Media Influencer Ofodu Headlines Annual State of the Tri-Valley
August 25, 2023 Pleasanton, CA – Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group (ITV), in collaboration with the San Francisco Business Times has curated the first “Tri-Valley 20 Under 40ish” list and will celebrate 20 emerging young Tri-Valley thought leaders at the annual State of the Tri-Valley event on September 7.
“Delivering on the Tri-Valley’s 2040 VISION PLAN for the future will require generations of talent dedicated to delivering the vision for the region as an innovation hub with a green economy, affordable housing, vibrant culture and a thriving talent pipeline,” said Stephanie Beasly, ITV Board Chair. “The 20 Under 40ish award winners are playing a pivotal role in delivering on the region’s vision of its own future.”
The slate of 20 Under 40 honorees represents a diverse range of industries and includes local brands like Vagaro, 10x Genomics, and Chevron. Notable figures on the list include Sarah Chavez-Yoell, who serves as PG&E’s Greater Bay Area Government Affairs Manager, acting as a bridge between the utility company and East Bay stakeholders. Also featured is Bakari Grant, CEO of Dublin-based The WellNest Company and a former wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers.
Joy Ofodu is the Tri-Valley’s very own innovator, influencer and creative executive, and has been tapped to host ITV’s 20 Under 40ish program. A product of Tri-Valley public schools, Ofodu’s presence across TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube have generated over 30M views to her digital comedy content. As Creative Executive Officer of her self-titled media company, she represents the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the region’s incomparable talent pipeline. “As an exemplary young influencer, we can all learn from Joy’s bold professional journey working with brands including HBO Max, Disney, Meta, Netflix, DIRECTV, Fenty Beauty and more,” said Katie Marcel, COO of Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group.
The program will also feature prominent business leaders sharing breaking news and regional insights on Tri-Valley real estate, national security, sustainability, human resources and artificial intelligence.
The State of the Tri-Valley is hosted by the San Francisco Business Times and Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group and will be held on Thursday, September 7th from 5:30-8:30PM at Roundhouse Market and Conference Center, Bishop Ranch in San Ramon. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/event/169234/2023/state-of-the-trivalley
Meet the 20 under 40ish – Class of 2023
Host and Honoree: Joy Ofodu, Creative Executive Officer, Joy Ofodu LLC
Nyika Allen – Assistant Director of Aviation for Business, Strategy and Finance, Port of Oakland
Katie Avila – Director of Student Outreach, CAL State East Bay
Cierra Bailey – Editor, Livermore Vine, Embarcadero Media
Dr. Kamila Belhocine – Senior Director, 10X Genomics
Sarah Chavez-Yoell – Local Government Affair Manager, Greater Bay Area, PG&E
Ariana Flynn – Attorney, Morrill Law
Bakari Grant – CEO, The WellNest Company
Andrew Hay – CEO, The Helsing Group
Dr. Benjamin Kaminski – Vice-President for R&D of Ophthalmic Diagnostic Devices, ZEISS
Amanda Kent Benjamin – Co-Owner, Almost Famous Wine Company
Brittni Kiick – Vice Mayor, City of Livermore
Jeena Lee – Product Manager, Chevron and Texaco Mobile Apps, Chevron
Ruby Lopez – Executive Director, Livermore Downtown Inc
Dionicia Ramos Ledesma – Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Government Relations, Chabot-Las Positas Community College District
Armita Rostamian – CFO, Vagaro
Jeremy Troupe-Masi – Director of Hospitality, Producer/Host, Small Business Owner, Darcie Kent Vineyards, Through The Grapevines Podcast
Aly Wente – Vice President Marketing and Guest Experience, Wente Family Estates
Hazel Wetherford – Deputy City Manager, City of Dublin
Emily Wilson – Co-Founder, Community Organizer, Educator, Tri-Valley for Black Lives
Travis Wilson – Senior VP, Director of Leasing, Bishop Ranch
About Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group:
Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group (ITV) is a collective of leaders and influencers committed to connecting the businesses, educational institutions, research labs, and civic leaders in the Tri-Valley region. ITV showcases the region as a technology and innovation powerhouse, outpacing the Bay Area mega-region in both job creation and economic growth. According to the Tri-Valley Rising report published by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, the Tri-Valley is home to over 730 technology companies and the regional innovation economy drives a $42 billion GDP. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
FOR MEDIA INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Katie Marcel, Interim CEO
(925) 337-2859
[email protected]
