The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Waco Under 40 nominees! In its third year, Waco Under 40 is a rare opportunity for the best and brightest from a diverse group of professions and causes to gather and receive much-deserved recognition. The luncheon recognizes rising young leaders who have distinguished themselves in their careers and in the community. In addition to honoring the selected nominees, the luncheon is intended to help motivate young people throughout our area to become community leaders and provide an avenue for those over 40 to celebrate, encourage and share knowledge with the young leaders of Waco.
Nominees are:
- Allison M. Alford, Baylor University
- Ryan Allen, The Resource Group (an Ascension Health Subsidiary)
- Mark Arias, American Bank
- Kate Barton, Magnolia
- Peter J. Bealka, M.D., Bealka Eye Surgery of Texas
- Christopher T. Bell, First Methodist Church Waco
- Marilyn Brooks, Nurse Family Partnership – Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest
- Elizabeth Buice, Buice Law Firm
- Jed Cole, Brazos River Capital
- Nick Deaver, American Bank
- Crystal Diaz-Espinoza, Baylor University, Garland School of Social Work
- Dillon Fontaine, Venturing Out Podcast
- Eduardo Garcia, Helados La Azteca and Lalo’s Coffee and Pastries
- Carlie C. Gause, Pakis, Giotes, Page & Burleson, P.C.
- Benjamin Gomez, Neighborly Brands
- April Harris, Midway Independent School District
- Robin Hazlett, Express ER
- Kristina Holcomb, Premier ER and Urgent Care
- Wes Kanawyer, Midway Independent School District
- Natalie Kelinske, Waco Foundation
- Kyle Knas, Naman Howell Smith & Lee, PLLC
- Lucas Kramm, L3Harris
- Devin Li, Waco Cha
- Eric Linares, Eastside Market
- Israel Loachamin, First Baptist Church Waco & La Puerta
- Stephanie Mabry, United Way Waco-McLennan County
- Aaron Mize, Communities In Schools of the Heart of Texas
- Kelly Mullins, Ascension Providence
- Geoffrey Nelson, Methodist Children’s Home
- Laura Page, Extraco Banks
- Sarah Patschke, Innovative Solutions Website & Graphic Design
- Christopher Qualls, NeighborWorks Waco
- Vanessa Reyes, Technology for Education
- Gib Reynolds, Baylor University & Startup Waco
- Shawna Brooke Roscom, Edward Jones Investments
- Amanda Ruble, Lakeshore Village Healthcare & Axtell Farmers Market and Trade Days
- Kennedy Sam, Creative Waco
- Lakia Scott, Baylor University
- Katie Selman, Keep Waco Loud
- Rhiannon Settles, Waco Independent School District
- Will Suarez, Be Kind Coffee, Kurbside Coffee & Hidefwilly Inc.
- Clint Weaver, Hobbs Bonded Fibers
- Luke Whyte, Waco Tours & Whyte Oak Homes
- Laura Wichman, McLennan Community College
- Matthew Wilson, L3Harris
Nominees represent not only the young leaders who demonstrate a tremendous positive impact in their respective industries, but who also go beyond the call of duty by volunteering their personal time to give back to the community.
Soon, we will announce the honorees to be recognized at the annual luncheon.
“We’re thrilled with the community’s contribution this year,” said Ricky Vasquez, program director. “We always strive to celebrate leaders and this year we were pleased to see such a dramatic increase in nominations, and we can’t wait to celebrate them and our honorees at the luncheon this fall.” Nominees and honorees will be recognized at the luncheon currently scheduled for Thursday, September 30 at the Extraco Events Center’s BASE Facility. Tickets will be available soon. Presenting sponsorship for Waco Under 40 is provided by Bird Kultgen Ford.