2026 "20 Under 30" Winners Celebrated At Annual Awards Luncheon

August 10, 2026

Michigan Works! West Central Celebrates Winners At Aug. 7, Awards Luncheon In Ludington

Group of people holding a long ribbon in a conference room with a “20 30” presentation slide behind them

Woman speaking at podium in a conference room, with a projected presentation slide behind her.

Three people smiling and holding framed certificates at an award ceremony.

Two people exchanging a tray in a bright meeting room, one smiling by a projection screen.

Person in a yellow sweatshirt speaking at a podium during a presentation in a classroom.

Two people shake hands at an indoor ceremony beside a projected speaker screen.

Two women shaking hands at a podium during a presentation in a conference room

Man handing a plaque to a woman in a hallway, with a presentation screen in the background

Woman takes a photo of three people posing with certificates in an office hallway.

Two people shake hands at a podium in a conference room with a projected presentation screen.

Two men talking in a bright conference room near a presentation screen

Two people at an indoor event, one speaking before a projected “20 Under 40” slide.

Two people shaking hands in a modern office near a presentation screen

Three men standing indoors at a gathering, smiling at the camera.

Two people shaking hands at a counter in a bright indoor lobby, with a presentation screen in the background.

Speaker at podium holding cards, presenting beside a projected “20 under 30” slide in a conference room.

People gathered in a conference room examining items on a table, with a projector screen in the background.

Two people speaking at a podium during a presentation in a conference room

Two people exchanging an award plaque in a conference room near a projected presentation screen

Two people shaking hands at a podium during an indoor presentation, with a projected slide in the background.

Two people shaking hands at a conference table in a bright room with a presentation screen nearby

Three women posing with certificates while a person photographs them in an office hallway.

People gathered in a bright room, talking and examining papers at a social event.

People at a community hall review a form with a man seated and pointing at it.

Michigan Works! West Central is all about highlighting success, especially when it comes to the next generation of our workforce. On Aug. 7, we welcomed this year's class of"20 Under 30" winners to our Ludington Service Center for an awards luncheon celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to our region.

Each year, Michigan Works! West Central partners with Hearst Media to recognize young professionals under the age of 30 who are making a difference in their careers, workplaces and communities. Community members are invited to nominate outstanding individuals and following a public vote, the top 20 recipients are selected for inclusion in the annual 20 Under 30 publication.

The annual awards luncheon provides an opportunity to honor these emerging leaders and celebrate their commitment to excellence. Winners received certificates and commemorative awards from Michigan Works! West Central, along with special recognitions from state and federal legislators.

"In our region, there are thousands of young professionals striving for greatness every day and making meaningful contributions to their workplaces and communities," said Shelly Keene, CEO of Michigan Works! West Central. "The 20 Under 30 program shines a spotlight on those individuals whose talent, leadership and dedication are helping shape the future of west-central Michigan. We are proud to recognize and celebrate this year's outstanding class of winners."

The 2026 "20 Under 30" winners are:

Brent Baker
Avery Beach
Mike Behl
Brandon Childress
Taylor Goldthwait
Lauren Hitt
Morgan Horvath
Megan Huntey
Angela Johnson
Leah Kaminski
Teddy MacGregor
Nicole May
Keaton Myers
Harley Rogers
Reagan Rogers
Breann Rushing
Noah Stark
Cheyanne Stewart
Maria Thiel
Jordan White

Michigan Works! West Central extends its congratulations to all of this year's recipients and thanks the employers, community members, family members and local leaders who joined us in celebrating their achievements.

To view the 2026 20 Under 30 publication and learn more about this year's winners, visit Michigan Works! West Central's website at MWWC.org/20Under30.