The Fab5 Young Professional Celebration highlights the achievements and impact of young professionals, under 40, who are excelling and making an impact in Tompkins County. The Fab5 Awards are given out to 5 local, young professionals who are growing and excelling in their respective fields and in the community.
The Fab5 Awards celebrate excellence in five key categories, highlighting the diverse talents driving our community forward. With the generous support of presenting sponsor AmeriCU, this year's awards will showcase remarkable individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, community service, and professional achievement.
Please join us ready to celebrate and Dressed to Impress!Over 40 nominations were submitted by community members, and we are pleased to announce the 2026 Fab5 Awards Winners:
- Business Leader of the Year, Olivia Carpenter, Founder, Via's Cookies
- Volunteer of the Year, Ignacio Lopez, Veteran Service Officer & VA Accredited Representative, Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services
- Emerging Leader of the Year: Paula Valencia Ariza, Commercial Relationship Manager, Beginnings Credit Union
- Not-for-Profit Leader of the Year, Amanda Schmitt Piha, Associate Director for Philanthropy and Communications
- Industry Leader of the Year, Christina Alario, Director of Operations, Hammerstone School, Inc.
Event Timeline:
6:00pm Doors Open! Cocktail Hour! Apps by The Hotel Ithaca! Music by DJ The Brat Dondada, Photobooth by Jyl's Photobooth
6:45 pm Awards Ceremony Begins
8:15pm Dessert Hour, DJ & Photobooth
The 2026 Fab5 Young Professionals Awards are presented by AmeriCU Credit Union with support from Centralus Health and Finger Lakes Wealth Management.
Event Sponsors
Event Sponsors
Date and Time
Tuesday Jun 2, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fees/Admission
$25.00 - Regular
$20.00 - Earlybird (until 5/8/26)
Ticket registration income will go towards supporting Tompkins Connect's mission of supporting and developing the young professional population in Tompkins County.
Contact Information
Tompkins Connect
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