Rising Stars
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Save the Date
September 10, 2026
Nominations are open!
The Journal of Business is seeking Rising Stars nominations to recognize emerging professionals in their respective fields through the end of June. This recognition shines a light on people under 40 years old working in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene area who are expected to go on to make a lasting impression in the Inland Northwest community. Ten nominees will be selected and recognized at an event scheduled Thursday, Sept. 10, which will accompany a must-read special section in our newspaper.
Thank you for helping us celebrate this annual event as we recognized
young professionals in Spokane's business community.
Our 2025 Rising Stars
Anna Alsept | director of sports management | Spokane Sports
Nicole Bishop | philanthropy manager, SNAP, and director, Spokane Public Schools
James Connelly | CEO | Impact Laboratories
Matthew Danielson | executive director | Spokane Pride
Lucas Desgrosellier | CEO | GhoulzTube LLC
Joey Gunning | director of economic development | Greater Spokane Incorporated
Sonja Jensen | Washington state president | AgWest Farm Credit
Melissa Koontz | senior vice president, employee benefits | Alliant Insurance Services
Micaela Kostecka | director of marketing | Kiemle Hagood
Brian Washburn | regional administrator | Praxis Health
Guest Speaker
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Brandon Rapez-Betty |
Highlights from 2025
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2025 Presenting Sponsor:
In-Kind Sponsor:
Our 2024 Rising Stars
Doug Forkner | Strategic Investment Business Partner | Avista Corp
Korianne Jackson | Regional Portfolio Manager | Douglass Properties
Tate Kelly | Vice President of Corporate Partnerships | USL Spokane
Trace Miller | Co-founder of Konala LLC Restaurant Franchise
Emily Moline Meyer | Chief Engagement Manager | Bernardo Wills architecture firm.
Lauren Murray | Market Executive | Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
April O'Hair | Vice President of Human Resources | Numerica Credit Union
Abigail Palacios | Founder and Owner | Chicana Esthetics LLC
Demetrius Palmer | Vice President of Community Outreach and Engagement | Excelsior Wellness
Erin Peterson | Publisher | Trending Northwest magazine
Highlights from 2024
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Jordan Allen
Co-founder of BuyWander
2024 Sponsors
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Past Honorees
2023 Honorees
Nico Archer | Partner | DH
Ryan Arnold | Vice President of Investments and Partnerships | My Green Lab
Cola Boyer | Kalispel Leadership Academy Administrator | Kalispel Tribe of Indians
Stephaine Courtney | Executive Director | The Learning Project Network
Jessica Garza | Founder | Market in the Mountains
Matt Meyer | Director of Entertainment | Spokane Public Facilities District
Nichole Mischke | Founder | Uncovered
Dr. Oladunni Oluwoye | Assistant Professor | WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Tony Reed | Senior Director of Innovations & Partnerships | Spiceology
Brandon Rose | Branch Manager | Washington Trust Bank
2022 Honorees
Jessica Atkinson | CEO | Sweet Frostings
Justin Botejue | Physician Relations Liaison | Shriner’s Children’s Spokane
Heather Hamlin | Executive Director | Women Helping Women Fund
Drew Henry | CEO | Revival Tea Co
Cally King | Director of Marketing | Hagadone Marine Group
Amanda Landreth | Director of Lending Administration | STCU
Tim Ledford | CEO | Safeguard Equipment Inc.
Derek Taylor | CEO | Sports Scope.
Chad White | Owner | CW Hospitality Group
Latrice Williams | Realtor | Realty One Group Eclipse
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