Celebrating the Rising Stars: JA's 2023 Rising Star Reception
On the evening of October 18th, in their picturesque home, JA board member Neel Sus and his wife Rachana Sus, MD, MPH, hosted a celebration of the young and the visionary. Junior Achievement brought together a distinguished crowd to honor the class of 2023 Rising Stars—a group of remarkable individuals under 40, who have not only demonstrated strong entrepreneurial skills but have also held steadfastly to ethical and moral standards. These honorees are founders, co-founders, owners, co-owners, or key figures in burgeoning entrepreneurial enterprises.
This year's class of Rising Stars represents the epitome of entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing resilience, innovation, and a commitment to ethical business practices. These individuals have embarked on remarkable journeys, shaping their industries and communities along the way.
The 2023 honorees are as follows:
Sara Brennan and Geordie Brower of Dickie Brennan & Company
Pike Howard of Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria
Gretchen Riedel of Levelset
Dr. Suma Maddox
Patrick Schindler and Kendall Winingder of Felicity Property Company
G. Townsend Underhill, IV of Stirling
The Rising Stars Reception, held at the Sus residence, provided a platform for us to recognize and celebrate these bright young stars who are making significant contributions to the world of entrepreneurship and business.
Among the esteemed attendees were JA Board Chair Chad Berg and board members, including Mason Couvillon, Kevin Ericksen, Jeff Good, Diedra Kramer, Meaghan McCormack, Suzi Swoop O'Brien, Brandon Smith, Kacy Wainwright, Marian Walls, and Laurie Young. Their presence underscored the importance of this event in honoring the young talent that is driving economic growth and innovation in the region.
JA deeply appreciates the hard work and dedication of this year's JA City Stars Soirée committee members Catherine Betz, Jimmy Dunn, Chase Mullin, Brett Perrier, Faith Saragusa, Brandon Sita, Brandon Smith, Lee Anne Sciambra and the event Co-Chairs, Amanda and Ryan Berg and Emily and Zack Kupperman. Their commitment to creating a special event to honor the Rising Stars has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Looking Ahead: The 2023 JA City Stars Soirée
The Rising Stars Reception serves as a prelude to the grand event that is the 2023 JA City Stars Soirée. Scheduled for Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Il Mercato on 1911 Magazine Street, this gala is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community spirit.
The City Stars Soirée promises an unforgettable evening of celebration and fun. Featuring a silent auction, live music, and much more, it's an opportunity to come together and support Junior Achievement's mission in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Tickets for this event are available for $175 per person, with sponsorships also open for those who wish to make a larger impact.
For more information about the 2023 JA City Stars Soirée and how you can participate, please contact Gail Smith at (504) 569-8657 or via email at gail@jagno.org. Your involvement in this event not only celebrates the Rising Stars but also supports the future success of our young, aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.