Each year, Arkansas Business puts the spotlight on talented young leaders in Arkansas’ business and nonprofit community. Each “20 in Their Twenties” class is chosen by an internal committee reviewing more than 300 nominations with an eye toward accomplishments, responsibilities and people clearly ahead of their time. Arkansas Business is proud to present “The New Influentials: 20 in Their Twenties.” There is no recognition event for the program.

The 2024 New Influentials: 20 in Their Twenties were featured in a September issue of Arkansas Business. 

Class of 2024

Mariana Abarca, City of Little Rock

Manuel Barrantes, Walmart

George Friedmann, Moses Tucker Partners

Eden Garrett, Eden’s Flower Truck + Eden’s Botanicals

Jorge Gonzalez, North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce

Tanner Green, Ox

Myranda Grulke, The Charlotte John Company

Trent Hanna, SSI Incorporated of NW Arkansas

Clara Henderson, Hytrol

Hayden Lewellen, HoganTaylor

Justin McCarty, Simmons Bank

Kylie McClanahan, Bastazo

Sheridan Owens, WACO Title

Venesha Sasser, Walnut Hill Communications

Tori Scott, Excel by Eight

Ashlee Smith, Farmers & Merchants Bank

Itzel Velazquez, Kiva Little Rock

Evan Wheatley, Lockheed Martin

Sage White, Sam’s Club

Andrew Wiechern, Colliers | Arkansas

Qualifications

The individual must meet the following conditions:

• Be under 30 years old on Sept. 1, 2025.
• Not have been a previous honoree;
• Have made an impact on his or her company or community; and
• Show the potential to be a leader in business or politics.
• Completed nomination form with in-depth information regarding the nominee’s achievements and involvement within the community. (i.e. he/she is great and deserves this award is not sufficient)
• We also accept letter of recommendations along with each nomination

For questions contact:

Tiffany Mattzela, Events Director at TMattzela@abpg.com or (501) 455-9334.