If the recent years have taught us anything, it’s to learn to get comfortable with change. This year’s 40 Under 40 awards highlights the emerging business and community leaders who have risen to the challenge of these changing times and are paving the way for what’s next. Even better, they use their collective power for good—as changemakers in our community.
There is certainly no shortage of exemplary talent here. Our call for nominations resulted in hundreds of entries and our panel of judges read every submission. They carefully considered each nominee’s business acumen, charitable spirit and future potential. They looked for standouts in professional achievements, community service and overall influence on their respective industries.
The result is a list of the Valley’s most influential and accomplished young business leaders—entrepreneurs, innovators, advocates and philanthropists—all under the age of 40. Spanning nearly every industry, this year offers an incredibly diverse and dynamic group. These honorees are eager, dedicated and passionate young professionals. And while each offer something unique, they all bring a refreshing and encouraging promise of what’s to come.
The 2022 40 Under 40 originally appeared in a special issue of Vegas Inc found inside of Las Vegas Weekly. Sign up to get each of Vegas Inc’s special publications delivered to your inbox on the day of their release.
Mary Bacon - Partner, Spencer Fane LLP
Mary Bacon
Age: 34
Hometown: Irvine, CA
First Job: Paralegal
From an early age, Mary Bacon knew that pursuing a career in law would give her a voice. Now, a successful business litigation attorney, she uses her voice to enact meaningful change.
Carrie Bedient, MD - Physician, Fertility Center of Las Vegas & Founder, Fertility Docs Uncensored Podcast
Carrie Bedient
Age: 39
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
First Job: Tutor
At age 16, Dr. Carrie Bedient observed brain surgery. It was then that she knew medicine was her future. She chose the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, where she uses science and empathy to help guide her patients through the journey to parenthood.
Vladi Bergman - CEO & Founder, Karma and Luck
Vladi Bergman
Age: 39
Hometown: Haifa, Israel
First Job: Grocery Store
Vladi Bergman was always fascinated by diverse cultures. After traveling extensively across the globe, he was inspired to open Karma and Luck, a space for spirituality in retail and e-commerce where customers could tour his favorite parts of the world through unique jewelry and home décor.
Manick Bhan - CTO/Founder, LinkGraph
Manick Bhan
Age: 34
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
First Job: Investment Banking Analyst
A growth hacker, data scientist and skilled programmer, Manick Bhan’s greatest passion is SEO. With LinkGraph, Bhan helps clients around the globe outrank competitors with data-driven SEO services and software—earning the title of No. 1 Start-Up Agency by the U.S. Search Awards in 2021.
Tiffany Miller (Bosman) - Director of Marketing, AEG Presents Las Vegas
Tiffany Miller (Bosman)
Age: 37
Hometown: Detroit, MI
First Job: Bakery
Growing up in Detroit, Tiffany Miller has always been drawn to live music and spent her childhood going to concerts with her father. She began her career working in college radio before moving to Las Vegas and landing in the nightlife industry. In 2016, Miller found herself called back to her concert roots and began her role with AEG Presents.
Ashley Burney - Founder and President, Heart To Heart LLC
Ashley Burney
Age: 36
Hometown: Anchorage, AK
First Job: McDonalds
Ashley Burney is a visionary leader who inspires others to think big and believe in themselves. For the last 17 years, she has fueled the desire to help others through her work with nonprofits such as United Way of Southern Nevada, Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada, Project 150 and the Tyler Robinson Foundation.
Stephanie Capellas - Vice President of Public Relations, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Stephanie Capellas
Age: 37
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
First Job: Advertising Assistant
For more than 15 years, Stephanie Capellas has been making her mark in Las Vegas. Working for world-class organizations such as Cirque du Soleil and Hakkasan Group led her to her current role with The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, where she delivers impactful public relations campaigns, global brand awareness, reputation management and billions of earned media impressions annually.
Penny Chutima - Managing Partner, Lotus of Siam
Penny Chutima
Age: 33
Hometown: LA / Las Vegas
First Job: Tilly's
Penny Chutima was born into the restaurant business. And though she tried to fight it, she’s found that it’s exactly where she belongs.
Caleb Dawkins - Banker, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Caleb Dawkins
Age: 27
Hometown: North Las Vegas, NV
First Job: Regal Theatre in Aliante Hotel and Casino
Growing up, Caleb Dawkins wanted to understand how to manage wealth, and the desire propelled his career in finance. He is now a founding member of a private bank office and a top performer within J.P. Morgan across the country. Working closely with entertainers, athletes and tech entrepreneurs, Dawkins advises clients on financial strategies designed to grow, manage and preserve their income.
Johnny Dominguez - Chief Program Officer, Q3 Student Partners
Johnny Dominguez
Age: 32
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
First Job: Laborer
A first-generation college student himself, Johnny Dominguez has dedicated his career to increasing the percentage of first-generation students accessing, and ultimately completing, institutions of higher learning. And like a true community advocate, he’s more than happy to work behind the scenes to watch students reach their full potential and shine.
Amanda Dunks - VP of Brand Strategy & Creative Development, Caesars Entertainment
Amanda Dunks
Age: 35
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
First Job: Sales Associate at Abercrombie
To Amanda Dunks, working in hotel/gaming means there’s never a dull moment or monotony—something that fuels her drive and creativity. Dunks has spent 10 years at Caesars Entertainment building brands for not just casinos, but also restaurants, entertainment, nightlife, attractions and more.
Jose Espinoza - President, Heritage Auto
Jose Espinoza
Age: 35
Hometown: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
First Job: McDonalds
The day Jose Espinoza walked away from his corporate banking job to follow his calling and open his own automotive shop was the scariest moment of his life—and also the most exciting.
Ashley Farkas - Executive Director of Public Relations, MGM Resorts International
Ashley Farkas
Age: 37
Hometown: Westland, MI
First Job: Public Relations Coordinator at The Venetian
Ashley Farkas planned to be a broadcast journalist, but she found her joy in the world of PR. It’s probably no surprise that her favorite aspect of her job is media relations—the perfect marriage of her intended and actual career. She thrives on building buzz, creating awareness and driving business for brands.
Ashley Brooke Fiumara - Co-CEO, OPTX
Ashley Brooke Fiumara
Age: 35
Hometown: Texarkana, TX
First Job: Lifeguard
Friends call her Ashley. Colleagues call her Brooke. Family members call her Ash Brooke. But whatever you call her, Ashley Brooke Fiumara answers. After rising through the ranks in casino and gaming marketing, Fiumara saw a void for a complete software solution for the industry. She may not have had the technical expertise, but she had the drive to find a solution.
Sergio Garcia - Assistant Director District Attorney, Clark County District Attorney’s Office
Sergio Garcia
Age: 39
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
First Job: Legal Assistant
Sergio Garcia was born and raised in Southern Nevada, starting his career with Clark County at the young age of 18. More than 20 years later, his experience spans across public safety, information technology, judicial and law enforcement sectors.
Courtney Garland - Director of Operations, Emerald Island and Rainbow Club Casinos
Courtney Garland
Age: 31
Hometown: Henderson, NV
First Job: Newspaper Intern
Courtney Garland loves turning any outcome into a win through enthusiasm, positivity and foresight. She developed a passion for the casino industry after being influenced by her parents, who dedicated their careers to gaming and hospitality. Today, Garland thrives in the fast-paced, high-volume nature of the 24/7 industry.
Thomas Griese - Corporate Executive Chef, JING
Thomas Griese
Age: 35
Hometown: West Lafayette, IN
First Job: Subway Sandwich Artist
For Thomas Griese, food is what brings people together. Growing up, his grandparents were farmers who raised corn, soy beans and livestock. Griese fell in love with the way food nurtures and brings joy.
Lissa Hamilton - Area Director, Shake Shack
Lissa Hamilton
Age: 39
Hometown: Rochester, MI
First Job: Sandwich Shop and Pizza Parlor
When Lissa Hamilton entered the restaurant industry, she realized she could have it all. It was here where she found the flexibility she needed to follow her passion for giving back, while allowing her to be present and raise her two daughters.
Athar Haseebullah - Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada
Athar Haseebullah
Age: 34
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
First Job: Document Shredder
Athar Haseebullah chose to be a lawyer after years of bad adolescent experiences—watching his mom face discrimination in her workplace, seeing his dad denied quality medical care and personally as a Muslim American in a post-9/11 era. He wanted to be a voice for those who didn't have one.
Joslyn Hatfield - Vice President & Editor, Las Vegas PRIDE & Senior Writer, Office of the President, College of Southern Nevada
Joslyn Hatfield
Age: 39
Hometown: Prescott, AZ
First Job: Grocery Store Clerk
Joslyn Hatfield believes the world deserves kind, safe and inclusive spaces, and she’s willing to put in the work to make that a reality.
For 15 years, Hatfield advocated for the LGBTQIA community in California. And that drive didn’t stop when she arrived in Las Vegas. She quickly joined the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada as a director and board member of Vegas Women's Fest, an annual women-focused event for LGBTQ women and allies.
Lisa Kalkes - Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Optum
Lisa Kalkes
Age: 39
Hometown: Woodstown, NJ
First Job: Working on Farm
In addition to being a leader in health care marketing in multiple states, Lisa Kalkes is a U.S. Army veteran—serving for four years, including a 15-month deployment in Iraq. She always liked physical and mental challenges while also being a part of something bigger than herself.
Kip Kelly - Founding Creative Director, The Beverly Theater
Kip Kelly
Age: 39
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
First Job: Scrubbing RVs
When Kip Kelly was a kid, he decided he wanted to work in entertainment, and he’s dedicated himself to that career path ever since. From a DJ, to a marketing, nightlife and hospitality professional, to the founding creative director and head of operations at The Beverly Theater, Kelly has always had an affinity for creative and dynamic challenges.
Emily Ku - Management Analyst, City of Las Vegas, Economic and Urban Development Department
Emily Ku
Age: 39
Hometown: Detroit, MI
First Job: YMCA Camp Counselor
Emily Ku left her previous careers in market research and wedding photography in search of an opportunity that gave her the ability to help advance the community—and that’s exactly what she found when landing at the City of Las Vegas’ Economic and Urban Development Department.
Aubriana Martindale - Division Corporate Affairs Manager, The Kroger Co.
Aubriana Martindale
Age: 30
Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
First Job: Sales Associate at a Clothing Boutique
Aubriana Martindale is passionate about storytelling and the power of a meaningful narrative in elevating an organization’s brand, identity and development—and has a special appreciation for food’s ability to bring people together. Working for Smith’s has allowed Martindale to merge her passion for food and community wellness.
William McCurdy II - Clark County Commissioner, Clark County, District D
William McCurdy II
Age: 33
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
First Job: Father
William McCurdy II represents the best that local government has to offer, and he’s only just begun. Having served in student government positions at the College of Southern Nevada, McCurdy eventually chose to become a public servant, originally as a representative of the Historic Westside and now as a member of the Clark County Commission from District D.
Dinisha Mingo - CEO, Mingo Health Solutions & Founder, Solutions of Change
Dinisha Mingo
Age: 33
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
First Job: McDonalds
Dinisha Mingo says she fell in love with seeing change, helping people, building a team and making an impact. These are the things that drew her to a career in psychology and have ultimately kept her there.
Allison Monette - Director of Communications and Brand Management, Vegas PBS
Allison Monette
Age: 36
Hometown: Lima, Peru
First Job: Tennis Shop Receptionist at Las Vegas Country Club
Allison Monette has covered nearly every facet of marketing and communications throughout her career, including interviewing politicians and celebrities, representing high-profile clients in public relations, developing award-winning integrated marketing campaigns and expanding into the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. Now, Monette is the Director of Communications and Brand Management at PBS, a brand close to her heart, where she’s able to use her experience in television, nonprofit and education.
Mauricio Morales - Vice President of Marketing & Entertainment, Corner Bar Management
Mauricio Morales
Age: 35
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
First Job: Graphic Designer
Maurico Morales toggles between marketing and operations in his role at Corner Bar Management—fortunately, he thrives in dynamic environments that demand he harness his many skills. With a background in graphic design and web development, Morales describes himself as having worked every job under the sun in marketing and entertainment.
John Murray - Executive Director of Race and Sports Operations, SuperBook at Westgate Las Vegas
John Murray
Age: 38
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
First Job: Race and Sport Book Teller at Las Vegas Hilton
Right out of college, John Murray began his career as a front-line, entry level ticket writer at the Las Vegas Hilton and today, he is the Executive Director of Race and Sports Operations at Westgate Las Vegas. In addition to working every position between ticket writer and executive, he has seen the property through its evolution.
Karl Riley - Las Vegas Office Managing Partner, Cozen O’Connor
Karl Riley
Age: 37
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
First Job: Delivering Newspapers
Karl Riley chose to become a lawyer because he wanted to help others, and he has spent his career doing just that. A commercial litigator and Las Vegas Office Managing Partner at Cozen O’Connor, Riley’s accomplishments are vast and impressive, but when asked about his career, he leads with the hundreds of hours of pro bono work he’s proud to do—including advocating for neglected and abused children with the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada.
Lanette Rivera - Director of Engagement and Communications, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth
Lanette Rivera
Age: 36
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
First Job: Los Angeles Zoo
Driven to make a meaningful change in the community, Lanette Rivera found her calling when she was introduced to Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth. Rivera herself was once a young person who dealt with unstable housing, and now, she’s able to help teens in the same position.
Nick Sarisahin - CFO, Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas
Nick Sarisahin
Age: 36
Home country: Turkey
First Job: Business Manager
Nick Sarisahin has always wanted to help open educational opportunities for children and help shape community development. As an accomplished finance executive and CFO at the Coral Academy of Science, Sarisahin expertly manages accounting processes, budgetary control and fiscal planning for nonprofit entities.
Ryan Scott - Vice President of Commercial Strategy – Gaming Operations, Aristocrat
Ryan Scott
Age: 31
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
First Job: Special Projects Coordinator at M Resort
Despite managing a major portfolio of slot titles at Aristocrat, including Buffalo, Dragon Link and Game of Thrones, Ryan Scott attributes his success to his relationships with his team and customers. Scott is a people person, and when reflecting on his career, he believes that one is the sum total of the individuals around them.
Joseph Simpson III - Audit Managing Director, Deloitte & Touche LLP
Joseph Simpson III
Age: 38
Hometown: Queens, NY
First Job: Auditor
From a kid with an affinity for numbers, to a high school finance intern at MTV, Joseph Simpson has built a career that both satisfies his interests and challenges him—but, most importantly, that he finds genuinely rewarding.
Shanice Stevens - Director of Education, Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada
Shanice Stevens
Age: 32
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
First Job: Student Tutor - Homework Hotline on PBS
Shanice Stevens chose her career path to be a support system for minority communities, and she has made it her mission to help educate and uplift others. A true agent of change, Stevens is not only an advocate for education—she’s an advocate for the children and teenagers of Southern Nevada.
Michael Sukeyasu - Project Manager, MJ Dean Construction
Michael Sukeyasu
Age: 29
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
First Job: Sales Associate at Tilly's
Once Michael Sukeyasu began working on construction sites, he discovered his love for building, working with his hands and the comaraderie of his coworkers. An added benefit? Being able to build some of the most iconic buildings on the Las Vegas skyline.
Lisa Song Sutton - Entrepreneur, Sin City Cupcakes, Ship Las Vegas, Elite Homes – Engel & Volkers Real Estate, Liquid & Lace Swimwear
Lisa Song Sutton
Age: 36
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
First Job: Model
Lisa Song Sutton is a serial entrepreneur with a variety of businesses, a healthy real estate portfolio and an interest in giving back to the community. If it seems like a lot, it is. And even still, Song Sutton continues to add to her résumé.
Mandy Telleria - Founder/Executive Director, The Good Deed Project & Owner/Interior Architect, Mandy Telleria
Mandy Telleria
Age: 38
Hometown: Elko, NV
First Job: Frozen Yogurt and Sandwich Shop
Mandy Telleria leverages her vast expertise and successful career in architecture and design to give back to the community through her charitable organization, The Good Deed Project. What began as a few pro bono jobs helping renovate the Living Grace and S.A.F.E. House shelters eventually led Telleria to launch the nonprofit in 2014. Now, The Good Deed Project provides renovations, repairs and other services to improve the living conditions for families in need.
Melissa Webb, LCSW - Clinical Director, Red Rock Psychological Health
Melissa Webb
Age: 39
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
First Job: Ballet Teacher
Melissa Webb is on a mission to treat, educate and destigmatize a broad spectrum of mental health disorders, with an emphasis on sexual health and sexual abuse. The granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Webb has witnessed firsthand the complexities of untreated trauma and PTSD, which led to her interest in the human condition, psychological functioning and the impact of abuse on families.
Aaron West - Managing Director, Colliers
Aaron West
Age: 38
Hometown: Woodland Hills, CA
First Job: Local Movie Theater
Formerly a professional golfer, Aaron West now proudly manages the most prominent commercial brokerage firm in Southern Nevada. West was named managing director at Colliers in 2021, a year that saw 752 commercial real estate deals totaling more than $1.5 billion in transaction volume—one of the most successful years in Colliers Las Vegas history.