By Quinn O’Hara

This past Saturday, October 20th, the NextGen Under30 Kansas award ceremony took place in Wichita. Recipients of the award were honored for their dedication to the state of Kansas and for their work in their local communities. Esmeralda Tovar-Mora, President of Hutch In Harmony, a local non-profit that seeks to empower minority voices in Hutchinson, Kansas, was one of the recipients who attended the event.

Tovar-Mora explains the purpose behind the NextGen program:

The night included talks from Lieutenant Governor David Toland and several other speakers who shared their stories and encouraged the honorees to continue their work and efforts in their communities.

The ceremony ended by inviting the honorees on stage to accept their award. Tovar-Mora shares her experience being called to the stage.

Nominations for next year’s class of honorees is yet to be announced, but it is expected to take place after the start of the new year. Those interested in nominating a young professional, or those interested in the program, can go to www.nextgenunder30ks.com for more information.