Emerging Leaders of United Way of Lake County is currently accepting nominations for the Seventh Annual “4 Under 40” Young Professional Awards. Applications are open through Oct. 10. Emerging Leaders serve to be a catalyst for change in the lives of Lake County youth through leadership, advocacy, knowledge and education to facilitate positive behaviors that will create tomorrow’s leaders. According to UWLC, the awards seek to recognize Lake County’s “best and brightest outstanding young professionals” for their hard work and achievements in the areas of community involvement, entrepreneurship, and professional accomplishment. Nominees must live or work in Lake County and must be between the ages of 21 and 40 years old during the year ending Dec. 31, 2024. A digital nomination form and complete details can be found at uwlc.org/el-4-under-40-2024. The four winners will be honored during a ceremony in January. The 4 Under 40 committee uses a blind rubric scoring process so nominees, and those who nominated them, remain unknown during the evaluation and scoring process, officials noted. “Every year, we’re inspired by the incredible young talent in our community,” said Emerging Leaders Chairman Brad Shimko of Martinet Recchia, Inc., a Willoughby-based accounting firm. “These awards give us a chance to celebrate the future leaders of Lake County and their amazing contributions.” Last year’s recipients were Sara Bals of 440 Marketing and the Lake County Development Council; Lindsay Defeo of Leolo Hospitality; Andie Musial of Lakeland Community College; and Anna Dey, owner of several local businesses, including Smoothie King and Clean Eatz, and founder and director of The 24 in 24. United Way of Lake County President and CEO Dione DeMitro said the Emerging Leaders’ contributions remain vital to the organization’s overall mission. “Their dedication to developing young professionals and engaging them in meaningful community work helps us extend our impact even further,” she said. “These awards shine a light on the remarkable talent and drive that will lead Lake County into the future.” Emerging Leaders welcomes new members interested in volunteering their time to impact the lives of Lake County’s youth. To learn more, visit uwlc.org/emerging-leaders-el.