It’s easy to find driven and talented young professionals who are making a difference in the Preston Hollow and Park Cities communities. It’s much more difficult to choose just 20 of them to recognize in a special issue of People Newspapers.
We received a record number of nominations for this year’s 20 Under 40 awards. Our selection process began in January with an initial review of the nominees by our editorial staff. The nominations were then sent to a selection panel whose members carefully evaluated every candidate and shared their thoughts during a virtual meeting. Our editorial team came together again to discuss the final selections.
The process was made more challenging by the nominees’ diverse professions. How do you compare the achievements of a dance instructor to those of a banker, or the accomplishments of a member of the faith community to those of an entrepreneur?
Our judges were not directed to use specific criteria. They didn’t check boxes or complete an evaluation form. But certain themes resonated throughout our discussions: exemplary leadership, a commitment to community service, and a desire to create lasting change. It wasn’t enough to have done a job well, no matter how important that job might have been.
We’re proud of the members of this year’s 20 Under 40 class. They haven’t just renewed our hope for the future. They’ve also reminded us that we live in a place where neighbors measure success not only by the money they’ve made, but also by the lives they’ve touched.
We are grateful for the assistance of our selection committee members, rotarians Elisa Garcia and Mark Kashar, and 20 Under 40 alumnae Danielle Reynolds and Nicole Paquette.
We invite you to meet our awardees, as well as our two student Youths on the Rise. If you know someone who should be on our list, please complete our 2027 nomination form, which is already available at peoplenewspapers.com.
-Sarah Hodges, Editor
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