The ability to self-nominate is a key feature of the WVON 40 Under 40 program. The nomination window is clearly stated as running from July 10 to 30. This gives applicants ample time to prepare their materials. It is also clear that you can nominate more than one person by using separate forms. This flexibility makes the process accessible for community members who want to highlight multiple leaders.
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What is WVON 40 Under 40 Game Changers?
WVON's 40 Under 40 Game Changers is a recognition program that honors emerging leaders under the age of 40 making an impact in and around Chicago. Sponsored by Compass and subtitled 'The Navigators of Next,' the program invites community nominations of individuals working in fields such as business, innovation, community, media, health, civic leadership, education, entrepreneurship, and arts and entertainment. Nominees are evaluated on criteria including leadership, Chicago impact, innovation or service, and community influence.
What are the specific criteria used to evaluate nominees?
Nominees are evaluated on criteria including leadership, Chicago impact, innovation or service, and community influence. Under 40 Nominee must be 39 years old or younger by the eligibility deadline. The Standard Gamechangers represent leadership, impact, and forward movement in their field or community.
When and where will the celebration event take place?
The celebration event honoring the class is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026. The event will honor the 40 Under 40 Game Changers — the leaders, builders, and innovators carrying Chicago's legacy forward. A new class of navigators will chart what's next.
Who is the keynote speaker for the event?
Dr. Louis Carr, President of BET, is the keynote speaker. He assumed this role in December 2025 after four decades of transformative leadership within the company. He has helped shape BET into the premier media destination for Black audiences worldwide.
Who is the emcee for the event?
Dometi Pongo is the emcee for the event. He is an award-winning journalist, host, and executive producer covering music, art, and culture. Pongo was a proud recipient of the 40 Gamechangers Under 40 Award in 2018.
How long has the program existed and what is WVON's history?
The program has been recognizing rising leaders since 2008, celebrating what's next for nearly two decades. WVON debuted on April 1, 1963, and quickly became a defining voice in Chicago radio. The station built a trusted place for Black Chicago to hear itself, debate the issues of the day, and organize around progress.
Where is the program located and what area does it serve?
The program is located in Chicago, Illinois. WVON continues that legacy as a talk-radio institution dedicated to programming that informs, educates, and empowers. Its microphones have amplified civic leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and everyday Chicagoans whose ideas move the city forward.
What is the Trustburn rating and how many reviews are there?
The program has a Trustburn rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 5 reviews. The listing description highlights the program's focus on honoring emerging leaders under the age of 40 who are making an impact in and around Chicago.
Who sponsors the program and what is the website?
The program is sponsored by Compass and subtitled 'The Navigators of Next.' The website domain is 40gamechangers.com. The website says the program celebrates the leaders, builders, and innovators carrying Chicago forward.
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5 Reviews
1 question · Jump to Q&AThe WVON 40 Under 40 program seems like a solid initiative for recognizing emerging leaders in Chicago. The criteria are well-defined, emphasizing leadership, impact, and forward movement in various sectors like culture, business, and education. It is great that they allow self-nominations and let individuals nominate multiple people, which encourages broad participation. The window from July 10 to 30 is reasonable for gathering submissions. However, one reservation is that the website does not provide extensive details about what happens after the selection team reviews the submissions. It is unclear how the final list is curated or if there is a public announcement event. The contact email is provided, but there is no detailed FAQ about the selection process itself. For someone considering nominating a colleague, it would be helpful to know more about the visibility of the award. Still, the focus on building the next chapter for Chicago is commendable. The emphasis on integrity and innovation aligns well with current community goals. It is a promising platform for visibility, though more transparency on the post-nomination process would be beneficial.
I really appreciate how WVON has structured the 40 Under 40 Game Changers list to include such a wide variety of fields. It is not just limited to traditional business roles but also covers arts, media, health, and civic leadership. This broad scope makes it easier to see the full spectrum of Chicago’s talent. Being able to nominate multiple people through separate forms is also a nice touch. It shows they want comprehensive recognition. The self-nomination option is also helpful for people who might not know someone to nominate. It feels like a genuine effort to highlight those making a real difference.
The nomination window runs from July 10 to 30, which provides a clear timeframe for submissions.
WVON’s 40 Under 40 initiative really captures the energy of Chicago’s emerging talent. The focus on business, culture, and civic leadership feels very inclusive. It is exciting to see a program that highlights people who are actively building the city’s future. Highly recommended for anyone tracking local impact.
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How does WVON ensure the nominees selected for the 40 Under 40 list truly represent diverse industries across Chicago?
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About WVON 40 Under 40 Game Changers
WVON's 40 Under 40 Game Changers is a recognition program that honors emerging leaders under the age of 40 who are making an impact in and around Chicago. Sponsored by Compass and subtitled "The Navigators of Next," the program invites community nominations of individuals working in fields such as business, innovation, community, media, health, civic leadership, education, entrepreneurship, and arts and entertainment. Nominees are evaluated on criteria including leadership, Chicago impact, innovation or service, and community influence. The nomination window for the program is scheduled to open on July 10 and close on July 30.
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