Erie's 40 Under 40: Class of 2020
Innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders united in their push to get Erie over the hill
Like Sisyphus of Greek myth, Erie has been fighting an uphill battle for what's seemed an eternity. Straining against decades of inertia and pessimism, it's been a constant push to get over the hill. If only we could build up enough momentum amongst ourselves to clear its crest, we might send our old burdens hurtling down the other side, free to visualize the infinite horizons in front of us.
Many who figure to be part of the "over-the-hill" gang when that happens are actually not yet "over the hill" — at least not in the traditional sense of the phrase. Age is but a number, and 40 is an arbitrary milestone — persons on either side of it can and do affect meaningful change. However, it is our young adults that have the greatest role yet to play in transforming Erie into the diverse, prosperous, and inclusive destination we know it can be.
There's no way we flip Erie's script without harnessing the talents and ambitions of youth, and that is why we annually celebrate Erie's 40 Under 40. During an unprecedented year marked by dread and uncertainty, our eighth class represents another welcome dose of hope, strength, and resilience to emerge better than ever.
We can't wait.
Written by: Jonathan Burdick (JB), Chloe Forbes (CF), Ben Speggen (BS), Rebecca Styn (RS), Cara Suppa (CS), Matt Swanseger (MS), Nick Warren (NW), and Jim Wertz (JW).
Photographs by Jessica Hunter.
Interested in nominating someone for next year's list? Online nominations are open now.
