EMERGE Lakeland, ENDEAVOR Winter Haven, and ENGAGE Bartow Announce Finalists for Polk Young Professional Awards (PYPA)

Young Professional affiliate organizations of the Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Bartow Chambers of Commerce will host a celebration on August 19 in Bartow

EMERGE Lakeland, ENDEAVOR Winter Haven, and ENGAGE Bartow are proud to announce their 2026 finalists for the Polk Young Professional Awards (PYPA).

The Polk Young Professionals Awards (formerly known as the Polk Emerging Leaders Awards) is a collaborative event for EMERGE Lakeland (Lakeland Chamber of Commerce), ENDEAVOR Winter Haven (Winter Haven Chamber Foundation) and ENGAGE Bartow (Bartow Chamber Foundation). Together, these councils work together to celebrate the collective influence of young professionals in Polk County and, through PYPA, recognize three (3) individuals who are demonstrating excellence and impact in their communities. The event is also an evening to celebrate the work of the young professionals' groups throughout the year.

​Finalists for awards were nominated by their peers in recognition of their outstanding contributions in three areas: Emerging Leaders (ages 21-32) and Legacy Builders (ages 31-42) – those with demonstrated progressive leadership responsibility in their profession/career and volunteer organization(s) who exemplify excellence, creativity, and initiative, and Philanthropic Champions (ages 21-42) – young leaders who are dedicated to service within Polk County and have dedicated their time and expertise to volunteering and philanthropy, demonstrated positive impact on volunteer organization(s). All nominees, finalists, and recipients exemplify excellence, creativity, and initiative in their respective professional fields and roles. This year’s finalists include:

 Emerging Leader (left to right)
• Anna Britt | Furr, Wegman, & Banks Architects, P.A.
• Kacey Wood | Youth & Family Advocates, Inc.
• Calin Gribbin | Allen & Company of Florida, LLC

Legacy Builder (left to right)
• Michael Kincart | Peterson & Myers, P.A.
• Katelyn Eiermann | The Health Coach, LLC
• Morgan Volpe | City of Winter Haven

​Philanthropic Champion (left to right)
• Emily Crain-Evans | GrayRobinson P.A.
• Tiffany Williams | ENGAGE Bartow
• Jessica Brinkerhoff | Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County

Finalists will be celebrated, and the winners will be announced on August 19, 2026, during a banquet at Idlewood Venue in Bartow.

A Celebration of Young Professionals
The event serves as more than an awards ceremony. It allows each young professional organization to share highlights and accomplishments from throughout the year and members themselves the opportunity to strengthen their network of peers throughout the Polk County market.

"Our business community depends on a strong talent pipeline,” said Amy Wiggins, President & CEO of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. “Young professional programs create opportunities for emerging leaders to develop the skills, relationships, and civic commitment that strengthen our workforce, support local businesses, build a more prosperous community, and ultimately, retain high-quality talent in Lakeland.”

Many similar programs throughout the country are affiliated with chambers of commerce, equipping younger members of the business community to build relationships, confidence, and perspective long-term contributions to their community. “The Winter Haven Chamber supports and encourages our ENDEAVOR group to develop their career, learn about the community, develop professionally and connect with other young professionals, said Betsy Cleveland, President & CEO of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. “These young professionals seek to connect, inspire and engage with the Greater Winter Haven Community.”

Michelle Helms, President & CEO of the Bartow Chamber of Commerce added, “A thriving business community depends on developing its future leaders. Through ENGAGE Young Professionals, the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce provides opportunities to connect and grow. The Polk Young Professional Awards celebrate the individuals who are already making an impact throughout our County.”

These Chambers’ investment in young professionals reflects a long-term commitment to the future of Polk County’s business climate. With the continued support of business leaders, employers, and community partners, these programs will continue to cultivate the next generation of innovators, decision-makers, and civic champions who will shape the region's future economic success.

Event information, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities can be found at PolkYP.com.

About EMERGE Lakeland
EMERGE Lakeland is a networking organization of dedicated, talented young professionals ranging in age from 21-42 in Lakeland, Florida. This member-driven organization, founded in 2003, is a partnership between the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Central Florida. Its mission is to create a venue for its members to build relationships, develop professionally, become politically aware and philanthropically active, and contribute to the economic development and quality of life in Lakeland.

About ENGAGE Bartow
ENGAGE is the young professionals’ program of the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, administered through the Bartow Area Chamber Foundation. It is designed for ambitious professionals ages 21-42 who want to grow their careers, expand their professional networks, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact in the Bartow community. Its mission is centered on three pillars: educate, collaborate, and serve.

About ENDEAVOR Winter Haven
Endeavor is a place for young professionals ages 21-42 to develop their career, learn about the community, develop professionally and connect with other young professionals. Endeavor seeks to connect, inspire and engage the young professionals of the Greater Winter Haven Community. Its members are exposed to and encouraged to be involved in civic, community, nonprofit and legislative events through the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and other community partners. Endeavor helps establish community responsibility and engagement; members to give back to the community and become an active part of creating its future.