
Estevan Aviles, Jessica Tremblay, John Gunter, Jr., Ryan Collins, and Sherrie Nguyen
Youth and Education
Rubén Cantú, Dr. Christopher Coy, Jon Bailey, Sharon Vigil, and Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen
Jesse Stowell is nominated in the Journalism, Marketing, and Public Relations category.
