There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. While the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, there is hope on the horizon in the form of 600 young visionaries. For the 10^th year in a row, Forbes released 30 Under 30, highlighting young people making a positive impact in their communities. Two Net Impact community members appear on this year’s list, ranking among the best and brightest of their generation.

What is Forbes 30 Under 30?

Young leaders and innovators

Forbes 30 Under 30 is a community of young leaders who are innovating, inventing and making a true social impact. The annual lists are made up of people from every industry, including but not limited to, artists, educators, healthcare workers and entrepreneurs.

How they’re chosen

Every year, Forbes puts out a call for 30 Under 30 nominations. Anyone can head to the Forbes website and nominate themselves or someone else, provided they are 29 years old or younger on December 31 of that year's lists (in this case, 2020). Next, reporters, editors and judges look carefully at the candidates and create a shortlist of nominees. They look at nominees’ inventiveness, social impact, potential, funding and revenue. A four-judge panel makes the final selections.

Meet Nitiya Walker

A passion for financial literacy

Nitiya Walker, a friend of Up to Us, made this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 – Education list. She is the founder and executive director of Seeds of Fortune, helping high school women of color apply for college scholarships and learn financial literacy. Since starting Seeds of Fortune in 2014, Walker has helped college students earn more than $8 million in scholarships and grants.

The nonprofit’s programs include guidance through the college scholarship process as well as online preparatory classes that help young women of color develop career skills. Her Seed University Leadership program aims to help college graduates transition from the classroom into their careers. On top of this, she works full-time as an account manager.

Meet Michelle Egger

Helping new mothers with science-based breast milk

Michelle Egger, a plant-based fellow from Net Impact, is on Forbes 30 Under 30 – Social Impact list. She left her job as a food scientist with General Mills to work with breastmilk alternatives for babies. Using breast cells in a laboratory, Egger's company, BIOMILQ, collects secreted breastmilk.

Through culturing human mammary cells, they developed formula milk that is as nutritious as breastmilk. BIOMILQ raised $3.5 million for its patented equipment, helping families navigate feeding their little ones. While many women struggle with the decision to breastfeed or feed their babies formula, Egger offers a new innovative alternative in the baby food market.

You can make a difference, too

How to get involved

We’ve all heard the saying “be the change you wish to see in the world.” As a nonprofit, Net Impact is helping young professionals do exactly that. In its 28^th year, Net Impact helps students and graduates who wish to make the world more just and sustainable. Young professionals can join the team of next-generation leaders and make a difference in their community. Learn more about how you can get involved with Net Impact