Austin Under 40 Nomination
Nominations are due by January 15, 2023 at 11:59 pm. Please note: in order to be considered for an award, the nominee must finish their application. Applications can be found in the email the nominee receives letting them know that they were nominated.
Since 1998, the Young Women's Alliance (YWA) and Young Men's Business League (YMBL) have partnered to host Austin's premier charity gala honoring young professionals, the Austin Under 40 Awards. During an evening of prestige and celebration, Austinites are recognized for leadership in their respective industries and strong commitments to serving the Austin community. All proceeds from the event benefit the YWA Foundation and the YMBL Austin Sunshine Camps. The YWA Foundation provides scholarships to young women, and the YMBL Austin Sunshine Camps work to engage and empower children through education and outdoor experiences.
To nominate someone for an Austin Under 40 Award, please click the "Submit a Nomination" button above and complete the short nominations form.
The 2023 Austin Under 40 Awards categories are:
Mentor of the Year – (Over 40) Behind every successful young leader is a mentor. Whether it is a former employer, a senior colleague, a parent’s friend, or a formal mentor, we have all been blessed with knowing those people who take the time to help open doors and guide and direct us through the challenges we face. Mentor of the Year will be awarded to an established Austin business and/or community leader over the age of 40 who has dedicated their time to mentoring the emerging young leaders that we celebrate through the Austin Under 40 Awards.
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction –These ‘foundational’ members of the Austin community are doing more than building infrastructure, they are serving as pillars of support for our city’s diverse and vibrant population. This category honors the professionals, associates, and private business owners contributing to Austin’s growing commercial, residential, public, multifamily, and private developments. Roles include, but are not limited to architects, interior designers, general contractors, engineers, and landscape architects.
Arts, Entertainment, and Social Media – Each member of this distinguished cast of characters bring beauty, knowledge, and laughter into our community through his or her work in the arts and entertainment. This category honors those professionals working in digital media, film, television, and entertainment, as well as fashion and the arts. Roles include, but are not limited to, artists, fashion designers, directors, musicians, festival coordinators, social media personalities, bloggers, and influencers.
Civics, Government, and Public Affairs – These nominees have demonstrated excellence and commitment to their field at the local, state, and federal level, implementing actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern. Their commitment and dedication to community service and positive change are prominent throughout their private and/or public sector careers. Roles include, but are not limited to, community relations, foundation representatives, corporate social responsibility leaders, community/public affairs managers, endowment representatives, and community engagement practitioners, elected officials (non-judicial), department and agency staff, campaign managers, lobbyists, and coalition builders.
Capital, Financial, and Insurance Services – The captains of Austin’s mighty economy, these titans dedicate their lives to enriching the lives of Austinites of all stripes, both in terms of cultural capital and bottom-line assets. Roles include, but are not limited to, accountants, financial consultants, investors, insurance brokers and agents, actuaries, CFOs, and others with financial roles within their company.
Energy, Sustainability, and Transportation –These Austinites serve as the driving force in the way we power and move about our world. Roles include, but are not limited to, engineers, land professionals, city planners, scientists, analysts, developers, and other professionals specializing in traditional & renewable energies, utilities, environmental sciences, cleantech, transportation, traffic, mobility, air & rail services, and related disciplines and services.
Food, Events, and Hospitality – Rendering Austin a paragon among the world’s preeminent destination and food cities, these individuals have added the dash of originality and authenticity which has proven the main ingredient in Austin’s meteoric rise to the very peak of the globally-oriented hubs of culture. This category honors the professionals, associates, and private business owners serving in Austin’s fast-growing restaurant and hospitality scene. Roles include, but are not limited to, chefs, farmers, event planners, hotel/restaurant owners & managers, agriculture, farming, beverages, restaurant critics, and food journalists.
Journalism, Marketing, and Public Relations – These wordsmiths don’t stop until they know the entire story, and they’re guiding the narrative. This category honors those professionals that go above and beyond to provide quality news, current events, publicity, and messaging. Roles include, but are not limited to, broadcast journalists, print journalists, investigative journalists, writers, editors, producers, news reporters, radio and television personalities, directors, advertising, marketing, public relations, media relations, and crisis communications.
Legal – These guardians of justice are balancing their time serving the community with serving the legal industry through traditional and nontraditional legal services. These individuals fulfill both the private sector and government agencies. Roles include, but are not limited to, attorneys, legal assistants, mediators, stenographers, and legal support services (i.e. legal research, courtroom personnel, software, supplies sales agents, and developers).
Medicine and Healthcare – Forming one of the healthiest cities in America, nominees in this category are keeping a finger on the pulse of Austin’s health. These individuals represent the healthcare industry, as well as those deeply committed to advancing the research of life sciences. Roles include, but are not limited to, doctors, life sciences, nurses, assistants, and administrative leaders in all fields of medicine and healthcare, scientists, biologists, chemists, lab technicians, and research professionals.
Nonprofit Service – These philanthropists work tirelessly to advance, preserve, and enhance the Austin community through their careers as nonprofit and/or social service organization professionals. This category honors those leading and serving such entities, realizing diverse missions that aim to meet the needs of Austin’s most vulnerable populations. Roles include, but are not limited to, nonprofit executive directors, directors of development, spiritual leaders, outreach coordinators, case managers, social workers, and advocacy professionals.
People and Operations – Austin businesses are booming, and these individuals make sure that their companies are on the right track by supporting the overall goals and operations of the organization. The backbone of these companies, roles include but are not limited to, COO, executives, human resources, enablement, corporate social responsibility, sales professionals, operations, consultants, and administration.
Real Estate – Austin is exploding, and these individuals are agents in attracting companies and people. This category recognizes individuals in the commercial and residential real estate industry that are busy keeping Austin’s real estate booming, alive and well. Roles include, but are not limited to real estate agents, developers, brokers, professionals at title companies, and individuals working in property management.
Retail, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain - This category recognizes individuals in roles that support the lifecycle of a CPG or product from manufacturing to the hands of our residents or local businesses. Roles include, but are not limited to, product manufacturers, retailers, distributors, resellers, buyers, planners, logistics, technicians, quality inspectors, and printing services.
Sports, Wellness, and Fitness – This category recognizes individuals who are making strides in promoting healthy communities in body, mind, and spirit. Roles include, but are not limited to, trainers, athletes, business owners, counselors, spiritual advisors, yoga instructors, estheticians, massage therapists, and coaches.
Technology – From the early days of MCC and SemaTech, to the growth of Apple and Google in Central Texas, Austin is a tech town. This category honors nominees who are advancing the technologies we will need for a prosperous tomorrow, and finding solutions to social, cultural, economic, and environmental problems. Roles include, but are not limited to, scientists, engineers, coders, analysts, researchers, software developers, sharing economy advocates, and representatives.
Youth and Education – Sharpening the minds of our future leaders, this category recognizes individuals in educational vocation who positively impact the education system and opportunities in our community. Roles include, but are not limited to, teachers, administrators, education advocates, volunteers, school counselors, professors, daycare facilitators, and tutors.