Crain's 20 In Their 20s celebrates and empowers the next generation of leaders. For over a decade, we have recognized the diverse talent that fuels Northeast Ohio's future, fostering a network of support and encouragement for aspiring leaders. Selected through a peer nomination and editorial review process, we celebrate their accomplishments and envision a brighter, more vibrant community built on collaboration and forward-thinking initiatives. 

To be eligible, a nominee must be working in the Cleveland area and be 29 years old or younger as of Sept. 15, 2025. The deadline to nominate an individual for 20 In Their 20s is May 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. 

Know a leader we need to meet? Click here to nominate. 

Get alerted when 20 In Their 20s publishes and learn more about the Northeast Ohio Business scene by subscribing to Crain's Cleveland Business newsletters and updating your email preferences here.

How to nominate: 

• To get started, click the application link and sign into your account. If you do not have an account, you will be asked to create one before you can proceed with the nomination form. We recommend using Chrome or Firefox web browsers to complete your application. Note, your CrainsCleveland.com account is separate from an account you create for 20 In Their 20s or any other Cleveland Business recognition program.
  • To finish an incomplete nomination: Sign into your account and choose either the "incomplete" or "in progress" option as shown on the next page. Then, select "edit" on the following page to complete the previously started submission.
• To submit someone for consideration, there is a nomination fee of $25, which must be paid before the nomination can be formally submitted. The nomination fee ensures that your nominee will be considered for inclusion in the final published story; it does not ensure your nominee will automatically be included.

Honoree notification: 20 in their 20s honorees will be notified by phone or email no later than 5 weeks before publication day. Please note that we do not notify all applicants, only those we have chosen to include.

Got questions? We have answers. Click to our FAQ page to see answers to the most common questions.

Contact us: To address technical issues with the submission form or payment process, please contact us ClevelandRecognitions@crain.com

By submitting a nomination for this feature, you consent to receive marketing or editorial promotional emails from Crain's Cleveland Business; you may unsubscribe or change your email preferences through the opt-out link in emails you receive.

Click here to nominate a leader for the class of 2025.

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