Nominations Being Accepted by United Way of Lake County's Emerging Leaders for 2026 4 Under 40 Awards

Nominations Now Being Accepted for Emerging Leaders of United Way of Lake County’s 2026 “4 Under 40” Young Professional Awards
 

Mentor, OH (September 21, 2026) – United Way of Lake County’s Emerging Leaders are now accepting nominations for their ninth annual “4 Under 40” Young Professional Awards. Nominations are being accepted through November 1, 2026.

The "4 Under 40" awards recognize and commend Lake County’s best and brightest young professionals for their hard work and achievements in the areas of leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, and professional accomplishment.

Nominees must live or work in Lake County and must be between the ages of 21- 40 years old during the year ending December 31, 2026.

To submit a nomination, visit bit.ly/4u40-nomination.

Winners will be selected by a committee following a holistic review of their personal achievements, professional accomplishments, and contributions to the community. The four winners will be honored at an awards ceremony in January 2027.

Last year’s awards, held at The Everly in Mentor, drew a crowd of over 160 supporters who enjoyed appetizers and drinks while celebrating the 2025 winners. Honorees included Ashley Cozzens, Community Relations Director of the Lake County Board of DD; Joel DiMare Jr., Director of Administrative Services for the Lake County Commissioner's Office; Zerina Hutchinson, Owner of Fit4Mom Lake County; and Brandon Morse, Owner and Operator of Furniture Warehouse Ohio.

United Way of Lake County President & CEO Dione DeMitro emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of young professionals throughout Lake County, saying, “Our community is filled with talented young professionals who are making a meaningful difference in their workplaces, organizations, and community. The 4 Under 40 Awards give us an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to strengthening Lake County. We encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate someone who is making an impact and deserves to be recognized.”

The mission of the Emerging Leaders is to be a catalyst for change in the lives of Lake County youth through leadership, advocacy, knowledge, and education to facilitate positive behaviors that will create tomorrow’s leaders.

The Emerging Leaders group welcome new members eager to volunteer and make a difference. For more information, visit uwlc.org/el.