2023 Future 15 Young Professional Awards

Sponsorship opportunities are available to purchase through the 'Register' button on the right of your screen! Learn more about these sponsorship levels here:


The Future 15 awards have been presented annually since 2011 to individuals aged 40 and under who live and work in the Fox Cities – defined as Outagamie County, Calumet County, and Northern Winnebago County. Nominations were solicited this spring, and applications were reviewed by a committee comprised of past Future 15 honorees, Pulse Young Professionals Network committee members, as well as Fox Cities community leaders.

This year’s recipients include:

• Logan Baerenwald – Electrical Engineer – Miller Electric
• Dr. Brittany Bell – Dean of Students – Lawrence University
• McKenzie Clemons – Business Development Executive – McClone
• Kevin Englebert – Development & Land Services Director – Outagamie County
• Jacklyn John Fischer – Director of Academic Advising – Lawrence University
• Mel Gerrits – Nurse Case Manager – Paradigm Complex Care Solutions – Onsite at SECURA Insurance
• Laura Jones – Social & Community Service Outreach Director – African Heritage, Inc.
• Carissa Paul – Program Manager – Fox Valley Memory Project
• Samantha Proesel – Personal Lines Underwriting Supervisor – SECURA Insurance
• Angelica Rickert-Smith – Vice President – Vets and Friends of Wisconsin
• Ariela E. Rosa – Associate Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Sponsored Research Support – Lawrence University
• Rovell Stewart – Community Advocate – People of Progression
• Jennifer Ven Rooy – Chief Operating Officer – Lakeside Packaging Plus
• Fanni Xie – President/CEO – Northeast Wisconsin Chinese Association
• Michelle Zimmer-Maertz – Operations Talent Acquisition Manager – Menasha Corporation

The 2023 Young Professional of the Year will also be honored: Brooke Knowles, Manager, Wellness Account Executive, Nutritional Healing LLC. The YP of the Year, a past Future 15 recipient, is recognized for his or her continued growth and development in the areas of professional achievement, volunteer involvement, community impact, leadership, and character.

The Fox Cities has thousands of young professionals who excel not only within their respective places of employment but also give back to our community in innumerable ways. These professionals shine new light on their diverse fields and positively influence our quality of life in the Fox Cities, an influence that plays an integral role in attracting and retaining talent in the area. Future 15 recipients are selected based on their professional dedication, strong sense of vision for the future of the Fox Cities and personal commitment to philanthropy in the community they call home and beyond.

This event would not be possible without our sponsors. Thank you!

PRESENTING SPONSOR