What did the recognition of being a 20 Under 40 winner mean to you, and how would you describe the experience?
Being named to the 2017 20 Under 40 list was one of the greatest honors of my life. What made it truly unforgettable wasn’t just seeing my business celebrated or even landing on the cover of the magazine (which was pretty great!) but getting to share the news with my grandfather. At that point, he was in the final chapter of his life and living with dementia, but he was so proud of me.
He kept that magazine on his nightstand and showed it to every home health aide and visitor. He passed away the following year, but knowing he got to see that recognition meant more to me than words can express. He was the best grandpa in the world.
Equally meaningful was the community that formed among my 20 Under 40 peers. I am still dear friends with many of them today, and it’s been great to follow their career journeys since then!
— Jessie Yankee (Class of 2017)
It was a core memory. For many reasons, one being I felt very honored and seen for all of my hard work, but also because I got to go on stage and ask for a random audience member to give me $439 to be able to announce we met our fundraising goal lol! (Thanks, Dr. Arminta, for making that crazy idea work.) It was my first big photoshoot, I got to buy a killer vintage dress, and I got to send magazines to every relative who ever blessed my heart as a child when I wouldn’t shut up. Look at me now! I met so many wonderful and inspiring people who do some crazy cool work. I hang out with a lot of them regularly. It’s insane to see these incredible people grow even more in the last year. Since then, several have gotten promotions or gone back to school to be even better and cooler! Just watching achievers achieve, man!
— Ashley Burk Switzer (Class of 2024)
To elaborate on Ashley Burk Switzer ‘s story (for the record, since you’re using this testimonial), the $439 was in contribution towards the 20 Under 40 Class of 2024’s fundraising goal to give back to the community. Ashley boldly and proudly appealed to the crowd to close the gap. Arminta Phelps and Achieve Balance Chiropractic stepped up and BAM!! #fireworks
As is the tradition of 20 Under 40, the classes give back to the community. That’s what I wish the public knew more about. It’s worth recognizing the good that comes out of this event, for sure!
— Michele Curry (Class of 2022)
I was honored to be in the Class of 2021’s 20 under 40. I think the best part about being in this program is that you are building community with other people who are trying to make Columbia a better place. I have really treasured getting to know people, and building those relationships and those networking opportunities.
— Trent Rash (Class of 2021)
