4 Under 40 Winners Honored by Emerging Leaders of United Way of Lake County January 23, 2024, at The Everly
Mentor, OH (January 27, 2024) – The Emerging Leaders of United Way of Lake County recognized the recipients of their 2024 annual “4 Under 40” young professional award winners honoring Lake County’s best and brightest during an evening reception held Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
A crowd of nearly one hundred and fifty turned out in support of the award winners who were honored over dinner at The Everly in Mentor.
The award serves to honor Lake County’s best and brightest young professionals for their hard work and achievements in the areas of leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, and professional accomplishment.
Honorees included Kathryn Baden, CEO of Olympus Aerospace; Rochelle Fowler, Process Specialist at The Lubrizol Corporation; Kerry Jonke, Manager of Customer Experience at Laketran; and Francisco Veloz Vela, President of Veloz Landscape & Nursery.
The evening showcased inspiring stories, memorable highlights, and a celebration of the achievements of the 4 Under 40 Award winners.
“Those honored here tonight are making a significant difference, not just in their careers, but in the lives of those around them right here in Lake County. Through their efforts and volunteerism, they inspire others and make our community a better place for all,” said the evening’s presenter, United Way of Lake County President & CEO Dione DeMitro.
United Way of Lake County and their Emerging Leaders believe the significance of recognizing these young leaders goes beyond individual achievements and speaks to the importance of fostering a culture that values and uplifts the next generation of change-makers. By acknowledging their efforts, the organization hopes to send a powerful message that dedication, innovation, and service are qualities worthy of celebration and emulation.
The evening was topped off by Proclamations honoring each award winner from Katie Burger on behalf of the Office of Congressman Dave Joyce, and by Lake County Commissioner Morris Beverage III on behalf of the Lake County Commissioners.
Nominees were submitted by members of the community. All were required to live in Lake County and fall between the ages of 21 to 40 years of age during the year ending December 31, 2024.
The winners were determined based on their hard work and achievements in four areas: leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, and professional accomplishment.
Last year’s winners included: Sarah Bals, Founder and Owner of 440 Marketing and Executive Director of Lake County Development Council; Lindsay Defeo, Owner of Leolo Hospitality in Mentor; Anna Dey, Owner of Smoothie King in Mentor and Painesville, Owner of Clean Eatz in Mentor & Westlake, Owner of The Yard on 3rd in Willoughby), Owner of The Vitamin Shoppe in Huber Heights, Partner of Bario Tacos + Tequila in Columbus and Pittsburgh, and Founder and Director of The 24 in 24; and Dr. Andie Musial, Professor of Biology at Lakeland Community College.
Olympus Aerospace served as the evening’s Presenting Sponsor. Additional sponsors included Avery Dennison, Fredon Corporation, Griffing Technology Group, Mentor Nissan, Lighthouse Advisers, Veloz Landscaping & Nursery, Tec. Inc. Engineering & Design, and TWO MEN & A TRUCK.
The Emerging Leaders of United Way of Lake County welcome new members interested in volunteering their time and talent to impact the lives of Lake County youth. To learn more about how they work to make a difference, visit United Way of Lake County’s website at uwlc.org/emerging-leaders.
About Honoree Kathryn Baden
Kathryn Baden is the CEO and co-owner of Olympus Aerospace, with a 13-year
career spanning Quality, Tooling, Operations, and Executive Management. She
holds degrees from Ohio University (BA Management and Strategic Leadership,
BA Marketing), Lakeland Community College (AAB in HR Management), and
Lasell University (MBA). Kathryn aims to unify Olympus Aerospace’s divisions
and pursue a Doctor of Business Administration. Born in Euclid, Kathryn currently
resides in Willoughby Hills with her husband, stepdaughter, and pets. Kathryn’s
commitment to leadership and growth defines her career and community contributions.
About Honoree Rochelle Fowler
Rochelle Fowler is a Process Specialist in Operations at The Lubrizol
Corporation, with a 14-year career in R&D and three patents to her name.
Passionate about innovation and operational excellence, she continuously
seeks improvement in her work. A proud Clevelander, Rochelle supports local
sports teams and enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog. She is an avid
traveler who embraces opportunities to explore new places. Rochelle’s dedication to her
career and personal pursuits reflects her commitment to excellence, innovation, and
living life to the fullest.
About Honoree Kerry Jonke
Kerry Jonke is the Manager of Customer Experience at Laketran, overseeing
communications, customer satisfaction, and community partnerships. She
organizes Laketran’s annual food drive for United Way’s Feed Lake County. A
Lake County native, Kerry holds a BA in Communications and an MA in
Nonprofit Administration from John Carroll University. She began her career in
nonprofits, including roles at Big Brothers Big Sisters and Lakeland Community
College. Kerry lives in Kirtland with her husband, three daughters, and pets. An
active community leader, she serves on several boards, including the Mentor
Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Lake County’s Emerging Leaders
Cabinet, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Advisory Committee.
About Honoree Francisco Veloz Vela
Francisco Veloz is a passionate entrepreneur who founded his business at
19, growing it into a thriving operation with 15 employees. A Harvey High
School graduate, he addresses labor shortages in Northeast Ohio through
the H2B visa program and supports local youth sports teams. Born in
Mexico and raised in Painesville, Francisco became bilingual at 6 and
volunteered at The Salvation Army’s Learning Zone as a child, fostering his
passion for service. A U.S. citizen at 26, he credits his success to family,
friends, and teachers. Living with his wife and six children, Francisco is
dedicated to giving back to the community that shaped him, supporting
youth programs and opportunities for others. His journey reflects gratitude,
dedication, and a commitment to service.