Generation

NEXT AWARDS

About Our

GENERATION
NEXT
AWARDS

September, 2026

8:30-10am

Cleveland’s Generation NEXT Awards honors the companies, organizations, and individuals working diligently to attract, engage and retain up-and-coming talent to Cleveland.

Winning companies and individuals are recognized for their efforts in helping transform the region into a premier community and making Cleveland a great place to live and work.

Now Accepting 2026 Nominations!

2025 Award Winners

Company of the Year

Small: Makemake Collective

Mid-size: Osborn Engineering

Large: The J.M. Smucker Co.

Nonprofit/Government/Public Sector: Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

Program of the Year

Small: Ratliff & Taylor: Young Professional Forums

Mid-size: Adcom Future Marketers Program

Large: Union Home Mortgage – LEAD Internship Program

Nonprofit/Government/Public Sector: Cleveland Council on World Affairs – Global Ambassadors Program

Young Professional of the Year

Small: Josh Myers, +Detail

Mid-size: Bissan Obaid, Pease Bell CPAs

Large: Olivia Connors, Lincoln Electric

Nonprofit/Government/Public Sector: Tiah Boyd, Youth Opportunities Unlimited

Mentor of the Year

Small: Shana Black, Blackgirl Media and the CLEnagers

Mid-size: Maria Ambrose, GNCO

Large: Elizabeth Pugel Runevitch, Cleveland Clinic

Nonprofit/Government/Public Sector: Renee Ligon, Team NEO

Engage! Cleveland Employer Member of the Year

Small: Five Iron Golf

Mid-size: The Cleveland Cavaliers

Large: Benesch Law

Nonprofit/Government/Public Sector: Cleveland Museum of Art

Lifetime Achievement Award

Marianne Crosley, Retired President and CEO, Cleveland Leadership Center

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OUR PAST WINNERS:

Union Home Mortgage
Code3
Bostwick Design Partnership
Oatey Co.
GNCO, Inc.
Cleveland Council on World Affairs
The Sherwin-Willams Company
MIM Software Inc.
Staffing Solutions Enterprises
The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

"Anytime we can keep young talent it's our goal"

And then retain then in the City of Cleveland we pride ourselves in that. We’re honored to be recognized for that work.

ASHLEY ALI, UNION HOME MORTGAGE

"The work i get to do every day is worthwhile"

It’s humbling to be recognized by Engage! Cleveland for the work I do every day in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

SOPHIE HALL, SWAGELOK

"There are so many opportunities here"

For young professionals, there is an abundance of opportunities here in Northeast Ohio and we’re proud to be honored for our part in contributing to that.

CAROLYN LEKAN, THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY