The Quad Cities Regional Business Journal is proud to present the first eight biographies of our latest Forty Under 40 honorees. This year’s class represents almost two dozen business sectors – from banking and finance to community building, construction, education, energy, housing, insurance, law, marketing, nonprofit work and more. It even includes a few local TV personalities.
Each year, Forty Under 40 honorees are selected based on their career accomplishments, civic and philanthropic efforts, their leadership and devotion to a multitude of community causes and efforts.
Our sincere congratulations to the 2024 class of Forty Under 40 honorees. We are encouraged by your leadership and the future you will pave in and for our Quad Cities region.
Brian Allen
Executive Director | German American Heritage Center and Museum
AGE: 39
Home: Orion, Illinois
Education: MA, Museum Studies, Western Illinois University Quad Cities; BFA, Painting and Drawing, Illinois State University
Family: Wife, Sarah; sons, Oscar and Simon and daughter, Anna
Hometown (childhood): New Lenox, Illinois
How long at your current job? 1.5 years
Local mentors: Melissa Mohr, interim executive director, Figge Art Museum; Todd Woeber, CFO, Figge Art Museum; and Linda Wastyn, CEO, Wastyn and Associates.
Best advice ever received? When I first moved to the QC region, I worked on a fruit and vegetable farm. I was harvesting strawberries with a woman named Claudia. She would say, “taste your berries … you’ve got to taste your berries.” I believe that she meant you have to know and have faith in your product before you can sell it. This translates to my work today in knowing our museum content and sharing my passion for what we do.
Your biggest break so far? It came as I was entering the (WIU Quad Cities) Museum Studies program. The Figge Art Museum took me on as a graduate assistant … from there, I was hired full-time, which began my museum career.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? We are separate cities. … As someone who lives in Illinois and works in Iowa, I am always surprised to hear from people who don’t cross the Mississippi.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? Local arts and culture, my family’s church, environmentally-focused nonprofits.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? My generation wants to know that the work we are doing makes a difference.
What do you want to accomplish by 50? I would like to be in a position to offer mentorship and guidance to emerging museum professionals.
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Lydia Amissah-Harris
Family Health Coordinator | Scott County Health Department
AGE: 29
Home: Davenport
Education: MPH, St. Ambrose University; Bachelor of Science in Biology, Evangel University
Family: Husband, Cory Harris; daughter, Gianna Harris
Hometown (childhood): Chicago
First job? Biehl’s Cleaners
How long at your current job? 1.5 years
Local mentors: Jamie Walker-Sallis, TLCS Equity Innovator, Davenport Community School District; Ebonie Bailey, executive director, Iowa Black Doula Collective; Mechelle Kyles, paraeducator, Davenport Community School District/pastor’s wife and missionary at Greater Harvest COGIC.
Best advice ever received? Trust in God no matter what the circumstance is!
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I own a decorating and event/wedding planning business.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? Lack of diversity in medical professionals, especially in women’s health.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Quad City Service Providers, March for Moms, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Love Girls Magazine, Davenport NAACP and The Bloom Project.
Passions outside the workplace? Traveling, fashion, eating and singing.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? We are hard workers, and we are going to protect our peace and our mental health!
What do you want to accomplish by 50? I hope to be a part of some national initiatives that relate to maternal health. I hope to serve people nationwide with my nonprofit, and I hope to be teaching at the collegiate level. I also will have my own foundation dedicated to providing young people with enriching experiences in dance, music and art. Lastly, I will be traveling out of the country often!
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Brianna Aust Slutts
Marketing Director | McCarthy-Bush Corporation
AGE: 31
Home: Davenport
Education: BA in Public Relations with a minor in Digital Advertising, University of Northern Iowa
Family: Husband, Shannon; son, Emmitt
Hometown (childhood): Davenport
First job? Michael’s Fun World
How long at your current job? Two years
Local mentors: My long-term mentor and first manager, Amy Behning, brand arsonist and co-owner, MindFire Communications; and Gwen Crockett, my grandmother, who has the natural ability to authentically connect with anyone she meets.
Best advice ever received? No achievement is worth celebrating if your family isn’t there to celebrate with you. Put family first and the rest will fall into place.
Your biggest break so far? Being put in a leadership position before I was “ready.” … I’m grateful for the leaders who pushed me so I could develop the skills and confidence that led me to where I am today.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I lived in Sasebo, Japan, during the summer of 2014 working on a U.S. Naval Base as a summer camp counselor.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? Workforce development. We’ve made some strides, but need to continue to invest in education, training programs and partnerships with schools.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? United Way Quad Cities United for Schools initiatives and Family Resources, survivor services and mental health resources.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? Millennials uniquely bridge the gap between Gen Z and older generations in the workplace. We’ve lived both before and after the tech boom, so we relate to Gen Z’s digital fluency while understanding the values of older generations.
What do you want to accomplish by 50? I want to lead by example to inspire the next generation, especially other young women and my own children.
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Kayla Babers
Content Specialist | Modern Woodmen of America
Director of Visual Creativity | Love Girls magazine
AGE: 31
Home: Rock Island
Education: Illinois State University
Family: Father, Robert Babers; mother, Teresa Babers; sister, Jasmine Babers-Gunn; brother-in-law, Ryan Gunn.
Hometown (childhood): Rock Island
How long at your current job? Two years
Local mentor: Dr. Burl Randolph, Jr., DM, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired), MyWingman, LLC, professional development coach.
Best advice ever received? “One day at a time. Don’t miss out on today worrying about tomorrow.”
Your biggest break so far? My family and community have given me my biggest break so far. Imposter syndrome is real but the ongoing support from family, friends and organizations that believe in my work has provided me with the space and opportunity to not only grow but be confident in my talents and skill sets.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I survived a massive heart attack at age 28.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? Enhancing diversity and inclusion both in our community and in local workplaces.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? I would use it to expand Love Girls magazine, ensuring it reaches every institution dedicated to supporting women and girls.
Passions outside the workplace? As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., I am part of a sisterhood dedicated to public service and social justice.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? We see diversity and inclusion as essential, not just for creating a positive work environment, but as critical factors that directly contribute to an organization’s innovation, growth and overall success.
What do you want to accomplish by 50? I want to be recognized as a passionate leader in social justice, known for giving a voice to the disenfranchised.
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Jacob Bobbitt
Associate Vice President of Business Affairs and Controller | Augustana College
AGE: 37
Home: Bettendorf
Education: Master’s in Accounting, St. Ambrose University; Bachelor of Arts in Accounting/Business Administration, Augustana College
Hometown (childhood): Bloomington, Illinois
How long at your current job? Seven years
Local mentors: Kirk Anderson, vice president of Finance/Administration and CFO, Augustana College; Bob Anderson, retired president of McLaughlin Body Company; Kathy Jakielski, retired professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Augustana College.
Your biggest break so far? Being able to return to my alma mater, Augustana College, to utilize my education and skills to further the mission of the institution.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I love to learn about new topics and areas. … One area of history I have researched heavily is the role of the Catholic Church and the popes leading up to and during World War II.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? A regional approach for tourism, attracting new companies, entertainment, etc. The QC metro area has over 450,000 people. But sometimes it seems like the approach is Illinois centric or Iowa centric.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? Hauberg Estate and the Augustana Prison Education Program.
Passions outside the workplace? I’m an avid cyclist, having ridden RAGBRAI six times. I love traveling. My immediate and extended family (70+) have ranked me as one of the family that doesn’t miss a gathering.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? Work is important, but for many, family, friends and life outside of work may come ahead of the workplace. …I have noticed that the generation will go above and beyond to get the job done, but this would be during normal working hours.
What do you want to accomplish by 50? Travel more, while taking family and friends along.
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Joaquin Bueno Diaz
Prevention Manager | The Project of the Quad Cities
AGE: 26
Home: Davenport
Education: BA in Psychology, St. Ambrose University
Hometown (childhood): Davenport
First job? Chemistry tutor
How long at your current job? Three years
Local mentor: Shelby Fowler, Pharmacist in Charge, The Project of the Quad Cities.
Best advice ever received? “No pares nunca de soñar, no tengas miedo a volar. No construyas muros en tu corazón, lo que hagas siempre hazlo por amor.” – Dulce Maria
(Never stop dreaming, don’t be afraid to fly. Don’t build walls in your heart, whatever you do, always do it for love.)
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I graduated from college in three years, top of my class with summa cum laude honors.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? The lack of accessible, affordable and affirming healthcare. … Although we have made significant strides in the healthcare field, there is still a significant amount of people without health insurance or who are underinsured. … This is especially important when looking at data among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? Causes related to affordable healthcare, housing and transportation.
Passions outside the workplace? I’m an avid traveler … to date I’ve visited 24/50 states and 5/63 national parks. (One of my goals is to visit all states and national parks.)
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? Work/life balance is brat.
What do you want to accomplish by 50? To continue having a positive impact in my community and decreasing the stigma surrounding sexual health. I hope to continue playing a part in ensuring that the HIV epidemic comes to an end.
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Jasmine Butler
Media Executive | Gray Media Group/KWQC
AGE: 35
Home: Davenport
Education: Western Illinois University
Hometown (childhood): Davenport
How long at your current job? Two years
Local mentors: Sue Ramsett, regional vice president, Gray Media Group/KWQC; Laurie Reid Hutcheson, Realtor, Keller Williams Legacy.
Best advice ever received? It came from my Mother: “Whatever goal or aspirations you have for yourself, always keep your eyes on the prize!”
Your biggest break so far? When I took a leap of faith for myself in a career field that was totally out of my comfort zone. Through that, I learned that it’s OK to ask for help.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I was born in McComb, Mississippi, and my family moved to the Quad Cities when I was 1.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? The lack of community support for youth. Growing up in the QCA, there were so many great programs and activities that allowed youth to be in a positive environment and have great role models.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? Resources that would provide educational and outreach activities for our most vulnerable youth.
Passions outside the workplace? My Sonshine, who brings so much joy to my life, and my Junie’s from the Miss Juneteenth Pageant of the Quad Cities.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? My generation is very resourceful because we can relate and reach Generation X and Gen Zs. We understand the digital takeover but also appreciate the time before the digital takeover. We love CDs, VCRs and Disney!
What do you want to accomplish by 50? I want to be extremely successful in the media industry, and that my nonprofit Miss Juneteenth Pageant of the Quad Cities will be representing Iowa on a national level.
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Maria Contreras Huerta
Wealth Management Banker | U.S. Bank
AGE: 32
Home: Moline
Education: Associate’s degree in Applied Science – Business Management & Marketing
Hometown (childhood): Durango, Mexico
First job? Waitress
How long at your current job? Three years
Local mentors: Jamie Fetty Ward, library teacher, Moline School District, mentor through Lead(h)er QC Strike A Match program; and Marcie Ordaz, executive director of Lift Women’s Foundation.
Best advice ever received? The only one holding you back from achieving your goals is yourself.
Your biggest break so far? My biggest break was to become the first one in my family to obtain a college degree.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? That I am a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient. The first 10 years of my life I spent in my hometown of Durango, Mexico.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? Economic development. The region struggles to attract new businesses and jobs after a decline in manufacturing, which affects jobs and overall growth.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? I would support causes that help minorities succeed. I would also support any initiatives that will help women break barriers … and causes that help children in any way.
Passions outside the workplace? My passions outside of work are spending time with my kids and reading.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? People should know that millennials value flexibility and work-life balance in the workplace. We often prefer jobs that offer remote work options, flexible hours, and a strong sense of purpose and impact.
What do you want to accomplish by 50? I want to continue to grow in my career and be financially stable while preparing for retirement. I hope to have established a strong foundation for my four sons to become successful in life.
