HYP will host its 6th Annual 20 in their 20s awards ceremony, sponsored by Members 1st Federal Credit Union, on November 12, 2024 at the Hilton Harrisburg. Together we celebrate 20 rising young professionals who are making a significant impact in their communities and workplaces. HYP believes in giving back to your community and supports active minded professionals who contribute to making Central PA a better place to live, work and play.
Tickets are on sale now at HYP.org
Roman Colon, Commercial Account Manager at Mid Penn Bank, is passionate about helping businesses succeed and volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters. He has received multiple accolades, including earning a full academic scholarship to Penn State and accomplishing a 187% production goal in his first year of commercial lending. Inspired by his childhood and the leadership of Mid Penn Bank’s CEO Rory Ritrievi, Roman is dedicated to making a positive impact in Harrisburg, a city he proudly calls home.
Morgan Flood is a Policy Research Specialist at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, where she combines data analysis and community engagement to combat food insecurity. A proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Morgan volunteers with the York County Food Bank during high-need times. Inspired by her mother’s resilience, she is committed to making a difference in Central PA, using her deep regional knowledge to advocate effectively. Morgan sees her nomination as a chance to highlight the collaborative efforts of her team in driving change.
Rose Lester, a Senior Branch Manager at PNC Bank, is passionate about mentoring her team and fostering career growth. Originally from Harrisburg, she considers the area home and has been actively involved with Harrisburg Young Professionals. HYP has been pivotal in her personal and professional development, providing confidence and creativity. Rose finds motivation in her peers and values the everyday actions that contribute to positive change.
Jerrica Bugg is a Graphic Designer at Milton Hershey School, where she finds purpose in creating impactful visuals for students. A mentor within the school community, Jerrica values the chance to make a difference in students’ lives. Although not a Harrisburg native, she has embraced Central PA and its vibrant community. Inspired by her family and students, Jerrica’s career in graphic design began with notable internships and senior graphic design roles. This nomination is a testament to her dedication to youth empowerment and her impactful work at Milton Hershey School.
Ben Feldman is an Elections Analyst at the Pennsylvania Department of State, where he supports county election officials in ensuring credible elections. Previously, he was a James C. Gaither Junior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, contributing to research on international democracy. Ben is deeply involved with his synagogue, Temple Beth El, where he leads the technology committee to enhance accessibility for congregants. A national award-winning debater and a Cornell Hillel Religious Life Award recipient, Ben finds inspiration in his fiancée, Callie, and values the strong sense of community he’s found in Harrisburg. His nomination as one of HYP’s 20 in their 20s celebrates his dedication to both his professional role and his community contributions.
Emily Clemmer is the Human Resources Manager at Pennsy Supply, Inc., where she views people as the most valuable asset within the organization. She actively volunteers as the Conference Director for the Human Resource Professionals of Central Pennsylvania and has been elected to its board. Emily began her career as a Human Resources Generalist at Conrad Siegel, where she learned the importance of community involvement. Originally from Waynesboro, PA, she has established her career in Harrisburg and is inspired by supporting others to excel in their roles. Her nomination as one of HYP’s 20 in Their 20s acknowledges her impact and leadership potential in the community.
Alyssa Mancuso is a Marketing Data Analyst at D&H Distributing with a deep passion for data-driven insights. An active volunteer with Harrisburg Young Professionals and the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, Alyssa is dedicated to strengthening community connections and enhancing the well-being of animals. She is completing her master’s degree in Data Science and has a background in marketing as a consultant. Alyssa’s commitment to lifelong learning and community service exemplifies her dedication to both her professional and volunteer roles.
Rahul Nachnani is a Physician Scientist Trainee at Penn State College of Medicine, where he is at the forefront of biomedical research. His dedication extends beyond his career; he actively volunteers with The Trevor Project to support at-risk LGBTQ+ youth and participates in community outreach at Harrisburg’s Pride Festivals. Rahul’s passion for understanding mental health and his leadership as President of the Physician Scientist Students Association highlight his commitment to advancing science and supporting his community. His journey, inspired by a desire to explore brain function and improve health, is driven by empathy and a commitment to making a positive impact in Central PA, a place he has grown to love through his dual-degree training in Hershey.
Samantha Knisely is a Managing Director at Tailor Made Solutions, where she thrives on the forefront of technology, embracing advancements in AI and machine learning. Active in nonprofit work, she advocates for women in STEM through the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania and supports local businesses and community efforts. Samantha’s journey from a calculus and economics student to a tech leader began with an internship in software development, where she embraced the challenge and found her passion. She values the support from her mentors and her local community in Central PA, which she holds dear. This nomination reassures her that her hard work and commitment to mentorship and technology are making a meaningful impact.
Sydney Miller is an Associate at Ridge Policy Group and a Junior Board Member for the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg. She advocates for juvenile and criminal justice reforms and volunteers teaching couponing classes to those in financial need. Her career started in the PA Army National Guard, and she has been recognized with awards such as the PA City and State’s Forty Under 40 and the Army Achievement Medal. Originally from Honesdale, she now values Harrisburg for its community and connections, facilitated by HYP. Sydney is motivated by the success of her loved ones and views this nomination as a meaningful affirmation of her work and impact.
Ryan C. Rivera began his career as a Teller at Metro Bank in 2013, a role that sparked his passion for banking and its impact on individuals’ lives. He now serves as a Branch Manager at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, where he values fostering strong relationships with his team and members. Ryan is also dedicated to his community through his role as Treasurer for Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania, a nonprofit supporting children through cultural and educational programs. Inspired by his family and mentors, Ryan sees this nomination as a significant honor, echoing the pride he felt when his wife received a similar accolade in 2019.
Noah Snyder is the Owner and Operator of Ark Fitness in Mechanicsburg. A lifelong resident of Central PA, Noah’s passion for fitness and community is evident in his work and volunteer efforts. He actively contributes to the Mechanicsburg Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Mechanicsburg Partnership, focusing on enhancing local businesses and supporting community growth. Noah values the tangible impact of his work on clients’ lives and finds motivation in the positive environment created by his team and gym members. His nomination as one of Harrisburg Young Professionals’ 20 in Their 20s is a meaningful recognition of his achievements and a reminder of the progress he has made in his career and personal life.
Devin Brown is a Senior Manager at Brown Plus. He is deeply involved in community service as the volunteer President and Treasurer for the West Shore Wildlife Center, which inspires coexistence between humans and wildlife, and as the Secretary and Treasurer of his homeowners’ association, Village of Moreland. Devin began his career in accounting through internships and a focus on public accounting, eventually becoming a CPA and earning accolades such as the Graduating Student Leader of the Year from Lebanon Valley College. Growing up in Etters and now residing in Mechanicsburg, Devin is committed to improving his community and supporting local organizations. His role model is his mother, who inspires him to overcome challenges, and he values this nomination as a recognition of his leadership and community impact.
Priyadharshini Rajmohan is a dynamic student at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, currently serving as a CEO and IT Intern at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. She is deeply involved in volunteering with organizations such as Unity of Youth and Phoenix Organizational Trust, and has played significant roles in Rotaract Club projects. Priyadharshini’s dedication is evident from her numerous awards, including honors in critical thinking and rhetoric, and her achievements in karate. Her career began with a focus on political science and women’s entrepreneurship, and she is now pursuing an MS in Analytics with a vision to excel in STEM. Her motivation stems from her supportive parents and friends, and she views this nomination as recognition of her impactful community work.
Conner Newkam-Ulrich is a dedicated Learning and Development Manager at the PA House Representatives, Democratic Caucus, and also serves as Director of Music at Christ Church UCC. He is actively involved with the American Choral Directors Association and Susquehanna Chorale, contributing to both organizations with his expertise in choral music. Conner’s notable accomplishments include receiving the Outstanding Young Conductor Award from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and performing at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and across Europe. He began his career as a management trainee in Governor Tom Wolf’s Office and as a church music director at a small baptist church in Lewisburg. Born and raised in Harrisburg, Conner is inspired by mentors who challenge the choral music status quo and motivated by his family’s strong work ethic. This nomination is a significant honor for him, acknowledging his contributions and aligning him with other remarkable young professionals in the Harrisburg region.
Blake Milbrand is the Development Director at the American Heart Association, focusing on generating crucial funding for cardiovascular research and community projects. His involvement with organizations like the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and West Shore Young Professionals demonstrates his commitment to enhancing local communities. Blake began his nonprofit career as a volunteer with the Penn State Dance Marathon, then moved into a role with Four Diamonds to begin his philanthropic career. His dedication to community service is driven by a network of changemakers, including his parents and volunteers, he aims to use this recognition to further improve the lives of those in his community.
Alyssa Tofani, a 2nd Grade Teacher at Red Mill Elementary in the West Shore School District, is deeply committed to her students’ academic and emotional growth. Alyssa, who grew up in Harrisburg and returned to teach, integrates United Disabilities Services’ Facility Dogs like her dog Percy into her classroom to support students’ emotional well-being. Her dedication to both her students and community is further demonstrated through her volunteering with UDS and her past coaching experiences. Alyssa was honored with an ACCLAIM award for her “Potential in the Profession” and is inspired by her family and colleagues. Her nomination highlights her impact on her students and her contributions to the Harrisburg community.
Cheyenne Johnson, a Multi-Site Property Manager at Morgan Properties, is recognized for her exceptional contributions to community service and housing quality. A dedicated volunteer with organizations such as Young Professionals of Color, Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA, and Harrisburg Young Professionals, Cheyenne’s work reflects her commitment to local empowerment and positive change. Her career began with a focus on providing affordable, accessible housing for college students, driven by a passion to serve her community. Cheyenne’s notable achievements include being named Property Manager of the Year for 2022-2023. Deeply inspired by her mother and driven by gratitude and perseverance, Cheyenne views this nomination as a testament to her dedication and the support of those around her.
Valerie Douty is an 8th-grade English Teacher with the Mechanicsburg Area School District, where she enjoys inspiring her students to think creatively and deeply. Valerie is the Social Committee Co-Chair for Harrisburg Young Professionals, a role she treasures for its ability to foster connections among local young adults and give back to the community. In 2020, Valerie was recognized as the Teaching Fellow of Duquesne University School of Education for her outstanding student teaching performance. Born and raised in Mechanicsburg, PA, Valerie loves her hometown’s strong sense of community, which includes her family and friends who continue to motivate her every day. Returning to teach at her alma mater has been a dream come true, allowing her to contribute to the community that helped shape her. Valerie sees this nomination as a true honor, reflecting her dedication to making a meaningful impact in her community.
Andrew Spuhler is an Investment Adviser Representative at Spuhler Wealth Advisors, where he helps individuals and families achieve their life goals through thoughtful financial planning. Andrew began his career by working with his grandmother, developing a succession plan to carry on her legacy and serve her clients. Although originally from South Jersey, Andrew moved to Central PA to work closely with his clients in the Harrisburg area. He volunteers with the West Shore Chamber of Commerce and West Shore Young Professionals, contributing to the professional growth and community impact of the region’s young leaders. Having passed the CFP Exam, Andrew continues to dedicate himself to helping others develop wise financial habits. Motivated by the support of his family and friends, Andrew is honored to be nominated for the 20 in Their 20s award, recognizing his hard work and growth since moving to Harrisburg in 2021.
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS!
Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
Hilton Harrisburg
Photos by Source Creative House
