Next Up Columbus: Class of 2025
We are thrilled to announce the 25 incredible individuals who have been selected as this year’s Next Up Columbus honorees (presented by the Columbus Young Professionals Club), recognizing their outstanding contributions, leadership, and impact across a variety of industries. These young professionals to know are shaping the future of Columbus and beyond, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements!
Cover photo on location at the roof terrace at Moxy Short North; Photo by Steven Miller / Marked Imagery
Click the link on each honoree’s name to view their profile:
Anna Pray Holzapfel, 38
Innovation Manager at Grange Insurance
Ashley Grayson, 37
Student Leadership & Engagement Advisor at The Ohio State University
Caylan Stevens, 29
Program Manager at Communities in Schools of Ohio
Chase Waits, 42
Director of Communications & Community Engagement at Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Colin Gregory
Owner and Chef at Aubergine Private DIning Club
Erica Noll Crawford, 32
Director of Online Engagement, Miami Online at Miami University
Hannah Pettiford, 28
Climate Insights Analyst at Huntington National Bank
Jaylaunna Strickland, 36
Talent Acquisition Specialist at LeaderStat
Jeffrey Price Jr., 37
CEO/Founder (PLAN Logistics Solutions, Kingdom Coaching Services, Kaliro Apps)
Jordan Gomes, 31
Development Manager at Flying Horse Farms
Kandise Young, 37
Human Resources Manager at Columbus Humane
Kashif E. Smiley
Owner of Klutch Strategies, LLC
Katherine Liming, 28
Manager of Local External Affairs & Public Policy at COSI
Katrina Matthews, 39
Events Specialist, Marketing & Engagement at COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority)
Mike Hochron, 40
Senior VP, Communications and Public Affairs at Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Dr. Natalie Nguyen, 41
Optometrist and Owner of Eye Co.
Nellie Smith
Storyteller and Messaging Consultant (Human Experience Marketing) + Literary Teaching Artist (IPWW; private workshops)
Phillip DiSilvestri, 24
President at Capital Choice Office Furniture
Quayee Jakley
Sr. Manager, Property & Casualty Claims at Assurant
Sam Evans, 26
Director of Logistics and Operations for Charity Newsies
Shauntae L. Greene, 40
Assistant Vice President of Contract Management at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Teresa Temu, 36
Founder, Principal Consultant at Dunia Consulting
Veneicia M. Smith, 40
Fitness Coach, CEO, and Founder of Beast Mode Fitness Studio & Cafe
Will Wilder, 24
Community Planning Analyst at City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods
William Needleman, 29
Assistant Project Director at AARP Foundation