{"id":31942,"date":"2025-11-03T22:48:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T22:48:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/31942\/"},"modified":"2025-11-03T22:48:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T22:48:11","slug":"famus-40-under-40-where-purpose-meets-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/31942\/","title":{"rendered":"FAMU\u2019s 40 Under 40: Where Purpose Meets Power"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.\u00a0\u2014 Florida A&M University honored the next generation of Rattler leaders during the
\n annual\u00a040 Under 40 Celebration\u00a0on Friday, Oct. 17, in the University\u2019s Grand Ballroom.<\/p>\n

The signature event recognized 40 distinguished alumni under the age of 40 who are
\n excelling in their professions and uplifting their communities through service and
\n leadership. The evening brought together alumni, students, faculty, and supporters
\n for a night filled with reflection, inspiration, and undeniable Rattler pride.<\/p>\n

\"40Pictured (left to right): Ashlee Gomez, Tanza Thompson, Kenedria Thurman, and Larrynee Pierre \u2014 shining examples
\n of purpose-driven leadership and Rattler excellence. <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cheers and applause echoed throughout the Grand Ballroom as honorees were celebrated
\n for their accomplishments and continued commitment to creating positive change. Each
\n honoree received a commemorative gift box and a crystal trophy, symbolizing both their
\n professional excellence and their enduring connection to the University.<\/p>\n

Remarks from President Marva Johnson<\/p>\n

Florida A&M University President\u00a0Marva Johnson\u00a0took a moment to reflect on the spirit of the evening and the remarkable accomplishments
\n of the honorees. Her words carried warmth and pride, echoing the Rattler energy that
\n filled the Grand Ballroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are each a shining example of what it means to be a proud FAMU Rattler \u2014 demonstrating
\n excellence, innovation, and leadership,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cYou\u2019ve proven that you can
\n get anywhere from here \u2014 and the best part is, you did it before even turning 40.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"PresidentPresident Marva Johnson presents flowers to this year\u2019s 40 Under 40 cohort in recognition
\n of their achievements and continued excellence.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

She reminded attendees that the\u00a040 Under 40 Celebration\u00a0isn\u2019t just about looking back on success, but about inspiring what comes next.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a FAMU graduate, so you\u2019re always expected to be great,\u201d she continued. \u201cI\u2019d
\n like for each of you to think about what you can do to ensure that the next \u2018you\u2019
\n gets to finish \u2014 that the next \u2018you\u2019 can stand on your shoulders and reach even higher.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her remarks drew applause and nods of agreement from the audience, serving as a powerful
\n reminder that\u00a0FAMU\u2019s strength lies in its people \u2014 leaders who carry the legacy of excellence wherever
\n they go.<\/p>\n

Honoree Spotlight: Shelby Avery, Ford Motor Company<\/p>\n

For honoree\u00a0Shelby Avery, the recognition marked both a personal milestone and a reflection of the strong
\n FAMU community that continues to support her journey.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a great honor to be recognized in this manner,\u201d Avery said. \u201cWhen I shared the
\n news with my friends, many of them said it was well deserved. You go through your
\n day-to-day striving to honor yourself and the University.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ShelbyShelby Avery, Ford Motor Company \u2014 For Avery, the honor symbolizes both personal growth
\n and the powerful support of the FAMU community that helped shape her path.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

As vice president of FAMU\u2019s Michigan Alumni Chapter, Avery helps strengthen the University\u2019s
\n partnership with\u00a0Ford Motor Company,a major sponsor and recruiter of Rattler talent.<\/p>\n

\u201cI make sure we cultivate that relationship when new Rattlers join the company,\u201d she
\n said. \u201cIt\u2019s important that I give back and represent FAMU because FAMU has given so
\n much to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nominated by one of her former professors, Avery said the recognition underscores
\n the lasting relationships built at FAMU.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople always have eyes on you and what you\u2019re doing,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m glad I\u2019ve been
\n able to lean into the passions I developed at FAMU \u2014 giving back, mentoring, and doing
\n things with excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Avery encourages students to pursue their passions and take advantage of every opportunity.<\/p>\n

\u201cLean into what you\u2019re passionate about,\u201d she advised. \u201cBe adaptable, be supportive,
\n and do work that makes your community better. Getting involved beyond the classroom
\n \u2014 through organizations, travel, and networking \u2014 builds connections that shape your
\n future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Honoree Spotlight: Tiffani Davis, Est\u00e9e Lauder Companies<\/p>\n

For\u00a0Tiffani Davis, being named to the\u00a040 Under 40\u00a0list was a moment of affirmation for years of hard work and dedication.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m super excited,\u201d Davis said. \u201cThis recognition feels like confirmation of the
\n work I\u2019ve been doing. It motivates me to keep pushing forward to help shape the lives
\n of other Rattlers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Over the past five years, Davis has worked with\u00a0Est\u00e9e Lauder Companies\u00a0to strengthen the brand\u2019s partnership with FAMU, creating pathways for students to
\n explore careers in beauty, business, and marketing.<\/p>\n

\"TiffaniFrom the Hill to Est\u00e9e Lauder – Tiffani Davis proves that purpose and perseverance
\n pay off. <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes,\u201d she said. \u201cSometimes you know
\n you\u2019re doing the right thing, but when you receive an award like this, it\u2019s a reminder
\n that you\u2019re doing meaningful work in the right spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reflecting on her journey, Davis shared what she would tell her freshman self.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy picture from the National Black Case Study Competition is still in the lobby,\u201d
\n she said with a smile. \u201cI would tell that younger version of myself, \u2018I\u2019m that girl.\u2019
\n I was that girl in college, and I\u2019m still that girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

Davis also offered words of encouragement for current students and young alumni.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways give back,\u201d she said. \u201cMake a way for other Rattlers and reach back \u2014 because
\n I couldn\u2019t have done it without the Rattlers who came before me. That\u2019s how we continue
\n to dominate and uplift one another.\u201d<\/p>\n

Highlights from the Evening<\/p>\n

The celebration featured a formal induction ceremony, a captivating spoken word performance
\n by\u00a0Shiane Sullivan, and networking opportunities that connected emerging leaders with university partners
\n and fellow alumni.<\/p>\n

Sullivan, a\u00a0third-year theater scholar, delivered a stirring original poem titled\u00a0Rattler Flames, which embodied the pride and perseverance of the FAMU spirit:<\/p>\n

\u201cA Rattler is a flame that dares you to extinguish it. It\u2019s a light ignited by Rattler
\n pride. Since 1887, we\u2019ve thrived \u2014 dripped with drive. I\u2019ve become a flame that never
\n dies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her performance resonated deeply with attendees, capturing the unity, creativity,
\n and unyielding spirit that continue to define FAMU.<\/p>\n

\"SullivanShiane Sullivan takes the podium to deliver \u201cRattler Flames,\u201d a powerful poem honoring
\n the spirit and legacy of FAMU.<\/p>\n

Celebrating Sponsors and Supporters<\/p>\n

The evening\u2019s success was made possible through sponsors who continue to invest in
\n FAMU\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n

Sponsors included\u00a0Est\u00e9e Lauder Companies, in partnership with\u00a0Origins\u00a0and\u00a0Jo Malone, along with\u00a0Ford Motor Company; the\u00a0FAMU National Alumni Association, under the leadership of President\u00a0Artisha Polk;\u00a0Brand The Yard, co-founded by\u00a0Ashlee Gomez; and FAMU\u2019s\u00a0Division of Academic Affairs,\u00a0Office of Student Success, and\u00a0Business and Auxiliary Services.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Origins<\/p>\n

Special thanks to Origins for sponsoring the event\u2019s signature gift bags.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Their collective support reflected a shared commitment to advancing education, diversity,
\n and leadership among FAMU alumni. Their contributions not only helped celebrate this
\n year\u2019s honorees but also reinforced the importance of community partnerships in uplifting
\n future generations of Rattlers.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"BASA gift of gratitude \u2014 40 Under 40 gift boxes sponsored by FAMU\u2019s Business and Auxiliary
\n Services. <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Closing Remarks<\/p>\n

As the celebration neared its end, the Grand Ballroom filled once more with applause
\n as\u00a0Adam Ramgeet, marketing manager in FAMU\u2019s Office of Communications, took the stage to deliver
\n closing remarks on behalf of the University.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour partnership and generosity have been instrumental in making this celebration
\n of excellence, leadership, and Rattler pride truly unforgettable,\u201d Ramgeet said. \u201cBecause
\n of your continued support, we are able to honor outstanding alumni, elevate the FAMU
\n legacy, and inspire future generations of scholars and leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AdamAdam Ramgeet takes the podium to deliver the closing remarks at the 40 Under 40 Awards.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He went on to note how the event has blossomed in scale and spirit.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach year, this event grows in magnitude and impact \u2014 and that\u2019s a reflection of
\n your unwavering commitment,\u201d he said. \u201cWe truly could not have done it without you.
\n Thank you for helping us make the 40 Under 40 celebration\u00a0bigger, better, and bolder
\n every year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead<\/p>\n

As the event came to a close, the stories shared and achievements recognized serve
\n as inspiration for the next generation striving to make their mark in their fields
\n and communities.<\/p>\n

Each year, the FAMU\u00a040 Under 40 Awards\u00a0honors exceptional alumni who exemplify the University\u2019s values through their accomplishments
\n and impact. Honorees are selected based on several key criteria, including professional
\n achievements, philanthropy, community engagement, and contributions to FAMU.<\/p>\n

To be considered, candidates must first be nominated by peers or supporters who recognize
\n their outstanding commitment to leadership, excellence, and the University\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n

\"40Pictured (left to right): James Seay, Karla L. Wilson, Esq., Ivy Salters, Ashley Scott, Courtney Thomas, and
\n Domonique Jones.<\/p>\n

(All Photos by Michael Cork\/Michael A. Cork Photography)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Media Contact:<\/p>\n

Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Back to Stories<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"TALLAHASSEE, Fla.\u00a0\u2014 Florida A&M University honored the next generation of Rattler leaders during the annual\u00a040 Under 40 Celebration\u00a0on…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":31943,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[232,234,233],"class_list":["post-31942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-tallahassee","tag-tallahassee","tag-tallahassee-headlines","tag-tallahassee-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31942","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31942"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31942\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31943"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31942"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31942"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31942"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}