Twenty young leaders from the Grand Valley received honors for their hard work and dedication at the Young Professionals Summit and BestSlope NEXTGen Awards on October 22, 2025, in Grand Junction, Colorado. The event, put together by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals Network of Mesa County, brought together folks under 45 to network, learn skills, and celebrate community impact.

Summit Draws Big Crowd for Growth and Connections

The third annual summit filled up fast with 150 attendees, including students, workers, and local leaders. Held at the Grand Junction Convention Center, it ran from morning to evening and focused on helping young pros build their careers in a changing world. People came to share ideas, make new contacts, and pick up tips on topics that matter today.

Breakout sessions covered real life issues that young workers face every day. For example, talks on personal finance helped folks plan for the future, while sessions on work life balance offered ways to juggle jobs and personal time. Other key areas included using AI in daily work and building a strong personal brand to stand out.

One highlight was the lunch keynote by Kurtis Minder, a cybersecurity expert and author. He shared stories and advice on staying safe online in a digital age. Attendees like Samuel Jara, a 26 year old multimedia executive at a local news station, said he learned a lot from chatting with business owners about starting out. Sydney Redlinger, who runs a small bookkeeping team, noted how great it felt to connect with peers her age and grow her network.

Chamber President Candace Carnahan pointed out that events like this show the community backs its rising stars. She said it creates chances for young people to jump in and succeed right away, helping them feel part of the area from day one.

Full List of BestSlope NEXTGen Award Winners

The BestSlope NEXTGen Awards capped off the day with a ceremony that spotlighted 20 standout young professionals. These awards recognize folks who lead with fresh ideas, drive change, and give back to the Western Slope region. Nominees were picked based on their roles in business, education, and community service, showing how one person can make a big difference.

Here is a table of all the 2025 honorees, their names, and where they work:

This group spans fields from health care and tech to arts and government. Their efforts tie into bigger trends, like how Grand Junction has grown as a spot for young entrepreneurs. Just last year, the area saw a rise in startups thanks to incubators like the one Mike Ritter runs, which has helped over 50 new businesses launch since 2020.

Stories from Honorees Show Real Impact

Several winners shared what the award means to them and how they contribute to the community. These personal tales highlight why events like the summit matter for building a stronger local scene.

Hunter McKie works in digital marketing for a health center and serves on Fruita’s Parks and Recreation Committee. He has led clean up projects at Snooks Bottom park, adding restrooms, parking spots, and better access for people with disabilities. McKie said he always tries to give back as much as he gets. He feels proud and grateful to get this nod.

Olivia Pelaez handles communications for Mesa County and moved to the Grand Valley in 2019. She grew the county’s outreach by launching a newsletter, boosting social media, and reaching more people. Pelaez said the honor makes her feel like she truly helps the area. It proves her job goes beyond tasks and that others see her efforts to improve life for everyone.

Tayler VanWinkle owns a design firm and joined the Mesa County Fair Board in 2023. She helped run the Cots and Corks event, which showcased local farms, breweries, and more. It raised about $12,000 for youth farming programs. VanWinkle, who arrived in 2021, praised the welcoming community. She called the nomination a great experience.

Mike Ritter directs economic development at the Business Incubator Center, where he provides space and tools for startups. He supports hundreds of entrepreneurs each year. Ritter said the community has tons of talented young pros. He is thrilled his work gets this spotlight.

These stories connect to recent local news, like the chamber’s earlier 2025 business awards in March, which celebrated similar growth. The summit builds on that by focusing on the next wave of leaders.

Why This Matters for Grand Junction’s Future

Young professionals like these are key to keeping Grand Junction thriving. The area has shifted from a place people left to one that draws ambitious folks with its mix of outdoor life and business chances. Events such as this one foster skills in hot areas like AI and finance, which match national trends. For instance, a recent report showed Colorado’s young workforce grew by 5% last year, with Western Slope spots like Grand Junction leading in innovation.

The summit not only honors past wins but also sets up future ones. By linking people across industries, it sparks ideas that could lead to new jobs and projects. One attendee mentioned how sessions on personal branding helped her rethink her career path, tying into broader talks on work life balance amid rising remote work options.

• Key benefits from the event include better networking for career growth.
• Sessions on AI prepare pros for tech shifts in local businesses.
• Awards inspire more community service, like park improvements and fundraisers.

As the Grand Valley keeps expanding, these young leaders will shape its path forward.

What do you think about these rising stars? Share your thoughts in the comments below and pass this article along to a friend who might need some inspiration.