Young leaders stepped into the spotlight Wednesday evening as the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce held its 40 Under 40 celebration at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown.
“Forty Under 40 is when we recognize 40 of the best and brightest up-and-comers from our Island community,” chamber executive director Carolina Cooney said as she welcomed the lively crowd.
“We want them to know that they are truly making an impact, not only on the economy, but also on the overall vitality of our beloved Island,” Ms. Cooney said.
Harbor View owner Bernard Chiu also took the microphone to congratulate the honorees, who were nominated by chamber of commerce member businesses.
“The competition is very, very stiff,” Mr. Chiu said, expressing pride that two of his hotel employees made the list: assistant manager Tony Gatto and senior accounting manager Kate Arters.
“I’m so happy for you all,” he added, to hearty applause.
This year’s 40 Under 40 honorees — the first since 2019 — reflect the Island’s growing economic diversity, with established businesses and nonprofits joined by entrepreneurs in a host of other fields.
Barbershop owner Lamar Moreis, DJ Dern Campbell, clothing designer Angela Sison and graphic artists Taylor Stone and Graham Smith — who is also the Gazette’s webmaster — were among the proprietors honored Wednesday.
Others included cheesemonger Morgen Schroeder, mixologist Brett Nevin and and Luiz Fogaca, who treats lawns to repel pesky geese.
Representing the oldest business at the event, Alessandra Hagerty was honored for her work as Vineyard Gazette marketing and events manager.
Nonprofit workers on this year’s list included Aquinnah Cultural Center director NaDaizja Bolling, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital registered nurse Olivia Hart, Oak Bluffs Library program coordinator Hannah Burbidge, and Kelly Neadow, program director for the YMCA of MV.
Fellow-workers and friends cheered, clapped and whooped in applause as each winner received the Chamber of Commerce award, a personalized, Island-shaped wooden tray.
40 Under 40 winners: Del Araujo, Kate Arters, Jovana Balaban, Zachary Bernard, NaDaizja Bolling, Naji Boustany, Sandy Brooks, Hannah Burbidge, Monique Burr, Victoria Cervone, Dern Campbell, Talita Destefani, Luiz Fogaca, Mavis Francis, Abby Gardner, Tony Gatto, Sofie Green, Alessandra Hagerty, Olivia Hart, Nicole Holland, Grant Joiner, Chris Miller, Lamar Moreis, Kelly Neadow, Brett Nevin, Naomi Paulson, Robbie Robinson, Morgen Schroeder, Leandra Seward, Aubrey Sirois, Angela Sison, Graham Smith, Rachel Soknic, Richard Soo Hoo, Taylor Stone, Janielle Stora, Vesta Tatulyte-Valencia, Lizzie Wallo, Mallory Watts, Abbie Zell.
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