The Columbus Young Professionals and the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce have named the 2019 NextGen winners.
Every two years, the organizations honor young individuals who have exhibited selfless leadership, intelligence, exuberance and dedication to improving the community. A Columbus business or organization is also honored for its commitment to attracting, retaining and developing a young, professional workforce.
This year’s award recipients will be recognized at a luncheon on Sept. 13.
Tyshaun Allen is the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award for his commitment to civic engagement, philanthropy and volunteerism. Allen runs information technology systems at Taylor Brothers Construction Co.
He has served on the Columbus Area Multi-Ethnic Association board of directors for five years and now serves as its president. He also served on the team that led the Welcoming Communities survey and serves as a technology consultant to the African American Fund of Bartholomew County and the Columbus Enrichment Program.
The 2019 Innovators of the Year Award recognizes Joshua Carter and Adrian “Soca” Wibowo of Helix BioStructures, LLC, for their entrepreneurial vision and impact in the community. Together, these Indiana University alumni run a research services company.
They bring their talent for X-ray crystallography, an intersection between biology and computer sciences, to deliver fast and efficient structural biology services to major pharmaceutical companies.
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.’s pre-kindergarten director, Shane Yates, is the 2019 Educator of the Year Award recipient. Yates manages the early childhood education programs.
He was instrumental in the implementation of On My Way Pre-K and Legado Pre-K, the Spanish language immersion program. An educator for 12 years, Yates is an advocate of early learning programs for children in Bartholomew County and throughout the state.
The Unsung Hero award recognizes a public servant who operates behind the scenes and creates a positive change in their organization or community. This year’s recipient of the Unsung Hero Award is Tim Green of Foundation for Youth.
Green is an advocate for the city’s teen population, having re-energized teen programs at Foundation for Youth on a shoestring budget, developing programs and creating a more comfortable and private space for them within the facility.
Assisted Independence, founded by Nathan Red, is the 2019 NextGen Business of the Year. Red set out to start his own business to provide services to people of all age who are living with disabilities. He created a business plan, with support from SCORE, and founded the company in 2016. Now he employs 50 people who serve clients in Indianapolis, Bloomington and Columbus.
The Community Contribution Award recipient is Susan Villegas, program coordinator for the Columbus Area Arts Council. This award recognizes someone who positively impacts the community. Villegas’ work is focused on coordinating exhibitions with artists and designers, community events and organizing hands-on art activities at 411.
Finalists and award winners will be recognized at the NextGen Awards Ceremony Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 13 at 11:30 a.m. at The Commons, 300 Washington St.
The luncheon will also feature a keynote speech by CEO and founder of The Bee Corp., Ellie Symes. Symes, an Indiana University graduate, is an emerging leader who turned her passion for beekeeping into an award-winning company.
Tickets to the luncheon are available for $40 at columbusareachamber.com.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.
