Pictured: 2026 Manatee Young Professionals Award Winners. Provided photo.

On Thursday, the Manatee Young Professionals (MYP) honored leaders in our region through its annual awards program. As a priority initiative of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, MYP is an important resource for local professionals to connect, engage, and make an impact. These young professionals are making waves - not just with impressive results related to their jobs with local employers, but also with the ways they are serving non-profits, mentoring other young professionals, and developing their chops as advocates on issues that matter most to them. I encourage everyone in our region to celebrate these 2026 award winners as a way to inspire even more engagement and involvement.

• Engagement Award – honoring an individual who embodies the focus of MYP with enthusiasm and commitment while encouraging others to get involved - Shawn Osborne, Cox Chevrolet. Shawn has established himself as a top performer, driving growth in his company while also lifting others up through mentorship. He supports youth activities and serves on local non-profit boards and committees. He is a visible leader among young professionals and encourages others to find their own path to success.
• Bright Beginnings Award – recognizing an individual who has quickly made an impact in their field and our community - Karena Ballard, Pittsburgh Pirates / Bradenton Marauders – Karena plays an active role in both the Pirates/Marauders organization while also connecting deeply and broadly across our community. She brings an infectious enthusiasm to her work and volunteerism.
• Legacy Award – honors an individual for exceptional professional achievement while strengthening our community through their leadership - Amariah Dawes, Johnson Messal Bristow, PLLC – Amariah has been a driving influence within her company in shaping internal culture and outward community engagement. She is a passionate advocate for youth education, empowering young women, and supporting small businesses. She views her leadership and influence opportunities as an investment in the future.
• Employer Award – recognizes an employer that uses creative, supportive initiatives to attract, retain, and grow the careers of young professionals - Oysters Rock Hospitality – Oysters Rock and its family of local restaurants invest in its people, creating pathways for long-term growth and success. They have a clear commitment to developing young professionals by ensuring entry-level roles are not just jobs, but a starting point for a meaningful career. Their internal practices encourage development, mentorship, stability, and a long-term trajectory within the company with an emphasis on community involvement, too.
• Young Professional of the Year – Selected from among all of the year’s nominations to honor an individual for overall impact on our community and MYP programming - Aubrie Stevens-Polson, Harbor Chiropractic – Words used to describe Aubrie include leader, resilient, dedicated, authentic, and steady. She has played a vital role in growing her employer’s visibility, developed key partnerships, and represented the company throughout the community. She has overcome challenges with strength and determination to inspire others. Aubrie is not only an achiever, she strives to elevate others and is a trusted mentor to many.

As Manatee Chamber Chair of the Board Justin Phillips stated during the awards program, speaking directly to the more than 150 young professionals in attendance, “Let me say this clearly to each of you: you’re not waiting for your moment, you’re already leading in it. You are influencing change, bringing fresh perspectives, and helping shape where we’re headed as a community. The Manatee Chamber is proud to stand alongside you.”

It is to the benefit of us all that we honor rising leaders and position them to seize opportunities to excel. The most important resource of any business is its team. We must prioritize attracting and retaining young talent in our region by supporting their success and influence. If you are interested in learning more about the Manatee Young Professionals, please visit www.MYPonline.com or call Debbie McDermott at 941-748-3411.

Jacki Dezelski, IOM is the President and CEO of Manatee Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured: 2026 Manatee Young Professionals Award Winners. Provided photo.