Millennial Superstar Nominations

VISTA Today and presenting sponsor Penn State Great Valley are searching for 40 of Chester County’s most dynamic leaders under 40.

“Do you know a Chester County professional who is breaking down walls, shattering expectations, and doing remarkable work in their profession or community?”

Nominate an employee, colleague, client, friend, or yourself to join the 2023 class of VISTA Millennial Superstars. Score bragging rights by promoting your people and their great work, while highlighting your organization.

In addition to honoring 40 Millennial Superstars, we are celebrating Handi-Crafters Opportunity Center, a Chester County non-profit empowering individuals with disabilities providing rewarding employment, promoting independence, and realizing their true potential.

Key Dates:

February 3^rd – Nomination submission by midnight
Week of February 27_^th – Announce the 2023 class
May 18^th – Awards Reception & Celebration
Penn State Great Valley, Malvern

VISTA Millennial Superstars are featured in VISTA Today’s daily emails leading up to the event.

VISTA Millenial Superstars Sponsors:

Why Nominate Your People?

Human Resources

Employee Recognition
Retention
Recruiting

Executive Leadership

Organizational Recognition
Social Responsibility
Local Bragging Rights

Sales & Marketing

Brand Recognition
Industry & Media Exposure
Networking & Sponsorship

Past Honorees:

Jessica Annas

Meridian Bank

Robert Jefferson

Gawthrop Greenwood, P.C.

Chanel Gaither

Ascend Legacy Academy

Carl Nassib

NFL

Matt Pitts

S1 Medical

Tamara Wilson

CASA Youth Advocates

Chad Martin

All-Fill, Inc.

Dina Alongi Caggiula

Vanguard

Russ Daniels

Cox Automotive

Kate Sheehan

Qurate Retail Group

Max O’Keeefe

Lamb McErlane

Maria Van Schaijik

Andiario Restaurant

Ian Kramer

Schorn Construction Company

Michelle Legaspi Sanchez

Nonprofit Finance Fund

Robert Williams

S&T Bank

Robert Kagel

County of Chester

Tom Fillippo

Devault Foods

Laura Manion

Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry

Dan Koval

Bentley Systems

Juliya Kofman Greenfield

RKL LLP

Your Superstar needs to:

Live or work in Chester County or be enrolled in a Chester County-based university
Be 39 years old or younger as of April 30, 2023
Have achieved notable success in their chosen profession or trade
Actively engaged in efforts to improve Chester County’s quality of place
Be an awesome person!

About
Handi-Crafters
Opportunity Center

In 1961, a few parents created a place for adult children with disabilities to occupy their time. This idea began as Handi-Crafters, and as a result of growth and changing attitudes, has become HC Opportunity Center (HCOC), including a reputable outsourcing business.

Proud of our heritage, we retained the “HC” to represent Handi-Crafters. “Opportunity Center” represents our commitment to providing outsourcing solutions that empower individuals with employment barriers. Our programs open up a world of opportunity for businesses, participants, and the community.

From school graduation to retirement, hundreds of individuals have reached personal goals with HCOC. The safe, caring environment HCOC provides helps each individual develop skills and abilities that promote growth and self-esteem.

HCOC has evolved and continues to grow, helping our participants enhance their skills to participate in their community. The teamwork and pride in their accomplishments have earned participants a paycheck and our customers’ respect as dependable, efficient workers.

VISTA Millennial SuperStars Initiative is Sponsored by:

Presenting Sponsor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is VISTA Millennial Superstars?

VISTA Millennial Superstars is a recognition program, highlighted by an Awards Celebration on May 18^th, 2023 at Penn State Great Valley in Malvern, that recognizes 40 young professionals (18 to 40 year old millennials and Gen-Z Superstars) who are breaking down walls and reshaping Chester County through their talent, persistence, and determination.

When will VISTA Today publish this class of VISTA Millennial Superstars?

The 2023 class of VISTA Millennial Superstars will be announced the week of February 27^th, 2023.

When do nominations begin?

The nominations open on December 12^th and close on February 3^rd . When nominations are open, the link can be found on the VISTA Millennial Superstars home page.

What are the qualifications for VISTA Millennial Superstars?

Aside from achieving notable success in their chosen profession or trade, recipients must be 39-years-old or younger (as of April 30, 2023), work, live, or study in Chester County, and be actively engaged, either professionally or through their volunteer work, in efforts to improve Chester County’s quality of place.

How will nominees be evaluated?

A committee will evaluate and select 40 award recipients from the nearly 300 expected submissions based on:
• Live or work in Chester County or be enrolled in a Chester County based university
• Be 39 years old or younger as of April 30, 2023
• Have achieved notable success in their chosen profession or trade
• Be actively engaged in efforts to improve Chester County's quality of place
• Be an awesome person!

How can I nominate someone for VISTA Millennial Superstars?

Nominations must be submitted online.

Can I nominate myself

Yes. Fill out the nominee form and submit it for consideration.

Can I nominate multiple Individuals?

Yes. If nominating multiple individuals, a separate form should be completed for each nomination.

Who decides who will be VISTA Millennial Superstars?

A panel of Chester County business and civic leaders made up of VISTA Today’s publisher, event sponsors, and VISTA Millennial Superstars Alumni.

When will winners be notified?

VISTA Millennial Superstars will be notified of the status of their nomination during the first week of February.

Will I be informed if my nominee was not selected?

No. Only selected nominees will be informed in advance of publication of the VISTA Millennial Superstars award recipients.

If I have not heard from VISTA Today by February 27^th, does that mean my nominee was not selected?

That would be a fair assumption, but please refer to the previous question.

Can I just call you or send you an email with the name of the person I'd like to nominate?

No. We need to have the form filled out, including contact information for the person you are nominating.

I want to nominate someone, but can I remain anonymous?

No. We need to know who you are, though we do not share nominator information with any third parties.

Can I nominate a family member?

You can nominate anyone: a family member, your boss, a client, an employee or yourself. The most important thing is that you state a clear & detailed business-oriented reason for the nomination.

Will more than one nominee from the same company be accepted?

You can nominate multiple individuals from one company, but only one will be chosen. However, multiple candidates from separate divisions of large companies could be chosen.

I would like to nominate someone, but they will turn 40 before April 30, 2023. Can I still nominate that person?

No. Nominations for anyone who does not meet the age requirement will be discarded. We verify birthdates of finalists.

How does the process work?

After we receive a nomination, VISTA Today’s publisher vets the candidates and submits lists to the VISTA Millennial Superstar Selection Committee. The Selection Committee then determines which nominees will be chosen. The selection committee will strive to come up with a diverse list of award recipients that represents a broad spectrum of Chester County companies, nonprofits, educational institutions, and civic organizations.

What is required of those who are selected?

Selected nominees must make themselves available for an interview with a VISTA Today editor. They are also required to participate in a photoshoot with a VISTA Today photographer. Declining either of these requests will disqualify the candidate.

Can I contact you to see how my nominee is doing in the judging process?

No. We don't give status reports. If we need any further information, we will contact you. Please be patient.

I was not picked for VISTA Millennial Superstars. Can you tell me why?

With hundreds of candidates and only 40 slots, the majority of hopefuls will not be chosen. We cannot explain why a specific candidate wasn’t picked because it won't be for any one reason and may be for reasons that have to do with presenting a diverse range of individuals, professions and industries.