Next Up Columbus 2025: Anna Pray Holzapfel
Name: Anna Pray Holzapfel
Age: 38
Profession: Innovation Manager at Grange Insurance
Neighborhood: Hilliard
Education: University of Minnesota
Community Involvement: Hilliard Bradley Athletic Boosters, Ohio Express Softball, Hilliard Bradley Softball
Motto: “The biggest risk you can take by not taking any risk.” – Mark Zuckerberg
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Anna Pray Holzapfel has spent her entire career in the insurance industry, starting out in claims and mastering multiple business lines over 11 years. But it was when she joined the Innovation team at Grange Insurance that she truly found her spark, leading transformative projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in a traditionally conservative industry. Outside the office, Anna channels her passion into sports, not just as a lifelong athlete but as a tireless advocate for women and girls in athletics. Whether she’s cheering from the sidelines or mentoring the next generation, she shows up with heart, hustle, and an unwavering belief in the power of female-driven teams.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
Organization is my life. I love what I do, from future-proofing Grange through throughout strategic Innovation to organizing athletic functions for several sports teams I support is the highlight of every day. Being the ‘Team Mom’ and the ‘go-to’ person is my favorite.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
A mentor I have always reminds me, “Always be yourself, and control what you can control. Don’t worry about things or actions outside of your control.”
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
On warm days, I love to sit out on my patio and just breathe in the warm air. On cold days, I have a nice sitting room in my house that helps me unwind after hectic weeks.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
You will always find me at a gym or field watching local marching bands, volleyball, basketball, or softball games.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, I wanted to do lots of things: a professional athlete, doctor, lawyer, teacher… so, I obviously ended up in Insurance. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
I am bouncing back and forth between “Falling in love with the problem, not the solution” and “The 5 am club.”
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
Being chosen for the Next Up Columbus award is both a tremendous honor and a powerful affirmation of my commitment to this community. It tells me that the time I’ve spent volunteering, collaborating with local organizations, and driving innovation at Grange to strengthen our regional economy has truly made a difference. Knowing that peers and leaders see the impact of my work motivates me to keep pushing for positive change, whether that’s through mentoring young professionals, spearheading community initiatives, or simply sharing ideas that help our city grow. This recognition also reminds me that leadership is a shared journey. I’m proud to stand alongside so many inspiring individuals who invest their energy and expertise back into Columbus. Being named “Next Up” isn’t just about celebrating what I’ve achieved so far; it’s an invitation to continue building partnerships, breaking down barriers, and dreaming even bigger for the future of our city.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
For me, Columbus’s pulse is the energy of breakthrough innovation and championing female leadership. I feel it in our InsurTech pilots, startup meet-ups, and AI initiatives at Grange, and in the programs that empower women in tech and business. That drive for pioneering ideas and inclusive opportunity is what keeps our city moving forward.
The Next Up Columbus Awards, presented annually by the Columbus Young Professionals Club, recognize emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Central Ohio. These honorees are innovators, connectors, and community champions helping to shape a brighter future for Columbus. Meet the entire Class of 2025 »