and more.
Cyndi Munson, Tommie Johnson, Storme Jones, Graham Colton, Bradley Kirouac
Bradley Kirouac
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
By Oklahoma City Young Professionals
The Oklahoma Young Professionals (OKCYP) have released its Most Influential Young Professionals of Oklahoma City list each year since 2018.
The list was comprised of outstanding young professionals who were selected by a special committee
This year, OKCYP allowed the general public, along with leaders of influential organizations and community leaders to select this year's list.
Over seventy young professionals made the initial ballot and we had seventy-nine write-ins
After a large number of votes, OKCYP is proud to release its 50 Most Influential Young Professionals of Oklahoma City - 2021 list.
The 50 Most Influential Young Professionals of Oklahoma City is ranked according to the votes
The list features OKC Friday's Most Powerful Young Professionals: J.D. Baker, Terrance Craft, Bailey Perkins, Graham Colton, Kyle Impson and Janelle Archer
Jamie Kostelac, Sache Primeaux-Shaw and Donovan Farrow who made the 2020 Most Influential Young Professionals of OKC list, appear again this year.
Other notable young professionals featured on this list includes: Jason Hackett, Storme Jones, Erin Engelke, Tim Doty, Nicole Powell and Aaron Phillips
OKC'S MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG PROFESSIONAL - #1
by Terrance Craft
This is Baker's second time appearing on OKC's Most Influential Young Professionals list. He was first featured on the 2020 list.
It is no surprise that J D was voted as Oklahoma City's most influential young professional.
I have known J D for a few years We first met on campus when he was the Student Government Association's President at the University of Oklahoma
Since then, J.D. has become an influential
young professional in his own right One of the things that make J D influential in my opinion, is his ability to connect and relate to others. Not many have that trait or ability to be able to empathize with others.
I have a lot of respect for J D as he is someone who stands up for what he believes in and doesn't compromise his integrity or convictions.
I often refer to him as the "Mayor of the Young Professionals " Everyone knows J D in Oklahoma City and his impactful influence
J D Baker ranks #1 on the 50 Most Influential Young Professionals of Oklahoma City list
“I often refer to him as the Mayor of Young Professionals.”
J.D Baker
“Being new to Oklahoma City and being named one of Oklahoma City’s Most Influential Young Professionals is a testament that community is about creating dialogue and action. Across the US, I have not found a community so beautiful to be a part of, and after traveling full time for 2 ½ years, it is lovely to call OKC home.” - Bradley Kirouac
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS #2-10
by Tiffany Johnson
Bradley Kirouac, Abigail Ogle, Rep Cyndi Munson, Vice Mayor Nikki Nice, Graham Colton, Phi Nguyen, and Arilla Broadus make their first appearance on the Most Influential Young Professionals List.
Bailey Perkins makes her second appearance on this list as she was selected for our 2020 list. Our Executive Director, Terrance Craft, also makes his second appearance after appearing on our 2019 list
Only two members of OKCYP make this year's Top 10 list - Bradley Kirourac and Arilla Broadus
#2
Bradley Kirouac Big Brothers Big Sisters of OK
#3
Abigail Ogle KOCO TV
#4
Rep. Cyndi Munson OK House of Representatives
#6 Bailey Perkins Regional Food Bank
#7
Terrance Craft OKC Young Professionals
#8 Graham Colton Social Order
#9 Phi Nguyen Downtown OKC
#5 Nikki Nice Vice Mayor - Oklahoma City
#10
Arilla Broadus Running Wild Catering
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG
PROFESSIONALS #11-22
“When you work with the state's largest agency, serving more than 1 million Oklahomans per year, everything you do is influential. It is an honor to be recognized as an individual whose influence yields positive outcomes for children and families. My hope is that even if only by a small measure, tomorrow is better than today for the people in our state because of the hard work I am privileged to contribute to.”
- Constanzia
Nizza
“Influence does not happen in a vacuum. Any influence I wield is because of the belief in me and the support others have provided. I am grateful for all the family, friends, and peers who have guided me in life. It is my goal to provide others the same support so they may create a positive impact on our community. When we believe in each other and believe in ourselves, the weight of our influence is powerful ” -
Taelor Connell
#11
Constanzia Nizza OK Department of Human Services
#12
Kaylee Vaughn ONE OKC
#13
Taelor Connell Polston Tax
#15
Tommie Johnson Oklahoma County Sheriff
#16 Storme Jones News 9
#17
Sache Primeaux-Shaw Young Democrats of OK
#18 l d
#14
Jason Hackett KOCO TV
#19 Kyle Impson Chickasaw Nation
#20 Adam Soltani CAIR Oklahoma
#21 Donovan Farrow Alias
#22 Iesha Larkpor Thunder Realty
O K C Y O U N G P R O F E S S I O N A L S
The Oklahoma City Young Professionals are a group of young professionals who are seeking to gain better insight in connecting with their peers, developing their skills, and most importantly, positively impacting their community around them
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG
PROFESSIONALS #23-29
“I think those that have influence should reflect on the lyrics from Wicked, “I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives, For a reason, bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them and we help in return Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true, but I know I’m who I am today because I knew you” I believe I am who I am today because I was lucky enough to be influenced by individuals that believed in making our city and community a better place by encouraging volunteerism and seeking out the good in others. ” - Seth Lewis
#23
Chaunte Gilmore Parcway Health & Rehab
#24 Lacie Lowery News 9
#25 Blake Bullard OSSO Sports & Social
#28
Kyle Glass Cory's Audio Visual
#29
Janelle Archer Midfirst Bank
#26
Seth Lewis Arts Council OKC
Mayor David Holt
Aspire Award Winner
Lance Evans
OKC'S MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG PROFESSIONAL - #30
by Jenna McCullock
Lance Evans is one of the most influential people that I know. I had the pleasure of working alongside him for 3 years at The Education and Employment Ministry and It was there that I saw the impact of his work
Lance is an innovative leader, always striving beyond what is asked of him. He leads with tenacity and humility.
I saw firsthand how his influence played an important role on our leadership team
Lance has gumption and pushes others outside of their comfort zone in a way that helps them find confidence in their own leadership skills.
He always stands up for what is right and finds a way to let everyone’s voice be heard Lance fully invests himself in his work and his talent is unmatched
He cares deeply for others and it is evident in the way he lives his life and does his work. Lance is influential and has made an incredible difference on the city of Oklahoma City
Evans makes his first appearance on the 50 Most Influential Young Professionals of Oklahoma City list
“He always stands up for what is right and finds a way to let everyone’s voice be heard.”
Lance
FIRE & ICE
T H E S T O R Y B E H I N D T H E T H E M E
Find out how this year's theme was chosen from co-host, Tiffany Johnson.
To say that 2020 was a hard year for everyone is the biggest understatement of the century. Many businesses were forced to shut down, some temporarily and others permanently. It became a dark year for many, including young professionals.
Mental health amongst young professionals is already a much-discussed topic. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "by age 18, 35 percent [of young adults] will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, 25 percent will be diagnosed with a substance addiction, and 20 percent will have a behavioral disorder."
The 2021 Horizon Awards will celebrate and uplift young professionals.
"We chose Fire & Ice as the theme this year because of what all has happened in 2020," said Johnson. "Fire and ice are both powerful elements. Both can destroy but I believe together, they can keep things balanced. And this year, I think everyone just wants to restore that natural balance."
The 6th Annual Horizon Awards will take place on October 7 at Oklahoma City's Farmers Market. Terrance Craft and Tiffany Johnson return to co-host young professionals' biggest night.
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG
PROFESSIONALS #31-35
#31
Cassi Peters Skyfire Media
#32 Chelsey Flint Flint Events
#33 Nathaniel Harding Antioch Energy
#34
Rachael Leonhart Lyric Theatre
#35 Eliud Villarreal Exotic Motorsports of OK
OKC'S MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG PROFESSIONAL - #36
by Angela Gittins & Jill Henslee
Down the street from our businesses, we met a remarkable and influential young man Jared Goins became our neighboring business with his insurance company this last year and we can say he has added such a light to not only our businesses but our lives
It has been such a joy to build a relationship with him as not only friends but also professionals After decades of being business owners ourselves, we understand the determination, grit, and passion it takes to not only be successful in what you do but also to really make a difference in the way you lead your customers and staff; Jared has that
As a young professional, Jared brings a vast amount of passion to not only his product but the way he and his team can serve the community and that is what makes him so influential!
At such a young age, he continues to demonstrate what it means to be an example of discipline, innovation, and servanthood
Recently, we have had the opportunity to watch as he elevated his staff to better serve his customers while also finding a team of people who shares his same heart in serving the community through various outreach activities
first appearance on the 50 Most Influential Young Professionals of Oklahoma City list.
We are so thankful to be able to grow with Jared and watch as he achieves his dreams and makes such a huge impact on our city
If you have not met him yet, we encourage you to. However, be prepared to be embraced with laughter, inspired by passion, warmed with love, and most importantly the comfort in knowing our community is in great hands with young, influential, professionals like Jared Goins
Jared Goins makes his
Jared Goins
There's Entertainer of the Year at the Country Music Awards, Album of the Year at the Grammys, Best Picture at the Oscars and Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards. At the OKC Young Professionals' Horizon Awards, our biggest award of the night is Young Professional of the Year.
This award is given to a member who has become the exemplar for what it means to truly be an outstanding young professional in all aspects of their lives
L O R I H A R L E S S
Lori Harless became the first recipient of this award in 2016 She became the first person to win this award twice when she took home the honor again in 2017 She remains the only person in history to win this award twice
B R E N T B R O W N
Brent won this coveted award in 2018 in a very competitive category that included other nominees like Shana Lewis, Alisha Gardner, Bailey Perkins and Lee Briggs. Brent remains the only insurance professional to win this award.
T I F F A N Y J O H N S O N
Tiffany Johnson received her first nomination in this category. If you ask her, she would tell you that she didn't think she was going to win. Tiffany became the first person to win this award along with another award in the same night. Previously, all winners of YP of the Year had only won one award during the event.
T E R R A N C E C R A F T
Many were surprised to learn that Terrance has never been nominated for the organization's top honor, like ever. He eventually just thought he would never have a chance at the award. All that changed last year when he not only received his first nomination, but won the award! He also won Young Business Owner of the Year. Terrance made history by winning in every category he was nominated in.
W H O W I L L I T B E T H I S Y E A
R ?
Preliminary Nominees: Blake Bullard, Tiffany Johnson, Taelor Connell, Christian Cody, Nicole Powell, Jamie Kostelac, Constanzia Nizza, Eliud Villarreal, Kaylee Vaughn & Bansari Mehta
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
#37-42
#37
Allison Parker Infant Crisis
#38
Ashley Simpson Cavett Kids Foundation
#39
Grant McClendon Grelby Guides
#41
Denise Duong Little D Gallery
#42
Tiffany Johnson Eales Electronics
#40
Alyx Picard Davis deadCenter Film
David Attaway 2021 Aspire Award Winner
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
#43-50
#47
Justin Smith First Liberty Bank
#48
Nicole Powell Pristine Hospitality
#49 Aaron Phillips AP Technology
#50 Colby Parsons Cornerstone Bank
#45
Tim Doty Love Travel Stops
#46 Caset Tuter Brix Realty Group
#43
Anderson Harrison III Superlative Consulting
#44
Erin Engelke Calm Waters
YOUR LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE TO YOUNG PROFESSIONALS DESERVE THIS RECOGNITION.
PRELIMINARY NOMINEES
Woman of the Year
Kaylee Vaughn
Taelor Connell
Chaunte Gilmore
Jessica Hooker
Corian England
Nicole Powell
Michelle Williams
Dr. Andrea Allison
Raegan Mach
Tiffany Johnson
Outstanding Performance in Business Ownership:
Brett Alcorn
Eliud Villarreal
Alisha Gardner
Jamie Kostelac
Tyler Cox
Zack Porter
Jeremiah Perryman
Brent Brown
Aaron Phillips
Brad Simmons
Nonprofit of the Year
Cavett Kids Foundation
OIC of Oklahoma County
Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma
Dress for Success OKC
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma
Redline 4 Kids
ONE: One Neighborhood
Empowered
The 2021 Voting Academy has selected its preliminary nominees for the 2021 Horizon Awards. The Academy shortlists ten nominees in all categories.
The showcase ended on June 1. Membership narrowed down preliminary nominees in each category from ten to five.
The final five nominees in all categories will be revealed on August 4th at 10:00 am on OKCYP's social media channels.
Business of the Year
Arvest Bank
First Liberty Bank
Pristine Hospitality
Polston Tax
First United Bank
Primerica
Cornerstone Bank
Paycom
First Citizens Bank
True Sky Credit Union
Edward Jones
Small Business of the Year
OSSO Sports & Social
1-800-Got-Junk – Oklahoma City
AP Technology
Eales Electronics Corp
Easy Time Clock
Running Wild Catering
Black Cube Tax & Accounting
PuroClean of Midwest City
MTJT Agency
Exotic Motorsports of Oklahoma
Visionary of the Year
Tiffany Johnson
Constanzia Nizza
Christian Cody
Chaunte Gilmore
Blake Bullard
Kaylee Vaughn
Alisha Gardner
Bradley Kirouac
Brent Brown
Taelor Connell