Meet the Class of 2017 — 40 people younger than 40 years old who blow far past the description of movers and shakers. One thing you will learn about Richmond when you meet these dynamic folks is that this is a region full of people who care deeply about the place they live and the people around them.
Despite all of the professional accolades that decorate the résumés of these Richmonders, perhaps what stands out most is the big-heartedness of these people who go the extra mile for others.
These are the people we look for every year to fill the new class of Style Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40. They are the voices to which Richmond should listen more carefully. They’re paying attention to the changes truly needed in the community. And we hope you’re paying attention to them. — Jack Cooksey
Top 40 Under 40 Awards Celebration
What: Join us for a networking reception and ceremony honoring the recipients.
When: Monday, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard
To Go: Find out more information and purchase tickets here.
The Recipients
Dagan Rowe, 39
Head of school, Seven Hills School
Ashley Williams, 29
Founder, Bare Soul Yoga
Andreas Addison, 35
Richmond City Councilman and Owner of Civic Innovator
Lucian Restivo, 28
Associate Producing Director, Richmond Triangle Players
Liz Doerr, 32
Director of Engagement, NRV
Zenobia Bey, 38
Founder of Community 50/50
Lorraine SantaLucia, 25
President and Founder, Scholarship Sharing
Enjoli Moon, 37
Founder and creative director of the Afrikana Film Festival
Nathaniel Shaw, 38
Artistic Director, Virginia Repertory Theatre
Parker Slaybaugh, 28
Communications Director for House of Delegates Speaker designee Kirk Cox
Lucy Dacus, 22
Musician
Adrienne Cole Johnson, 39
Director of Family Engagement, Peter Paul Development Center and Founder, Artisan Cafe
Eldon Burton, 30
District Director for U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin
Kelly Thomasson Mercer, 38
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Sarah Milston, 39
Founder, the Spark Mill
Shannon Daily, 33
Associate, Hunton & Williams LLP
Austin Kitchen, 27
Director of Leadership and Engagement, Chamber RVA
Dan Phipps, 39
President and chief operating officer, Red River Foods
Stinson Mundy, 39
Founder and Lawyer, Linden Legal Strategies
Kenneth Byrd, 36
Owner, Kenneth Byrd Design
Camille Bird, 39
Co-owner, Sacred Waters Holistic Spa & Boutique
Sarah Abubaker, 31
Director of Advancement Operations, University of Richmond
Steven “J.R.” Hall Jr., 38
Fire Lieutenant, City of Richmond Fire and Emergency Services
Brian Korte, 39
Owner of BrickWorkz
Hunter Leemon, 39
Executive Director of Sportable
Michael Knopf, 34
Rabbi at Temple Beth-El
Rupa Murthy, 39
Chief Development Officer, YWCA Richmond
Pete Shrock, 38
Co-founder and chief people officer, Legacy Navigator
Frances Santarella, 39
Owner, Tarrant’s Cafe, Tarrant’s West, Max’s on Broad and Little Saint
Afton Bradley, 28
Transgender Health Care Services Manager, the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood
Josh Autrey, 33
Artist, Salvation Tattoo Gallery
Meghan Barbato, 39
Director, RVA First Fridays
Christina Dick, 29
Founder, TFB Agency
Josh Romano, 35
Founder and Chief Executive, Cobblestone Development Group
James Callahan, 39
Freelance illustrator and writer
Lincoln Saunders, 33
Chief of Staff to Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney
Nupur Bal, 36
Shareholder at Defazio Bal
Dr. Scott Keel, 37
Complex care coordinator, Pediatric and Adolescent Health Partners
Elizabeth Paul, 36
Senior vice president and head of strategy, Mullen Lowe U.S.
Jack Thompson, 39
Vice president of construction and real estate, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity
