Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) is excited to announce the 20 honorees of the organization’s 4th annual 20 In Their 20’s class. Meet 20 rising stars from business, culture and civic life who are making a meaningful impact in their communities and workplaces. The 4th Annual 20 in their 20’s Awards Ceremony will be held on November 9th, 2022 at the Hilton Harrisburg beginning at 5:30pm.
Tickets are on sale now at hyp.org.

Derek Witmer

Derek Witmer is a 3rd grade teacher by day and a small business owner by night. The ability to impact future generations and build positive relationships with students fuels his love of teaching 2nd grade at Central Dauphin School District. A 2017 grad, Derek taught for 5 years at Paxtonia Elementary where he received his Masters in Education and School Leadership from California University of Pennsylvania. During his teaching career, he won the 2021-22 Teacher of the Year at Central Dauphin School District and the Judith’s Reading Room Award for his diversity and inclusion library created to increase the amount of relevant and diverse literature available to teachers and students. In October 2022, he launched Burg Boards, a local charcuterie board and boxes business in Harrisburg. A Lancaster native, Derek’s career brought him to Harrisburg where he’s since bought a home, started a business, and now considers this his home. Derek strives to make an impact on his local community and being a recipient of this award makes him feel as though others feel positively about the work he does through his career and as a small business owner.

Austin Bush

A Wealth Advisor at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Austin Bush is rewarded daily by assisting members to meet their financial goals in a field he is passionate about. As HYP’s Economic Development Co-Chair, Austin likes connecting with peers that have similar passions for community, development, and serving a larger purpose.

Among the awards he’s received, Austin is most proud of the Corey Bischoff “Eddy” Award he received in his senior year of college. Born and raised in Central PA, as an adult, Austin finds the countless opportunities available to young adults amazing. He is inspired by his parents, whose love and dedication allow Austin to focus on the key connections and relationships he’s created with those around him.

Amie Bantz

If you haven’t purchased one of Amie’s prints we highly recommend it! Artist and graphic designer for her small business, Amie Bantz Art & Design LLC, Amie loves getting to be the person her younger self always hoped she would become. . In 2019, her work was exhibited in PA’s Art of the State showcase. When she’s not making art, you can find her volunteering at The Central Pennsylvania Korean Association (CPKA) which has become a representation of home and family for Amie as it brings together the Korean-American community.

After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, she worked as the Associate Curator of Education for The Trout Gallery and then transitioned to the Art and Art History teacher for 6 years at Carlisle High School. Her career shifted again when she became the Director of Access to the Creative Sector for the PA Council on the Arts. Both experiences brought her to her current chapter and career of being a full-time artist. She hopes her nomination serves as an example to the dreamers and young artists. She encourages artists to dream big, be uncomfortable, make changes that keep you growing and go after your deepest desires.

Kate Haywood

Kate Haywood will always be grateful for the life-long friendships and community volunteer opportunities that HYP has given her. She hopes that HYP will continue to be a source of fun and fulfillment for others, as it has been for her. As an Earned Media Team Lead at WebFX, she feels honored to work in a leadership position with kind, supportive and talented individuals. She appreciates the opportunity to get to know them and cheer them on as they accomplish their goals. She’s proud of her team and grateful to call them her coworkers and friends.

A Camp Hill native, she returned to the area after receiving her Bachelor’s in English to work at WebFX and be close to family. After falling in love with her job and buying a house in the city, she can’t imagine her life anywhere else! Her parents are her biggest motivation and she feels lucky to have them by her side cheering her on. Kate has loved spending her 20’s being part of HYP and is honored to be nominated and be part of a fun event that celebrates both.

Aaron Dimick

As an Associate with Ridge Policy Group, Aaron Dimick loves connecting with and learning from a variety of coworkers and clients. Obtaining a deeper understanding of their issues, and using this knowledge to navigate the relevant processes to success is always a challenge he’s willing to meet. Aaron also serves as a co-chair for the HYP’s Arts and International Committee. His volunteer work widened his understanding of different creative cultures. Working as a public servant to begin his career is an accomplishment that Aaron is incredibly proud of. This nomination has motivated Aaron to continue expanding his efforts and encourage others to do the same.

Born in Maryland, Aaron graduated from Drexel University and worked in Philadelphia before moving to Harrisburg in 2020 where he has become deeply involved with the downtown community. Aaron’s parents are his source of inspiration because they’ve sacrificed throughout their lives to present him with better opportunities.

Melissa Buchanan

Melissa Buchanan strives to use the resources she has to make small, meaningful impacts on those around her. Living in the city of Harrisburg for nearly 6 years has been a blessing for Melissa. As an Economic Development co-chair for HYP, she has the opportunity to share that with new members, connect with the community, and promote local businesses to help the city thrive. She also appreciates the copious volunteer opportunities HYP has provided with other local nonprofits in the area.

Melissa received her Bachelor’s degree in interior design from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and after an internship her senior year, she took a position as a junior designer at her current company. Interior design work has allowed Melissa to serve her community by creating spaces that are functional, sustainable, and desirable. As an Interior Designer at Beers + Hoffman Architecture / Diversified Design, she enjoys helping clients meet their vision and create welcoming spaces. Earlier this year, Melissa sat for all sections of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exams and is proud to have become a certified interior designer upon passing them all. It’s an accomplishment that took years of education and work experience to achieve, and she’s incredibly happy her hard work paid off. While she moved to Harrisburg for work, she found ample room for professional growth and opportunity in the area.

Audrey Steppy

Cash Management Account Manager at Mid Penn Bank, Audrey Steppy says the sense of community where she works keeps her striving to be her best self every day. In 2016, she began as a teller at Mid Penn and has used her love of face-paced branch banking and community connections to fuel her personal and professional growth. Her coworkers inspire and motivate her the most. She believes she wouldn’t be where she is today without the leadership of those around her who have given her the strength and encouragement to be a leader herself.

Audrey believes through nature and the arts that we can better understand and communicate with one another, helping to facilitate positive change and form a sense of unity. Thus, she gives her time to the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Arts in hopes of building a positive future for generations to come. She’s won 3 Wave Awards and one Wave Catcher award. Her most recent award was the 2021 Wave Award for Best Assistant Branch Manager in the Upper Dauphin County Region. A Central PA native, Audrey finds this area creates a beautiful mix of cultures and backgrounds and she is happy to call it home.

JK McKay

The ability to work with, and give back to the community is what JK McKay loves the most about working for the Senators. His career began with the Senators when he took a Marketing and Community Relations internship with the team for the 2017 season. Then, he was hired as the Community Relations Manager and was promoted two years later to the Director of Community Relations.

When he’s not giving back at work, JK has been involved as a ‘big’ with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater PA Chapter, a nonprofit that is close to his heart after losing a close family member to the disease. Originally from Arkansas, JK appreciates the small communities in and around the area that make Harrisburg feel so special. His immediate family is one of his biggest inspirations because they’ve rooted and cheered for all he’s done for as long as he can remember. He is very thankful for the nomination and continued support from his family, friends, and coworkers.

Davis C Holliday

Video is everywhere in Davis C Holliday’s life – from working with local nonprofits providing low-cost and free video content to his full-time job as Founder & Cinematographer for Searcher Films. He loves being able to follow his curiosity. Through making videos about everything from dental technology to artificial intelligence, he constantly has the opportunity to learn more about just how interesting the world around us is.

His love for storytelling traces back to his childhood – going on photo assignments with his dad. After being exposed to video production in his senior year, he went on to work with a few companies in the area before starting his own company. Growing up in Mechanicsburg, Davis says the people there are truly great, which is why he can’t imagine living anywhere else. He is constantly surprised, humbled, and inspired by the other entrepreneurs and small business owners building their dreams right here in Harrisburg – They always inspire him to dream bigger, work harder, and be more generous along the way.

Emily Seratch

Originally from Hazleton PA, Emily Seratch graduated from Elizabethtown College in 2019 and currently resides in Camp Hill. Emily is a Contract Specialist for The Naval Supply Systems Command – Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) and was selected for NAVSUP Leadership Development Program for 2022.

She volunteers with HYP, Girls Golf of Carlisle, and the Carlisle Theatre. As the Membership co-chair for HYP, Emily has the opportunity to share her love of Harrisburg with others who may be just learning about how special our community is. When asked what her favorite thing about volunteering is, Emily said “I love being part of something bigger than myself. The work I do through different organizations allows me to connect with people of different backgrounds and learn from them. I can bring people together in a way I have never been able to before. I also just enjoy sharing my love of Harrisburg with people far and wide. Some people would be overwhelmed with the countless phone calls with new and prospective HYP members weekly, but for me I know if I can make someone new see all Harrisburg has to offer I will have succeeded.”

Emily says that this area has become her home away from home and now she can’t imagine herself anywhere else.

Abreham Kittel

Abreham Kittel is a Policy Developer and Research Specialist for the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus. Originally from Ithaca, New York, Abe discovered Harrisburg while pursuing his career in politics and fell in love with the area. The meaningful friendships and relationships he has made have made Harrisburg feel like home.

From a young age, Abe was inspired by activists and historical figures such as W.E.B. Bois and John Lewis. He said, “their devotion to tackling racial issues inspired me to do the same.” Abe says that his favorite thing about what he does is the ability to work on policy that affects core issues plaguing my community and knowing that he is advocating for his community in meaningful ways. Abe is the recipient of the 2021 Young Alumni Award from Keystone College.

Maria Meizoso

Maria Meizoso lives in Hershey, PA with her husband. Maria fell in love with philanthropy and development work during her time working for a nonprofit in New Jersey as their Development and Special Events Manager. Maria is now the Gift Officer for Four Diamonds at Penn State University, College of Medicine. Her favorite thing about the work she does is seeing the direct impact the donors she works with have on pediatric cancer patients and their families. She enjoys connecting them closer to Four Diamond’s mission and thinks it’s especially magical when donors experience THON weekend for the first time.

Maria is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society at Penn State University. The elite group is restricted to the top top 20% of masters students in the world’s most prestigious, AACSB-accredited business schools.

Jenny Cheng

Jenny Cheng is the Graphic Designer for Advancement at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology where she loves bringing life to the stories and ideas people bring her. Jenny grew up in Hummelstown, PA, and moved to Harrisburg after graduating from Juniata College. She chooses to stay in Central PA because it has everything she needs. Jenny considers herself to be a traveling soul and has been able to visit friends over the globe. Jenny is grateful that her mom has always supported her in pursuing her creative passions.

Angela Linton

Born and raised in Hershey, PA, Angela Linton returned to the area after college because it is where she considers home to be. She appreciates the area’s strong sense of community and its proximity to extensive opportunities.

Angela is the Annual Giving Specialist at Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. As a part of her role, Angela manages Children’s Miracle Network’s Grateful Patient Program. She works with families, companies, and community groups that partner to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Miracle Network. Building meaningful relationships with these families and partners is her favorite part of her job.

In addition to her work with Children’s Miracle Network, Angela has been a longtime supporter and volunteer with Four Diamonds. She considers herself to be an advocate for Children’s Health and is grateful to be part of a community that reflects those values as well.

Within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations at Penn State, Angela participates in the Early Career Professionals Employee Resource Group, a group that is dedicated to providing both professional development and networking opportunities to young professionals within their office.

Angela’s steadfast motivators have been her parents, who from a young age instilled values that have shaped her into the person she is today.

Kristian Beverly

Originally from Harrisburg, Kristian Beverly loves the diversity and rich history of the region and is motivated by trying to create a better and more diverse world. Kristian is a Marketing Coordinator at Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. Kristian says her favorite thing about her work is visually sharing the message of Girl Scouts and uplifting the amazing achievements girls are making in the council’s footprint.

A natural storyteller, Kristian has published numerous short stories, poems, essays, and children’s books, being recognized twice with the James Patterson Bookseller Award. She painted a book spine building-sized mural and an Emerald City mural at Cupboard Maker Books. Kristian has also earned her Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards.

Jordan Baker

The first in his family to graduate from college, Jordan Baker is now a Senior Environmental Consultant at FTI Consulting. Living in Duncannon, PA his entire life, Jordan has planted his roots in Central Pennsylvania to give back to his community and the environment. He spent much time growing up on the Susquehanna and finds it rewarding to now help restore the river. He values his ability to make a positive impact in his community and contribute to public awareness of environmental-related issues.

Jordan volunteers for the New Buffalo Volunteer Fire Company with his dad, with whom he shares a passion and commitment to helping others,Jordan appreciates the ability to serve his community through the fire department while also being able to spend time with his dad.

Kristen Pucci

Kristen Pucci is the Founder & CEO of KRAE Consulting, a multi-faceted consulting firm, partnering with A/E/C companies to increase brand awareness, generate business, and drive results utilizing our industry connections and established relationships.

Previously holding several different positions in the construction industry, Kristen decided to start her own business during COVID. She enjoys being able to provide her clients with tools and strategies for their social media marketing, business consulting, recruiting and event planning needs.

Kristen is passionate about utilizing her skills and resources to help the local community. She spends her free time volunteering for Ronald McDonald House of Charity, and the National Association of Women in Construction where she serves as the Vice President.

Kristen has been recognized as Central Penn Business Journal’s Power 100 and 40 under 40.

Kevin DiGuiseppe

Kevin DiGuiseppe is the Business Policy & Advocacy Manager at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC where he manages the design, coordination, activities, and operations of the Chamber’s government relations program. Kevin serves as the primary liaison between Chamber members and the region’s elected and government officials.

Starting his career as a District Representative for former State Senator John Rafferty in Collegeville, PA, Kevin learned the ins and outs of constituent services and was inspired to move his career to Harrisburg and play a role in policy development. He knew that the capital city is the hub of all government and political activity in Pennsylvania and felt it is where he will be able to have the greatest impact.

When asked Kevin’s favorite thing about the work that he does he said that getting to work on public policy gives him the chance to play an active role in his community, improving the quality of life for those around him. Graduating from Penn State University in 2018, Kevin was a past participant and is a current donor to THON and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Kelly Kundratic

Originally from Maryland, Kelly Kundratic always knew she wanted to live in Pennsylvania because of both her maternal and paternal grandparents’ roots. She purchased a home in the area, fell in love with Harrisburg, and now cannot see herself living anywhere else. Kelly is the Director of Agriculture Policy and Programs at Team Pennsylvania Foundation. As a grandchild of a farmer, she finds it fulfilling that she gets to help advance the future of agriculture and its legacy in Pennsylvania. She chose her career path in high school when she opted to go to her county’s magnet program for Animal Science and Agribusiness. This allowed her to reconnect with her farming heritage and made her want to pursue a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education. After teaching High School Agriculture in Maryland public schools, she went back to grad school in pursuit of Masters in Agriculture, Food, and Environment Public Policy. Kelly says that it is very special to honor her family’s legacy in her role at Team PA and to serve the state where the seed of her passion for agriculture was sowed.

Kelly volunteers for several nonprofit organizations including the United Network for Organ Sharing, FFA, and The Leaf Project, where she currently serves as a Board Member. Kelly received recognition as Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 “On The Radar” and was licensed this year in Top Alcohol Dragster.

Photography by Justin Ward

Exclusive Platinum Sponsor: Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Gold Sponsors: Millworks, UPMC
Silver Sponsors: Pursuit Coworking, Rogue Sol Training, Harrisburg Senators, TFEC
Bronze Sponsors: Your Speaking Voice, LLC, Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Justin Ward Photography

Tickets are on sale now at hyp.org.