ITHACA, N.Y. — Tompkins Connect, a local young-professional organization in Tompkins County, recently announced the winners of the 6th Annual Fab5 Young Professional Awards, sponsored by the Tompkins Trust Company. The Fab5 Awards highlight and celebrate the achievements of young professionals ages 21-40 who are excelling in their fields and making an impact in Tompkins […]
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The Fab5 Awards highlight and celebrate the achievements of young professionals ages 21-40 who are excelling in their fields and making an impact in Tompkins County.
This year, the Fab5 Committee sought young professionals who have been able to shine and excel despite the unprecedented challenges the community has faced. The committee said in a news release that it “received a historic number of nominations for individuals who did remarkable things this past year.”
Tompkins Connect added two additional awards this year. The Essential Worker “Hero” award was created to recognize a young professional who was considered “essential” throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Above and Beyond award was added to recognize an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the area community.
This year’s winners are the following individuals.
• Not-for-Profit Leader of the Year — Johanna Anderson, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services — for her remarkable leadership during this challenging time.
• Business Leader of the Year — Patrick Blackman, Coltivare — for his inspiring leadership to the Coltivare staff, TC3 students, and Ithaca community.
• Rookie of the Year — Ben Sandberg, The History Center in Tompkins County — for his creativity and commitment as a new leader of The History Center during this challenging year.
• Entrepreneur of the Year — Olivia Ashline-Royale, Easy Living Hats — for her exceptional entrepreneurship and dedication to supporting the Ithaca community.
• Volunteer of the Year — Juliana Garcia, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County — for her contributions toward developing the Tompkins County Mutual Aid response, with the help of her team.
• Essential Worker “Hero” Award — Emily Mallar, Cayuga Health Partners — for her exceptional efforts of providing rapid medical communications throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling the medical community to reduce the number of hospitalizations and emergency-room visits.
• Above and Beyond Award — Melissa Madden, PressBay Food Hub — for her work in bringing fresh, local food to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tompkins Connect says it is inviting all members of the community to honor and celebrate these young professionals at the free, virtual 2021 Fab5 Young Professional Awards Celebration on Thursday, March 4, from 6-7:30 p.m.
The event will be live-streamed with a watch-party option for those who would like to virtually see and chat with other guests attending the event.
“Fab5 is a unique event that showcases the great work young professionals are doing in our community,” David Walton, event and program manager at the Tompkins Chamber and member of the Fab5 planning committee, said in the release. “This past year has been challenging in so many ways, but it has been inspiring to see so many people step up and help each other out.”
Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz says young professionals like those honored in these awards are critical to the community’s future.
“There are countless young professionals living and working in our community who are shaping both the short-term and long-term success of our organizations. Our young professionals are so important to the healthy future of our community and we are pleased to honor these young professionals for their achievements,” he said. “It is especially important to recognize the accomplishments of our young professionals who have stepped up to help our community this past year, as COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on our community.”
The Fab5 Awards are co-sponsored by Communiqué Design & Marketing and the Tompkins Chamber. Visit http://www.tompkinschamber.org/Fab5Awards to learn more about the winners and to register for the event.
Tompkins Connect is a local young professional organization, which was formed in 2010 and currently has more than 700 members. Tompkins Connect is housed within the Tompkins Chamber. The mission is to connect young professionals and emerging leaders through networking, community building, and volunteerism in Tompkins County.