Austin Under 40 Reveals Finalists for This Year’s Awards

Austin Under 40 Awards (AU40) revealed its latest class of 2026 finalists, celebrating the city’s most exceptional professionals under 40, recognized for their leadership and impact. The Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) of Austin will host a series of events culminating with the winners unveiled at the 27th annual Austin Under 40 gala on May 9, 2026 at the JW Marriott. Recognized in 18 categories, including “Mentor of the Year,” the finalists will be judged on both their professional achievements and their impact on the community.

This year’s finalists represent a diverse range of fields, spanning technology, advertising, art, healthcare and beyond. Among them is TRIBEZA Publisher Krissy LittleStar Hearn, who has been an instrumental figure for the magazine since 2017.

“I am beyond grateful and truly humbled to be nominated, let alone named a finalist, for the Austin Under 40 Awards among so many inspiring members of our community,” LittleStar Hearn says. “It’s such an honor to stand alongside this incredible group, and I’m really excited to connect with them and learn about the meaningful, creative ways that they’re each making a difference in our city and beyond.”

AU40 cultivates meaningful connections through curated events and fundraising efforts benefiting Austin Sunshine Camps, an organization committed to empowering young people through transformative camp experiences. This year’s celebration takes on the theme of “Illuminating Austin,” a nod to the city’s iconic moontowers, live music scene and iconic skyline — capturing the spirit of bold leadership and community that Austin is known for. The evening serves to honor the achievements of today’s change-makers while helping light the way for the next generation.

Mentor of the Year

• Beth Goff-McMillan, SKG
• Eboni L. Ceasar, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
• Linda Garza Battles, Western Governors University
• Marc Nathan, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
• Marsha Stone, Foundation Stone Family of Programs

Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations

• Angel Leverett, Austin Habitat for Humanity
• Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz, Refuerzo Collaborative
• John Mathew “JMAT” Bernal, ECPR Texas
• Joseph Sommer, Whitestone
• Shaquille K. Dillon, Huston-Tillotson University

Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Design

• Amelia Harlow-Leggett, Turner Construction
• Ashley Wainscott, Simply Home
• Laura Williams, Living Oak Interior Design
• Maggie Kane Wylie, ESO Architecture (formerly Point B Design Group)
• Stephen Mery, The Beck Group

Arts, Music, and Entertainment

• Cassandra “DJ Cassandra” Shankman, Sounds By Cassandra
• David McMichael, Hyperreal Film Club
• Greg Rosenbaum, SXSW
• Kelly Gray, The Concourse Project (Music Venue) + Seismic Dance Event (Festival)
• Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez, ProyectoTEATRO

Capital, Financial, and Insurance Services

• Addie Rasche, Silverton Partners
• Bart Davis, 512Financial
• Kade Thomas, Emory Oak Partners
• Paul H. Graham, Solyco Wealth
• Sarah Romanko, Geek Ventures

Civics, Government, and Public Affairs

• Genesis D. Gavino, City of Austin
• James Valadez, Austin ISD
• Kelsey Erickson Streufert, Texas Restaurant Association
• Natalie Poindexter, NPI Consulting House
• Robert Smiley McCray, Austin Fire

Energy, Sustainability, and Transportation

• Carmen Suchecki, Brigham Exploration
• Jessi Roesch, Downland
• Matt Loszak, Aalo Atomics
• Nathan Ryan, Goff Policy
• Samantha Haynes, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Food, Events, and Hospitality

• Arti Bhakta, Avent Productions
• Ben Knorr, Texas Restaurant Association
• Jhonatan Aldama, Kesos Tacos
• Jordan Flowers, Jordan Flowers & Events
• Katie Crenshaw, Still Austin Whiskey Co.

Journalism, Media, and Content Creation

• Codie Sanchez, Contrarian Thinking
• John-Carlos Estrada, CBS Austin & UT Press
• Krissy LittleStar Hearn, TRIBEZA
• Olivia Messer, The Barbed Wire
• Sahar Chmais, Austin Business Journal

Legal

• Jillian French, Eggleston Law Firm, P.C.
• Kassi Gonzalez, Texas Civil Rights Project
• Kayvon Rashidi, Powers Kerr Rashidi, PLLC
• Rekha Roarty, Roarty Law Firm, PLLC
• Sarah Harp, Texas Attorney General

Medicine and Healthcare

• Brenda Puapuaga, Ascension-Dell Children’s Blood & Cancer
• Dallas Wolford, MD, Austin Face & Body
• Jasmine Lott, Galen College of Nursing
• Kevin Kumar, The University of Texas at Austin – Dell Medical School / Dell Children’s Medical Center
• Jobby John, Nimbus Healthcare

Nonprofit Service

• Alyssa Ramirez, American Red Cross
• Faiza Kracheni, Motion Media Arts Center (Austin School of Film + Cinemaker)
• Kaitlin Mauro, 4ATX Foundation
• Miranda Hitchcock, Every Dog Behavior and Training
• Billy Whipple, Austin Habitat for Humanity

People and Operations

• Cami Narino, Furnished Finder LLC
• Celeste Madison, Monroe and Weisbrod
• Liz Coufal, Valkyrie
• Priya Taneja, DHR Global
• Saamiya Seraj, A Better Force

Real Estate

• Jenn Varelli, Commercial Market Exchange
• Megan Etz, Industry ATX
• Penny Chung, LT Commercial Group
• Ross Speed, Compass
• Troy Marcus, Evergen Equity

Retail, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain

• Adam Zimmer, Zimmer Design and Manufacturing, LLC
• Kelsey Black, The Book Burrow
• Meghan Herman, HarperSage
• Sammy Lam, Wanderlust Wine Co.
• Sergio Trujillo, Desnudo Coffee

Sports, Wellness, and Fitness

• Dr. Amy Hooper, Eastside Movement Company
• Derek Franzraich, Healthyish Ventures
• Jarred Curcio, TRUE Fitness & Focus; The Focus Room; Supernova Couples Coaching
• Phillip Solomon, Barry’s
• Tyler Parsons, Vital Society

Technology

• Cassie Paul, Motiv
• David Duguan, Voxify
• Josh Levine, Thorian AI
• Lynn Stevens, ICON
• Yasir Arafat, Aalo Atomics

Youth and Education

• Daniel Liu, The University of Texas at Austin
• Dr. Ashley Glover, Dr. Ashley Glover’s Wellness Center
• Janeth Medrano, Austin ISD
• Krysta Chacón, The University of Texas at Austin
• Tai Black, Black Tai Empire

Learn more about the AU40 awards and purchase tickets here.