PRESENTED BY2 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2024 Congratulations to this year’s 40 Under 40, including those from UTMB: utmbhealth.com Amanda Blair Trauma Program Manager, UTMB League City Campus Samantha Miro (Seale) Manager of Strategy and Communications, UTMB School of Nursing William Pate Associate Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety, and Adjunct Assistant Professor in School of Public and Population Health, UTMB Quincy Seigel Intern, UTMB Department of Internal Medicine Sruti Rachapudi Medical Student, The University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine; Founder, St. Vincent’s Vision Screening Program Hannah Peterson Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, UTMB 2024 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 3 Lauren Aguilar .......................4 Amy Argubright ......................4 Zinkeng Asonganyi .................5 Marissa Barnett ....................6 Amanda Blair ........................6 Jessica Branch ......................7 Michelle Cooney ....................7 Corey Coufal .........................8 Kristin Edwards .....................8 Sarah Ferguson .....................9 Thomas Fitzgibbons .............10 Bryson Frazier .....................10 Chasity Fuchs .....................11 Bailey Glenn........................11 Ashley Gooden-Stewart ........12 Amy Harlow .........................12 Jade Harris .........................13 Ashley Helms ......................13 Chelsi Honeycutt .................14 Loreal Hunter ......................14 Anna Hyatt ..........................15 Shenay Keyes .....................16 Peyton LaBauve ...................17 Rose Lazo ..........................17 Shaina Miller ......................18 Samantha Miro ...................19 Heather Owens ...................19 William Pate ........................20 Hannah Peterson ................20 Sruti Rachapudi ..................21 Tanya Scott .........................21 Quincy Seigel ......................22 Natalie Sharp ......................22 Ian Smith ............................23 Katherine Swanson .............24 Caitlin Townsend .................24 Stephanie Waltman .............25 Brad Wilhelm ......................26 Jared Williams.....................27 Kavica Williams ...................27 The Daily News is shining the spotlight on the best and brightest young professionals in Galveston County who are making a difference in their professions and in the community. To make the list, The Daily News solicited nominations from the public for men and women who are 40 years old and younger and live and/or work in the Galveston County area. An expert panel of judges not affiliated with The Daily News evaluated each nominee based on his or her professional accomplishments, growth and community service. These men and women represent a broad range of occupations and highlight the diversity of businesses in the Galveston County area. MEET THE 40 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 20244 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2024 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: TEXAS CITY ISD Lauren Aguilar, 30 Educational Diagnostician Why did you go into your particular field? It was an accumulation of things. First, there’s no better feeling than helping others, but the level of joy that comes from shaping little minds for the future is unmatched. Secondly, I have dyslexia. With that, school was such a struggle for me. If it wasn’t for teachers who put extra support and resources in place, there is no way I would have been successful. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? At first, my goal started with wanting to be an athletic trainer for the Houston Rockets. Then, because of my work history with H-E-B and seeing its culture, there was a time when I wanted to be involved in H-E-B’s leadership or management. Never did I think I would end up in such a rewarding career as the education field has been. What was your first job? Crazily, in my 30 years, I have actually only had two jobs, ever: Texas City school district and H-E-B. I started at H-E-B and worked there for over 13 years, even during breaks and holidays with the school district. I guess you could say I’m pretty loyal, and H-E-B is still my favorite place to grocery shop! What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom always encouraged me to reach my fullest potential by telling me to “Get an education; it is the one thing that can’t be taken away from you.” Her advice really stuck with me because here I am almost done with my doctoral degree! What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love being able to advocate for the students, parents, coworkers and school district, especially for those who are typically underserved. More than anything, I get a sense of peace knowing that I am helping a student to be successful in school and life after. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? There is no time off in education! You’re on the clock 24 hours, seven days a week. When you truly care about the students’ success, you become more than your position and you wear so many hats: teacher, counselor, life coach, mom. If it benefits the students, you name it, an educator takes on that role. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My mom! The wealth of knowledge and life lessons I’ve gained from her are untouched. She has literally pushed me to keep going and never settle. As a single mom, she sacrificed so much to make sure all her kids made it past every statistic that was predetermined for us. S/O Norma, you’re the real MVP! When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Well with work, after- school tutoring and a doctoral program, there’s not a lot of time to relax, but I do love being on the water, traveling and being surrounded by my significant other, friends and family. My nephews usually keep me very busy as well! What is something about you that most people don’t know? Being that I have dyslexia, I absolutely hated reading and writing growing up and really struggled with both for so long. It is something my three brothers love to tease me about because I couldn’t read and somehow became engrossed in a field that I read and write in-depth reports daily. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: GALVESTON’S OWN FARMERS MARKET Amy Argubright, 36 Young Gardeners Program Coordinator Why did you go into your particular field? I love my job! Starting in urban school gardens as a college student, I’ve since worked as an outdoor educator, teaching in various grades and districts, inside and outside of the classroom. Combining my passions for education and food has been a true blessing. I cherish getting my hands dirty gardening and cooking, deeply appreciate the natural world, and love connecting with others, building relationships and serving others in my community. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I thought I would be a dolphin trainer. Or a marine biologist. What was your first job? My first “real” paid job, outside of babysitting, was as a supervisor and “sandwich artist” at a local Subway. I was also a summer camp counselor at a girls’ sleep-away camp, Camp Hayward, in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Eat the cake. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love helping to feed people in my community, beautify the island and encourage people to get outside and experience nature. Watching people of all ages discover the magic and beauty of growing food is incredibly rewarding. I also love eating fresh veggies and putting my hands in the dirt! What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? There’s nothing specific I wish I had known when I first began in this role, but there are certainly things I know now that I wish I had known sooner: Okra is a type of hibiscus; peanuts grow underground; children will eat anything if they grow it and/or if you put Tajin on it; and so much more! My job teaches me something new every day, and I cannot wait to keep learning. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Honi Alexander is an amazing mentor, co-worker, teacher and friend. She is fiercely passionate, dedicated, strong and generous, offering me guidance and patience in my role alongside her in YGP (Young Gardeners Program) and SEED (Students for Eco-Empowerment & Diversity) operations. She inspires me to cultivate vitality and diversity, to keep growing and to keep digging deeper. I’m humbled to work alongside such a dedicated team of individuals who selflessly serve others, making the world — and our little island — healthier, happier and better place. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? When I’m not working, you’ll find me tending my home gardens, cooking in the kitchen, tending to my chickens and bees, practicing yoga or running on the beach with my dog, Luna. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I’m a breast cancer survivor. I finished cancer treatment in 2023 and am currently NED (no evidence of disease). My second life is the best one yet! How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to keep learning and leading in the field of school gardens and outdoor educational programming. I can’t wait to see the Young Gardeners Program expand even further, reaching more students, more families and feeding even more people. Read full profile at galvnews.com. 2024 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 5 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: CENCORA Zinkeng Asonganyi, 37 Vice president of Client Strategies and Services Why did you go into your particular field? Growing up in Cameroon, I was a strong science student, especially in chemistry. When I arrived in the U.S., with a plethora of options, I wanted to be in health care and pharmacy seemed like a great fit for me. Understanding how drugs work and how it can treat disease seemed intriguing enough to pursue this career path. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? For a while I didn’t know, ranging from being an accountant, custom officer to doctor. What was your first job? My first job in the U.S. was a teacher assistant at Wichita State University. Right after pharmacy school, my first job was an acute care, clinical staff pharmacist at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? This was passed down from my grandparents to my parents: Go to school and get an education. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I get to help health systems expand and provide new/additional ambulatory clinical pharmacy services to better the communities they serve. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Health care is such a small world, especially for those working in the health system environment. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Love watching sports, especially NFL Sundays. I love to participate in NFL fantasy football. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I’m still trying to figure out how to be the best father, son, friend, colleague, etc. How do you hope to grow in your career? By continuing to be cutting edge — learn, read and develop professionally. Attending conferences to learn about best practices and network with other colleagues and peers. LOCAL. NEWS. FIRST. Start your subscription today galvnews.com/subscribe 409.683.52016 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2024 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: CITY OF GALVESTON Marissa Barnett, 35 Public Information Officer Why did you go into your particular field? I love writing and working with people. Writing is often viewed as a solitary activity, but in my position, I rely so much on working with and learning from others. I enjoy the fact-finding process and then thinking about how to best communicate an idea to a wider audience. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Beginning in middle school, I wanted to be either a foreign correspondent or an editor for a magazine. I had a deep interest in traveling and current events. What was your first job? My first “real” job was working as a cashier at True Value Hardware. I started at 15 and worked there through high school. I think working with the public is an invaluable experience for a teenager. It gives you your first taste of independence and you learn how to relate to the world in a new way. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Surround yourself with good people who bring out the best in you. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My position works with every department in the city, and I like having the opportunity to meet and learn from people in different fields. I’ve learned more about infrastructure and city operations than I ever would have anticipated. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? When I was younger, I thought you had to know everything about a career or position before you could try it. I realize now we are all constantly growing, learning and evolving as we go along. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My grandma, Julia. I lived close to my grandparents and had the fortune of spending a lot of time with them growing up. My grandma was a great listener and always seemed to know just what to say. I still think about her advice whenever I’m faced with a challenge or something new. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love going for walks on the seawall after work with my son and wife. My son is enamored with the beach and walking into the surf, and it’s so fun watching him explore. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I worked for a temp agency in Seattle for a summer after college. It was a fun experience for the variety of work. My first week included an assignment as an extra in a cell phone commercial and I also worked at the port for a shipping company processing cars going from Washington to Hawaii. How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to keep honing my abilities and learning how to incorporate new technologies and changes in the industry. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I’d probably be a travel writer. LIVES: SANTA FE WORKS: UTMB HEALTH LEAGUE CITY Amanda Blair, 36 Trauma Program Manager Why did you go into your particular field? My passion for health care started as a young child listening about how my mom would work in the emergency department as a nurse. I knew I wanted to help save lives like she did every day. When the opportunity to become a trauma program manager came around, I knew I could make positive change for patients, my hospital and the community. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I initially wanted to be a doctor, but hanging around my mom and her friends quickly helped me realize that I wanted to be an emergency room nurse. What was your first job? My first job was in a grocery store while in high school. My first job after starting college was as an EMT Basic for the community I grew up in. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Be true to yourself and always give 110 percent in everything you do. What’s your favorite thing about your job? The people I get to work with every day and the way it challenges me. Every day I get to help make positive change for trauma patients. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? That it’s OK to step outside of your comfort zone. Amazing opportunities may be waiting on the other side. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My mom has been my greatest mentor. I wake up every day hoping to be half the mother, wife, leader and nurse she is. She has taught me so much in my life and I could never thank her enough. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love to hang out with my family, my German shepherd and my many chickens. What is something about you that most people don’t know? That I want to become a wildlife rehabber. How do you hope to grow in your career? I would like to further my education by completing my master’s degree. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would probably be a vet because of my love for helping animals. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD PEOPLE WHO BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU. IT’S OK TO STEP OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES MAY BE WAITING ON THE OTHER SIDE. 2024 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 7 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: HOUSTON METHODIST CLEAR LAKE HOSPITAL Jessica Branch, 37 Business Development-Physician Liaison Why did you go into your particular field? I went into business development in health care because I am passionate about helping others and improving community well-being. This field allows me to create and implement strategies that enhance patient care, support health care providers and ensure accessible, high-quality medical services. Seeing the positive impact on patients’ lives and knowing that my efforts contribute to better health outcomes is deeply fulfilling and motivates me every day. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I dreamed of becoming an orthopedic surgeon and a professional basketball player. I was fascinated by the human body’s mechanics and wanted to help people recover from injuries. Simultaneously, my love for basketball and track drove me to aspire to play at the highest level. These ambitions reflected my passion for both medicine and sports, shaping my dedication to helping others and achieving excellence. What was your first job? My first job was working with one of my neighbor’s businesses, Just 4 Kids. At that job, I assisted daycare-age children with painting. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever received came from my late cousin, Dr. Dayna Ellison, who I lived with while I was an undergrad at the University of Houston. She told me that no matter what is being said about you by your family or friends, work hard to prove them wrong. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job in business development is introducing new physicians to our community. During the interview process, I always make notes of the best places to take physicians in the community that align with their passions, so when I finally get the opportunity to help achieve that goal, it brings me joy. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I had started networking sooner. The importance of networking and building relationships within the health care industry has been key. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My greatest mentor is my cousin, Dr. Dayna Ellison. Her passion as an OB-GYN and her love for traveling have deeply inspired me. Dr. Ellison’s dedication to her patients and her ability to balance a demanding career with exploring the world have shown me the importance of pursuing one’s passions wholeheartedly. Her guidance and example have profoundly influenced my approach to both my career and personal life. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? When I’m not working, I relax by traveling to new and exciting places, spending quality time with my family and staying active through regular workouts. Exploring different cultures and environments rejuvenates me, while family time provides a comforting and supportive space. Working out not only keeps me physically fit but also helps clear my mind, making it easier to handle the demands of my career. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: HOUSTON WORKS: ZIEGLER COOPER ARCHITECTS Michelle Cooney, 38 Project Manager (Interior Design) Why did you go into your particular field? I’ve always been a creative person, sensitive to the spaces around me. When I learned I could positively impact how people felt in their built environment, I knew I wanted that job. I wanted to create aesthetically pleasing spaces that positively affected people every day. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a lawyer and then I wanted to be an archaeologist digging up ancient cities and artifacts. But at the age of 12, I learned what an interior designer was and then wanted to be one ever since. What was your first job? I was a lifeguard for a waterpark. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Keep emails polite and professional but as concise and as succinct as possible for key information. If an email gets too long, people start to gloss over important information. Stick to no more than five bullet points or numbered line items if necessary to express key points, questions, etc. This has proven to be great advice for me in my line of work as a project manager. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love spatial planning, especially when I have found a good and creative way to meet a client’s needs in a unique or challenging space. It is like working out a puzzle. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? No one is going to expect you to know everything or recall everything you might have learned in school when you are just starting out in your career. Do not let the fear of not knowing something, how to do it, or the fear of “doing it wrong” hinder you. Ask questions, ask for feedback and if you work at a company with good leadership, they will train, guide and encourage you. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I do not have any one specific mentor. Instead, I like to think that I have collected little tidbits of information and advice from many good and talented people over time. Through personal observations, I have picked up styles of communication, learned various design approach methods and techniques, and listened to shared stories of experiences and lessons learned. I absorb all that I can, creating a personal resource of knowledge and inspiration. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Spending quality time with my dog, taking her for walks. Riding my bike and spending time in nature. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I have been to the top of the third-highest volcano in the world, Mount Teide. How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to grow and become an industry leader, inspiring and encouraging others to pursue careers in interior design and/or architecture. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Working on the historic preservation of buildings, or something related to art history or museum curation. In general, I would like to think that I would be doing something that drives positive change in people’s lives and communities but with a creative outlet.8 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2024 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: GUAJARDO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, TEXAS CITY ISD Corey Coufal, 34 Elementary Interventionist Why did you go into your particular field? My original career path was social work so I could help children in desperate situations, but I concluded that with teaching, I can intervene before students reach that point. I am able create a safe place where children feel comfortable and cared for, even when they may not have that same environment at home. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always knew I wanted to work with children. I began babysitting as soon as I could, went to school for social work and ultimately ended up with a career in education. What was your first job? Aside from babysitting, my first official job was at age 14 working for Sheila and Eddie Savage at their sno-cone stand in Galveston. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “There is only one person in the world you have control over: yourself. You can’t control what others do, but you can control how you respond to it.” – Valorie Burton What’s your favorite thing about your job? As an interventionist, I can work closely with some of our most at-risk students in a small group setting. I have the privilege of helping these students not only meet the goals that we set, but most of the time surpass those goals. I am also fortunate enough to mentor many new teachers at the start of their journeys. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Throughout the years I’ve learned the hard way that it’s okay to set limits for myself. Although I want to be able to do everything, I have to realize that there will always be things out of my control. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Through the guidance of my former principal, Debbie Fuller, I was able to conquer many obstacles, achieve many goals, and become the educator I am today. Her hard work and dedication set the tone for the type of educator I aspire to be. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy binge watching Netflix with my cats, playing outside with my twins, and floating around my pool with a good book in hand. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am a fifth generation BOI (born on the island), and my children are sixth generation BOIs. How do you hope to grow in your career? Becoming a third and fourth grade interventionist was my dream, and I’m happy to have achieved this so early on in my career. I look forward to many years in this position where I am able to continuously help students and teachers grow to achieve their goals. I will continue my professional learning to provide the best and most up-to-date educational practices to my students. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I cannot imagine doing anything other than what I am doing. But if I had to choose, I would most likely be a school secretary because I really enjoy paperwork and organization. LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: CITY OF TEXAS CITY – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Kristin Edwards, 38 Director of Economic Development Why did you go into your particular field? Having been in local government for 16 years, shifting to economic development presented an exciting opportunity to serve the business community and bring new professional opportunities to our residents. Economic development is fascinating, dynamic and very impactful, and it creates avenues for students, small businesses and industry partners to grow and succeed. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was young, I read constantly, and I wanted to be a professional writer. It turns out, strong communication is a pivotal skill in local government. I deal with potential businesses, other community entities and people from all walks of life each day and being able to speak effectively with them is the biggest part of the job. What was your first job? I started a business called “Jill of All Trades” when I was 14 years old. I would babysit pets, do yard work, help people balance their checkbooks, and do whatever else was needed for $5 an hour. The business was so successful, I sold it to my mom when I went to college! What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Both my grandfather and my dad strongly encouraged me to get an advanced degree, and they were right. Having my Master of Public Administration degree has given me a leg up and allowed me to get into a field that is truly challenging. Looking back, I’m glad they encouraged me and had faith that I could do whatever I set my mind to. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job — outside of my awesome leadership and work teammates — is the fact that every day is different. “Economic development” means a lot of things: supporting industry and small businesses, creating a business accelerator, building community amenities and helping students succeed through workforce development efforts. I have fantastic community partners, and the Texas City I see is ready to grow and continue thriving! What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I had known how much the work I was doing in local government mattered to the community. Whether you’re building a new park, creating jobs or providing Facebook updates during disasters, people lean on you in ways you don’t always see first-hand. If you work hard in this field, you really are making a difference in the lives of local families. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I can’t choose just one mentor. I have had men and women in my professional sphere, brilliant family members and great friends who have shared their successes and insight over the years. They all have inspired me to keep growing and to do my best. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love to read, both fiction and non-fiction. I have a reading room at home where I — and my new puppy, Zoey — spend a good deal of time. I also love bike riding, time with friends and family, movies and music. What is something about you that most people don’t know? Most people don’t realize just how much of a nerd I am. Aside from books, my house is filled with dozens of rocks, minerals, shells and butterflies, not to mention a ton of art. Read full profile at galvnews.com.Congratulations, Sarah! The Daily News 40 Under 40 home24bank.com | Member FDIC 2024 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 9 LIVES: DICKINSON WORKS: HOME BANK Sarah Ferguson, 39 Partnership Development Officer - Assistant Vice President Why did you go into your particular field? I originally went into banking for the opportunity to advance my career within the financial services industry. I have been lucky enough to work multiple positions and learn a lot. Now I am in a position that lets me use my strengths and creativity and I am thriving! As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was a kid, I wanted to be on The Mickey Mouse Club so bad! What was your first job? Technically, my first job was at a snow cone stand for cash. My first real job was at Texas Roadhouse, which is when I learned all about taxes. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? To meet all the people! Make connections and use them! What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite part of my job is being able to help in the community and work with some of the wonderful nonprofit organizations in our area. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I knew that being confident in myself is OK and that it’s OK to speak up. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have a fabulous mentor, Kristi Koncaba! She has taught me so much about so many things and is always there for me with advice and encouragement. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Relax? I’m not sure I’ve done that in a while, but when I’m not at work, you’ll find me with my family, and if ever there’s a free moment, you can find us by the pool. What is something about you that most people don’t know? The only thing I can think of is, I was adopted as a baby but have always been pretty open about it, so a lot of people might know that already. How do you hope to grow in your career? Honestly, as long as I continue to grow as a person, I’ll be happy wherever it takes me in my career. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? In this stage of my life, I think I would have to say, be a stay-at-home mom. AS LONG AS I CONTINUE TO GROW AS A PERSON, I’LL BE HAPPY WHEREVER IT TAKES ME IN MY CAREER.Next >