20 Under 40: Whitney Hoshaw

Willamalane Park and Recreation District

As a recipient of the 20 Under 40 award, I am honored to be recognized alongside so many inspiring individuals, past and present. Two core values guide my philosophy in life and as a leader: authenticity and betterment. Authentic interactions with others help me create spaces that promote inclusivity and joy at work and home. I also believe in constant self-improvement to better show up for myself, my team at work, my family at home, and the community in general.

At Willamalane, I live these core values daily in service to our community. Some of our team’s most exciting work uses data to inform outreach strategies and identify gaps in our services. Even if we can’t achieve everything we want today, we make small, imperfect improvements. Constant improvement in the interest of public good is the work that drives me.

As a professional communicator, I strongly believe that every story we want to tell has a place, and it’s up to us to authentically and candidly share those stories and create a better world for everyone. Outside of work, I write stories that I hope will one day help to advocate for issues I care deeply about, including chronic illness and sexual assault awareness. As a leader, I use my skills and voice to support others to rise together and create a better and more authentic place to live.

20 Under 40: Sing Tam Lee

Levos Group LLC

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” – Herman Melville

20 Under 40: Sam Krier

Sam Krier State Farm Agency

It’s truly an honor to be a 2023 20 Under 40 award winner. I would not have opened my business anywhere else but my hometown of Eugene. Jackie Robinson said “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives”. These words encouraged me to become a productive member of society. I’m grateful for the opportunities provided by the Eugene Active 20-30 Club to grow as a leader and get involved in my community.

20 Under 40: Marissa Ooyevaar

A Blonde Vintage

I feel so incredibly honored and delighted to be included as one of the 2023 20 under 40 award recipients and I am forever grateful to everyone who has walked alongside me in this journey and continues to support me. From friends to family, past managers and current mentors, from my client community to my social community and from this amazing community we live in; I have felt supported, challenged, inspired and respected.

Growing up, my parents always told me, “you can be whatever you want…but only you can decide what that is, do what makes you happy…” Looking back, it was that freedom – the freedom to be creative, to create my own reality, to listen to my intuition, to choose my own WHY – that empowered me to figure out what excites me to wake up every single morning and motivates me to start my day.

We’re all faced with moments in time where we can choose whether or not to listen to the underlying message…for me it was my godfather’s passing and my dad’s battle with cancer that shook me awake to the opportunity. An opportunity to live fully by always choosing kindness, to make ethical and moral decisions, to be a cheerleader for others, to be present in the moment, share without reservation, to always do my best, to lead with gratitude and give to others, to refuse to let fear guide me, to shine my light and show up as the best version of myself; daughter, friend, wife, consultant, content creator, blogger, business partner, volunteer, advocate…in everything I do.

20 Under 40: Liz Tate

Mereté Hotel Management

It is an honor to be selected as a 20 under 40 rising business star award recipient. To be recognized as someone who has had a positive impact in their industry and community is humbling beyond words.
My passion for the hospitality and tourism industry started when I began working at a resort in my hometown. I had the unique experience of growing up on a Reservation in a rural community which taught me that hard work will get you where you want to go, to never take your community or the help of others for granted and that you have a right to be here and to celebrate who you are and where you are from. These lessons have guided me through every obstacle, challenge, and success and is part of my work life philosophy to this day.
Working in the hospitality industry for over 15 years has taught me empathy, patience, kindness and resilience. I’ve had the privilege of working with Mereté Hotel Management for 10 of those years and I’m fortunate that they’ve also supported and encouraged me with all my endeavors including participating the University of Oregon’s Women’s Innovation Network and completing a certificate program through ASU for Sustainable Tourism for Native Nations and Communities. I hope to someday be a resource to Native Communities in the hospitality and tourism space in the future.
The Eugene-Springfield business community is full of supportive and dedicated individuals who want to see our towns flourish. I’m inspired by the work that I see my mentors and peers doing and it is what has encouraged me to keep volunteering, keep showing up and to give back whenever possible.

20 Under 40: Jessica Redman

SELCO Community Credit Union

I am humbled and honored to be recognized as a 20 under 40 Rising Business Star. During my tenure at SELCO, I’ve aspired to embody the credit union mission: “people helping people.”

I strive to give back to our community by working with non-profit organizations close to my heart, such as CASA, Ronald McDonald House, Rotary, Leadership Eugene-Springfield, and Kappa Alpha Theta. The success of these organizations would not be possible without the generous contributions of our local business leaders, many of whom I have had the pleasure of working with.

I am also passionate about helping develop and mentor our community’s next generation of civic leaders. As the Steering Committee Chair for Leadership Eugene-Springfield, I have had the opportunity to connect Eugene/Springfield’s aspiring business leaders to the community and help create positive change. I also work to inspire the collegians of Kappa Alpha Theta to become Leading Women in their communities through my role as Advisory Board Chairman, where I have served for 10 years. Without the generosity I have received from mentors whom I’ve met through programs like these, I know I would not be where I am today, both personally and professionally.

For those aspiring leaders, know there is never a contribution too small. As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” I hope my actions inspire others to be generous and give back to their communities.

20 Under 40: Jessica Quinn

Obie Companies

I am most inspired by those who lead with the desire to give back in some way. I have seen many examples of this in nearly 10 years with Obie Companies. Working with a team that designs community-oriented projects, creates opportunities for employee development, and pursues efforts to drive positive change in Eugene is a rare opportunity. I am grateful to be a part of this work and the Obie team.

My gratitude is deepened by organizations such as the Eugene Young Professionals and the University of Oregon to support the development of our next generation of leadership. I have benefited from both organizations, as a member, a student, and a volunteer for each.

Additionally, working for leaders such as Brian Obie and Casey Obie-Barrett has afforded me many opportunities to stretch my wings. They have inspired me to allow these same opportunities for others. As a mom of two (ages 3 and 5), I understand that it is not sustainable to rely on myself to create real and positive impact. I am one piece to a greater sum… at work, at home, and in the community I live. I am inspired by those around me to continue to work through collaborative processes, and as an inclusive leader who encourages each voice to be heard to drive positive change. As Brene Brown says, “Compassion is not a virtue – it is a commitment. It’s not something we have or don’t have – it’s something we choose to practice.”

20 Under 40: Jennifer Lleras Van Der Haeghen

City of Eugene

I am driven by the understanding that communities, on a micro and macro level, are intrinsically interconnected. I am guided by the philosophy that we can build stronger and more connected communities when we take people-centered approaches to problem solving and policy development. Every policy, practice and decision has the profound ability to strengthen or weaken communities. I cultivate opportunities for authentic collaboration; I embed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging into the fabric of my approach; and I lead with curiosity and integrity. These approaches encourage me to slow down, listen for understand and support action that is effective and impactful.

For the past 8 years, I have brought this approach to my work at the City of Eugene. It has been my pleasure and honor to work alongside passionate, smart and dedicated public servants. As the Acting in Capacity Co-Director of the Employee Resource Center, I work to serve our greater community by advancing workforce and professional development, belonging and Emergency Management goals so that the City can deliver critical services across Eugene. This work is directly tied to and has ripple effects in the whole community. When City employees can be at their best at work in service to the community, everyone who lives, works and plays in Eugene benefits.

My family and I choose to call Eugene home. We are invested in the success of this community recognizing that together we can be a community where people experience a genuine sense of belonging and can access opportunity.

20 Under 40: Emily Reynolds

BRING

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” – Alan Cohen. I am grateful to be receiving this award, and thankful to BRING’s Executive Director, my mentor and friend Carolyn Stein, for nominating me. Dedicated is a word that is often used when talking about mission-driven, non-profit work. As it relates to environmental protection work, some may wonder how one could be so dedicated to a seemingly insurmountable global issue. It is my belief that you cannot sustain dedication without rest. Just as rest is necessary to recharge our personal batteries, sustainability practices are necessary to recharge the health of our planet. Just as overworking ourselves can lead to burnout and long-term health consequences, unsustainable practices can lead to irreversible damage to our environment. I have long believed that rest and sustainability are intertwined, and have made a conscious effort to prioritize rest in my life. I am thankful to work for an organization that understands the importance of work-life balance, and allows me to make time for my physical and mental health. For me that includes spending time in nature, traveling to the PNW’s beautiful places, enjoying live music, and helping friends and family where needed. When we prioritize rest in our personal lives, we can become more mindful of our impacts, leading to more sustainable habits. Similarly, when we prioritize sustainability in our communities, we can create a more balanced and resilient ecosystem that supports the well-being of all.

20 Under 40: Danielle McBride

Cornerstone Community Housing

I am so honored to be chosen as a 20 Under 40 winner. I truly believe helping the community that built you is the best way to give back. From my involvement in the Eugene Active 20-30 Club to coaching basketball at Willamette High School and now serving my community in affordable housing, my path to this point has been beyond rewarding.
I’m passionate about what I do and fully dive into my projects and career. I take pride in being able to give back to the Bethel Community through coaching. This community made me – I only think it’s right to help in the best way I know how – through coaching basketball. The ultimate goal is for these young ladies to be great people in their communities when they leave my program. Also, my involvement in the Eugene Active 20-30 Club has shown me that I can give back to children in my community while learning lifelong leadership skills. My philosophy is to come at life wholeheartedly with compassion and humility. And to have fun and enjoy what you do!
My amazing family, coaches, managers (past and current), colleagues, teammates, and assistant coaches have helped get me here. Their support and trust in me has helped push me to be the person I am today. Also, I have the best support system with my husband, Jesse. He’s been the best partner for me in my on-the-go lifestyle.
I’m so excited to see what life has in store for me next!