Every year, we make an open call for nominations from our membership for young professionals deserving of our distinguished Four Under 40 Achievement Award. This invitation allows businesses, organizations, colleagues, or friends to put forward individuals they believe exemplify excellence in their respective fields and demonstrate exceptional commitment to the Naperville business community. The response this year displayed to us, once again, how our young professionals are poised to lead. We continue to be impressed by the nominees, who make this no easy task to select award recipients. This year, we are pleased to announce Matt Denton, Isha Elandassery, Mikel L. Mays, and Craig Meyer as our esteemed Four Under 40 Achievement Award honorees.
The recipients were chosen following nominations, a written submission, and an in-person interview, with criteria surrounding NACC involvement, community involvement, and leadership, as well as excellence in their chosen career/path.
We eagerly look forward to honoring these bright young professionals with a touch of Andy Warhol’s magic on June 15th at the Four Under 40 Achievement Awards event. Not only will we recognize the Four Under 40 and those nominated, but we offer a unique event experience where the Andy Warhol exhibit will be closed to the public for guests to enjoy exclusive docent-led tours, appetizers, and drinks.
In a community filled with young professionals making remarkable strides in their respective fields, Naperville takes pride in honoring and celebrating the achievements of its brightest stars.
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the award recipients and nominees.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Matt Denton
Matt Denton, CPA, MBA, is a Partner and Market Expansion Leader at Sikich LLP. With his exemplary leadership and strategic thinking, Matt has become one of the youngest associates to be elected partner. His innovative approach has driven remarkable growth and success for the company, establishing him as a key player in the industry.
Isha Elandassery
Isha is not only the founder of Naperville Rising Women in Business (NRWIB) but also a catalyst for empowering teenage girls to become future leaders. NRWIB provides valuable early opportunities for young girls to develop essential skills and experiences that propel them towards success. Through interactions with prominent female business leaders in Naperville, NRWIB equips these girls with insights on breaking barriers and reaching new heights. Isha is also the driving force behind Salus Security, a startup dedicated to developing innovative products that ensure the safety of college students on campuses. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in launching and nurturing the growth of the NACC High School Network, where she served as chair in the past year. Recently graduating from Naperville North High School, Isha is preparing to pursue a degree in Business Management at Indiana University this fall.
Mikel L. Mays
Mikel is a remarkable individual making waves as a Project Engineer at Bulley & Andrews. His passion extends beyond construction as he serves as the President of Mays Music Centre of Excellence, an organization committed to providing affordable and accessible high-quality music lessons, programs, and ensembles to the Chicagoland Area. Mikel’s journey in Naperville began during his time as a student at North Central College, where he left his mark as the elected student body president. Since then, he has continued to make a significant impact in both the music and construction industries, establishing himself as a standout professional. Mikel’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to successfully balance multiple roles set him apart from the crowd.
Craig Meyer
Craig is the Co-Founder and CEO of 101 Digital, a thriving managed services provider and IT support company. As a proud Naperville native, Craig attributes his success to his unwavering focus on family and health, which enables him to nurture relationships with clients. His exemplary leadership skills and innovative strategies have propelled his company to new heights, positioning him as a true trailblazer in the business landscape.
We applaud all the nominees for their impressive accomplishments this year:
Alison McEwen | Sr. Manager | Illinois Chapter Alzheimer’s Association
Ashley Abraham | Executive Director | Ride Assist Naperville
Precious Bradley | Program Manager | 360 Youth Services
Rob Dalaskey | Financial Advisor | Northwestern Mutual
Stacey Fontechia | Sales & Sponsorship Manager | Naperville Park District
Atusa Freyer | Director of Marketing | Naperville Country Club (Troon Golf, LLC.)
Matthew Gill | Certified Financial Planner | M.Brown Financial Advisors
Dylan Ladd | Executive Director | Academy of the Arts
Kathryn McManigal | Owner & Medical Director | Peak Health Institute
Gus Ochoa | CEO & Founder | O-Lux Technologies
Mary Lee Starkey | Project Development Coordinator | Geneva Construction
FOUR UNDER 40 ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS EVENT
Please join us as we celebrate the award recipients and all the nominees at the Four Under 40 Achievement Awards event.
June 15th
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Cleve Clarney Museum of Art’s Andy Warhol exhibit at the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage
This event, sponsored by NorthStar Wealth Group, presents the award to each honoree while also allowing guests to embark on a journey through 94 works from Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop. Tickets include a private docent tour, access to the exhibit, light appetizers, and drinks. For more information about the event visit: https://www.naperville.net/your-network/signature-events/four-under-forty/