ENID, OK - After a few years on hiatus, Enid Young Professionals (EYP), in partnership with the Enid Regional Development Alliance (ERDA), is excited to announce the return of the 10 Under 40 Awards for its 12th year. This signature event honors ten outstanding Enid-area professionals under the age of 40 who exemplify excellence in both their careers and their community.
The 10 Under 40 Awards ceremony is set for Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Stride Bank Center, where the top 10 recipients will be honored. These awards recognize well-rounded individuals who contribute meaningfully to Enid’s growth, culture, and progress. Nominations will be accepted through the online form, that will be posted on EYP’s Facebook page and on the awards website at www.growenid.com/eyp-10under40. The nominations will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges comprised of leaders from outside the EYP organization.
"ERDA is fortunate to partner with EYP to provide support to a vital sector of our workforce. Meredith Wright, director of marketing for ERDA, has done an exceptional job revitalizing EYP which is a critical component to our mission of retaining and attracting talent in our region,” Marcie Mack, Executive Director of ERDA. “The EYP team is dedicated to growing the next generation and being a cornerstone of Enid’s workforce."
Along with the 10 Under 40 Awards, EYP will be bringing back the “Social Shaker” awards at the event. These awards are designed to honor local individuals, organizations and businesses who have positively impacted the mission of Enid Young Professionals. It’s an opportunity to thank the people who have made a difference for our organization. Anyone, organization or business can be nominated in these categories:
Cultural Collaborator: An individual, group, organization or business who promote Enid’s arts and culture to young professionals through innovation, economic impact and social awareness.
Golden Shaker: A past 10 Under 40 recipient who has demonstrated continued commitment to the mission and development of Enid Young Professionals.
Spotlight Shaker: An individual, group, organization or business who acts as a community partner and champion of Enid by working to promote quality of life, retention and top talent and recruitment of the next generation of business and civic leaders.
Vibrant Visionary: An individual, group, organization or business who support entrepreneurial and innovative thinking to grow Enid’s young professional opportunities, involvement and quality of life.
Nominations for 10 Under 40 and the Social Shaker awards are now open. To nominate someone for the awards, visit www.growenid.com/eyp-10under40.
A Renewed Commitment to Enid’s Next Generation
EYP was formed to attract, retain, and empower young professionals who call Enid home. Through social gatherings and professional development events, the organization provides opportunities for emerging leaders to connect, grow, and make an impact.
EYP’s leadership emphasizes that building the next generation of community leaders requires strong collaboration with local businesses, institutions, and civic influencers. By fostering connections and creating opportunities for professional relationship-building, EYP continues to strengthen the foundation of Enid’s future.
Keston Cook, EYP committee member and Airport Director at Enid Woodring Regional Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s return.
“I am incredibly excited for Enid Young Professionals to be bringing back the 10 Under 40 Awards! This event offers an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the best that our community has to offer while also providing a great space for young professionals in the area to meet and network with a group of their peers. I especially look forward to seeing the next generation of young professionals grow as they form new partnerships and turn fresh ideas into the local initiatives that keep our community growing.”
Cook shared that bringing back the 10 Under 40 Awards is important because Enid has seen remarkable, often behind‑the‑scenes contributions from young professionals in recent years. Reviving the group and the 10 Under 40 Awards creates a platform to spotlight that talent and the meaningful work being done across the community.
He emphasized that recognizing emerging leaders helps reinforce Enid’s commitment to keeping local talent local. Young professionals, he noted, are the driving force behind the community’s progress, bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives, and innovative approaches that shape Enid’s future.
Cook also hopes the event sends a clear message: young leaders are valued. He wants them to feel confident building their careers and roots in Enid, knowing they are an essential part of what makes the community strong and special.
