Corpus Christi 40 Under 40: Class of 2018

By: Alexis Mays  Photos by: Rachel Benavides

Since 2006, one event has recognized 480 men and women in the Coastal Bend who are dedicated to making an impact in the very place we call home.

The Corpus Christi 40 Under 40 has announced the list of 2018 recipients, and it ranges from those who work in health care to those who own retail shops. And they are all joining the ranks of what has become a local tradition.

The CC40U40 is a twelve-year-old custom that began when two women – Rosaura Bailey and Elisa Fogle – saw a need in our community.

“Years ago, C.C. 40 Under 40 started as an independent group,” says Russell Wagner, Executive Director for The Young Business Professionals organization. “They noticed that Corpus Christi had many great people who do many great things – but no one was really giving them the recognition for what they were doing.”

It turned out that honoring incredible city leaders and young business professionals was just the start – the design of this event also helps to retain and recruit talent in our area, raise awareness for the betterment of our city, and raises money for a charity.  

As the annual recognition continued to blossom, it then came to the attention of another organization: The Young Business Professionals of the Coastal Bend (YBP).

From the start, it was clear that Corpus Christi 40 Under 40 was a perfect match for the YBP. The purpose of the CC40U40 aligned perfectly with the YBP’s mission to enhance our area and workforce ‘by promoting educational and professional advancement among emerging business leaders.’ Plus, the ceremony recognizes an age that the group wanted to acknowledge.

Luis Sanchez, a previous 40U40 recipient and current co-chair for the YBP, explains that 40 and under is a significant professional turning stone: “Age 40 is generally when people are getting their careers up and running. Age 40 and beyond is typically more of an established career.”

The CC40U40 award has been bestowed upon many well-known movers and shakers in the Coastal Bend. In years past, some faces were even recognized more than once, but it has since grown so much, that recipients can now only be recognized once. Even with that new policy, they received more nominations than ever before. The YPB also receives applications for individuals from a wide spectrum of positions and industries.

“We’ve seen recipients come from education, medicine, technology, business owners, banking, insurance, the nonprofit section, and more,” lists Sanchez. “We look to attract a very diverse group when recognizing professionals.”

During the selection process for most years, a person’s industry and company were heavily considered when scoring nominations. But during this year’s selection process, the number one factor that candidates must meet went beyond the workplace walls.

“This year, there was more of a focus on what people do outside of work. Especially those working with very special populations; such as people who are taking time out of their lives to work with children, those with special needs, and in nursing homes,” says Wagner. “We looked for those people who have a special heart for those who can’t always help themselves.”

Wagner explained how the scoring process was updated to have more concentration on those deeply involved with our city.

“A robust resume wasn’t as important,” Wagner goes on. “Because when you dig into their community involvement; who they’re working with, and who they’re spending their time with outside their 8 am – 5 pm, I think many will be very impressed with what these people are doing.”

In fact, several who are being recognized may not be faces that the community is familiar with.

“We’re looking for the unsung heroes.” Sanchez describes. “The ones who, day in and day out, go above and beyond to improve people’s lives and contribute to our community. They are not necessarily the go-getters. They are the go-givers.”

And speaking of giving, the group will be donating to Camp Aranzazu in Rockport, Texas. This nonprofit is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with chronic illnesses and special needs by providing unique camping, environmental education, and retreat experiences.

The will raise money for Camp Aranzazu during the two ways that the 2018 CC40U40 class are honored. Tables and sponsorships are available for the awards breakfast in early May where all 40 honorees will be recognized on stage. Then, later that week on Friday, buy a ticket for the celebration social.

While the CC40U40 is perhaps their most well-known event, the YBP group orchestrates many activities, socials, and presentations throughout the year.

“We have a networking committee that specifically organizes opportunities for professionals to meet and expand their network. We have a social committee who puts on an event every quarter – just for fun. There’s a speaker series committee where they put on different events related to different topics in our community,” says Wagner. “And we just began professional development classes. There are four this year and they’re completely free for members.” When it comes to memberships, Wagner also notes that they are always accepting new members. Year-round registration forms are on their web site, and it only costs $50 for a 12-month YBP membership.

It’s an organization that’s dedicated to pouring into its members and the community, because it’s apart of their mission to serve our area “through leadership, education, volunteerism and the recruitment and retention of young professionals in the Coastal Bend area.”

And when Wagner describes the YBP board, who is made up of passionate people eager to make an impact in their hometown, it’s clear that their mission is thriving. “They genuinely care about Corpus Christi,” he continues. “They want to move up in their careers and they want to give back to the community, and they want to do that right here. They’re not trying to get to another big city, like Austin or Houston. They want to be in Corpus Christi and help it grow. We see all the great things that are happening in our community, and these are people who share that same vision.”

To learn more, visit www.ybpcb.com/

40 UNDER 40