The Wichita Business Journal has spotlighted eight African-American professional and innovative industry leaders this year in their annual 40 under 40 list.
The 40 Under 40 program, now in its 23rd year, recognizes leaders in Wichita who are making major strides in their careers while leaving positive impacts on the community. The selection committee focuses on three aspects of a candidate’s life: highlights of their professional career, their involvement within the community, and their education.
This year’s class was the most diverse and includes professionals from city management, consulting, nonprofits, and more. They were featured in the July 30 edition of the Business Journal and honored at a special reception on July 29.
“ A lot more people from diverse backgrounds have been given opportunities that maybe didn’t exist when I was their age. And so the program, which was going to be a five year thing, just keeps getting better every year. We get more and more great quality young people, making things happen in our community,” said John Ek, Publisher for the Wichita Business Journal.
Meet some of the 40 under 40 listees:
Patrick Washington, 35, is a Wichita native currently serving as an Early Intervention Audiologist with Rainbows United. Patrick is passionate about volunteer work and getting hands-on in the community.
Breanna Monk, 39, was born in Chicago, IL, and is a Senior Services/Transportation Director for the City of Derby. Breanna also mentors young adults and assists them with resume building, professional skills, and making connections to others in the community.
Corinthian G. Kelly, 35, is a Management Intern for the Sedgwick County Manager’s Office. Kelly is also one of two winners of the Pat Ayars Award, given to the current 40 Under 40 class members to recognize their volunteer work. The Newport News, VA native, is a squad leader with Wichita Urban Professionals, a rising network of Black leaders working to improve the urban community of Wichita.
Kianga Kelley-Crowley, 38, is the CEO of Simply a Lady CO. Although she was born in Indianapolis, IN, Kianga has been active in the Wichita community partnering to host etiquette workshops for youth and adults with numerous local organizations including Rise Up for Youth, Real Men Real Heroes Inc and the Junior League of Wichita .
Shawn Jiwanlal, 37, is the Vice President of Commercial Banker II at Simmons Bank. The Kansas City, MO native has volunteered for Junior Achievement for seven years, teaching Wichita’s youth the fundamentals of finance/money.
Candace Ifabiyi, 38, currently serves as the Medical Center Director for the Dole VA Medical Center. One of Ifabiyi’s biggest accomplishments has been helping to build a health clinic in Honduras for the underserved population. Born in Africa, Ifabiyi has made a significant impact in the health community and continues to volunteer for various organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Lindsi Hoy, 34, is the Assistant Contact Center Manager for Emprise Bank. A native of Winfield, Hoy is passionate about helping those around her achieve personal and professional growth. Hoy and her husband Brian volunteer at the Sedgwick County Zoo and are supporters of Beauties & Beasts.
Crystal E. Aluko, 36, is the second winner of the Pat Ayars Award and the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at WSU Tech. A proud Wichitan, Aluko serves on many boards, including Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, Storytime Village, and Vice-President for the Wichita Indochinese Center. Aluko works with people to provide one-on-one mentoring experience related to DEI or personal evolution.