Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40 Selection Committee Members have been diligently working this summer on reviewing the applications that were submitted for Topeka’s Top “20 Under 40” Class of 2024. Last week, the list of applicants was narrowed to the 20 to be honored this year. Each year brings an impressive number of quality applicants, and committee members always remark how challenging it is to narrow the list to just 20. There are many great things going on in Topeka and the story of each applicant is part of that narrative.
On behalf of the 20 Under 40 Steering and Selection Committee, I am pleased to announce the 2024 Class of Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40.
Kaitlin Alegria – Director of Development, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center
Joe Beasley – Trust Officer, BOK Financial
Joshua Beshears – Repairs Manager, Topeka Habitat for Humanity
John Cantrell -Partner, Topeka Auto Glass, Topeka Tint Company and Iron Man Promotions
Pedro Concepcion – Chief Operating Officer, The Wheel Barrel LLC and recently selected CEO of NOTO Arts & Entertainment District
Lauren Edelman – Director of the Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, Washburn University
Emersen Frazier – Director of Health Equity and Policy, Stormont Vail Health
Kristin Hammer – Community Engagement Coordinator, YWCA Northeast Kansas
Bonnie “Bekah” Henderson – Barista, Dialogue Coffee House
Thaina Dos Santos Jensen – Acute Care Registered Nurse, Stormont Vail Health
Randi Johnson – Special Agent, Kansas Bureau of Investigation
Marisol Marcelo – Director of Marketing/Public Relations/Preplanning Specialist, Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home
Abriona Markham – Executive Director/Doula, Topeka Doula Project
Blake Porter – Corporate Counsel, Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka
Jill Rice – Director of Ministries, Fellowship Hi-Crest
Kayla Schadegg – New Parent & Medical Outreach Specialist, Down Syndrome Innovations
Kristen Shook – Programs Manager of Work for Success, Mirror. Inc.
Christopher Stemler – Owner, Trident Partnerships
Gabrielle Tanner – Principal, Topeka Public Schools – Sheldon Head Start Child Development Center & Pine Ridge Prep Preschool
Pete Ziegler – Owner, Ziegler Family Dentistry
If you haven’t seen the announcements posted yesterday that include a photo and bio of each Honoree, each individual is posted on Facebook. We hope you will join us in celebrating these young leaders and influencers on November 14, 2024 at the Maner Conference Center – Sunflower Ballroom. Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and program to follow at 6:30 p.m.
To make a donation in their honor, purchase a ticket to the event or to become a sponsor visit https://jayhawkcouncil.org/20under40/. Topeka’s 20 Under 40 is a signature fundraising event benefiting the Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America.
