Young leaders ‘invest in what Columbia is going to become’
This year’s 20 Under 40 class stood out among the more than 75 nominees because they served on nearly 80 civic, business and government boards as well as volunteered in everything from schools to clinics to fund-raisers.
“I value the time with my kids and church, but I also value the work I do for others,” said Heather Liafsha, who runs a home health-care business. “It’s tough and tiring. But, at the end of the day, you go to bed feeling good.”
Tripp Whitener, a bank executive, said volunteering offers a chance to nurture the region’s growth: “I’m going to stay here the rest of my life and that makes me invested in what Columbia is going to become.”
So how can you help?
Pick something that piques your interest or touches your core, 20 under 40 honorees said. You’ll especially thrive playing to your skills.
“I’m a good entertainer,” said Michael Oana, who runs an investment firm. “So I ran the welcome booth (at a charity event) and used my salesmanship as opposed to building something for Habitat for Humanity.”
- Andrew Shain, assistant business editor