Gwinnett Young Professionals (GYP), a program of the Gwinnett Chamber, recently announced the winners of its 2026 35 Under 35 Awards including this year’s Young Professional of the Year.  

Winners were recognized at GYP’s annual gala held at the Maison6405 on Friday, Oct. 9. The program celebrated emerging leaders making a remarkable impact in their professions and within the Gwinnett community.  

GYP’s selection committee – composed of current board members – reviewed nearly 200 nominations to identify 70 finalists. Of those finalists, 35 were selected as this year’s honorees. Each honoree exemplifies leadership, service and innovation in their own professional and personal environments. 

2026 35 Under 35 Award Winners 

• Rasha Al Rawi — City of Lawrenceville 

• Alejandra Andrade — Tempo Services LLC 

• Ana Rocio Alvarez Briñez — GALEO 

• Jaelyn Benyard — CVS Health/BlueCross BlueShield 

• Briana Blackwell — Hall Booth Smith 

• Israel Boerman — Jackson EMC 

• Tasinia Booker — HomePro Mobility 

• Melissa Castañeda — Gwinnett Coalition 

• Noelle Edwards — Bank of America 

• Darrielle Evans — Bea’Viewed 

• Micah Graham — Emerging 100 North Metro 

• Rahmad Hawkins — Hylaine Consulting 

• Jennifer Ho — Junior Achievement of Georgia 

• Keely Huffman — Gwinnett Stripers 

• Lauren James — Little Way Coworker 

• Lorenza Jones — Satine Technologies 

• Britton Ryan Jones — American Heart Association 

• Lindsey Jorstad — Gwinnett County Government 

• Cleopatra Jordan-Johnson — Diversion Center 

• Anthony McAfee II — HOTWORX Lawrenceville 

• Carlie McMann — Magnolia Media Group 

• Simran Modi — King & Spalding 

• Nick Morrone — Lower Mortgage 

• Alishan Nanji — Peak Capital Partner 

• Isabelle Nissen — Mitsubishi Electric Classic presented by Vensure 

• Rachel Peterson — Salt & Prepped 

• Matteson Rushing-Costner — Rushing Trading Co. 

• Brette Safadi — Families 4 Families 

• Sebastian Soler — Shock Social Digital Marketing 

• Anthony Woodall — Gwinnett County Department of Transportation 

• Leah Wirtz — Better Beans Branding 

• Adam Young — Gwinnett Sports Commission 

• Macy Young — 5840 Holdings 

• Jennifer Zuniga Martinez — Mosaic Georgia 

This year’s 2026 Gwinnett Young Professional of the Year was awarded to Sandy Baker with Next Move ATL, a real estate professional and entrepreneur who consistently utilized her platform, relationships and resources to create opportunities and serve others throughout Gwinnett. 

“This year’s honorees are not merely emerging leaders — they are already making a meaningful difference in their workplaces, industries, and communities,” said Melissa Ramirez, Director of Gwinnett Young Professionals. “We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and to help cultivate the connections, experiences and opportunities that will continue to shape Gwinnett’s next generation of business leaders.” 

The evening’s celebration reflected the energy and purpose of GYP’s mission—to engage and develop the next generation of leaders through meaningful programming, invaluable connection, along with professional and personal growth. 

For more information about Gwinnett Young Professionals and to get involved, visit www.gwinnettyoungprofessionals.com.