In a powerful reflection of Ohio State University’s enduring legacy of excellence and leadership, five remarkable Buckeyes have earned their place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Local Columbus Class of 2025. This prestigious recognition not only celebrates their individual accomplishments across various industries but also reinforces the role that Ohio State continues to play as a powerhouse of talent, innovation, and social impact in the heart of the Midwest. As the city of Columbus evolves into a thriving hub for entrepreneurship, technology, public service, and culture, these five honorees represent the best of what the Buckeye spirit can achieve.

Each year, Forbes selects young leaders and visionaries who are making transformative changes in their communities and industries. For the Columbus edition of the 30 Under 30 Local list, the spotlight shines on individuals whose contributions go beyond personal success, capturing a broader narrative of resilience, innovation, and civic responsibility. Among them, these five Ohio State alumni have made indelible marks in areas such as healthcare, sustainability, business, education, and the arts. They are united not only by their alma mater but also by their shared commitment to shaping the future of their city and beyond.

The first of the five honorees, Dr. Naomi Spencer, is a shining star in healthcare innovation. A graduate of Ohio State’s College of Medicine, Spencer now leads a groundbreaking telehealth initiative that expands access to mental health services in underserved urban and rural communities throughout Ohio. Her start-up, MindBridge Health, has already served over 50,000 patients across the state and is being modeled in other regions. At just 29, Spencer has already been named one of the most influential healthcare entrepreneurs in the Midwest. She attributes much of her drive and clarity to her time at OSU, where she volunteered at the Wexner Medical Center and was mentored by physicians who championed holistic care and equity.

Next is Elijah Morris, a 27-year-old sustainability entrepreneur who graduated from Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business. Morris co-founded Greenvana, a sustainable packaging company that uses biodegradable materials sourced from Midwest farms. Under his leadership, Greenvana has become one of Columbus’s fastest-growing green startups, partnering with national food chains and retailers. Morris’s journey began in the university’s student incubator, where he collaborated with engineers and environmental scientists to prototype early versions of his product. He credits Ohio State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and its focus on collaborative problem-solving for giving him the tools to scale his vision into a business with real environmental impact.

Meanwhile, in the world of education and youth empowerment, Tyra James, a 28-year-old Buckeye and founder of TeachRise Columbus, is being honored for her work transforming public education through after-school programming and mentorship. An alumna of Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology, James launched TeachRise out of her own experience as a first-generation college student who struggled to find academic support. Today, her program serves over 3,000 students annually, particularly in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, providing tutoring, college prep, and emotional wellness resources. Her work has been recognized by the Columbus City Council and several national foundations. For James, being named to the Forbes list is more than a personal accolade—it’s a signal that the education gap in Columbus is being noticed and addressed.

Another standout is Samuel Chen, a software developer turned civic tech advocate. Chen, 26, graduated from Ohio State’s Computer Science and Engineering program and quickly established himself as a force for innovation in local government. Through his start-up CodeCommons, Chen creates open-source tools that increase transparency in city budgeting and community development projects. CodeCommons’ platforms are now used by several Columbus municipal departments and have inspired similar tools in cities like Indianapolis and Cleveland. What makes Chen unique is his commitment to keeping his technology free and accessible—a philosophy he says was reinforced during his undergraduate years, when he participated in hackathons focused on public good. His Forbes recognition cements him as a leader in using technology for democracy and civic engagement.

Completing the list of Buckeye honorees is Jasmine Alston, a creative powerhouse in the Columbus arts scene. A dual-degree graduate in Fine Arts and African American Studies, Alston has become a catalyst for cultural storytelling through her non-profit, The Canvas Initiative. At just 25, she has curated over 40 exhibitions featuring emerging BIPOC artists and organized community mural projects that blend history, activism, and beauty across Columbus neighborhoods. Alston sees art as both expression and empowerment, and her work creates tangible spaces for communities to reflect and heal. She is now in high demand as a speaker and curator nationwide but remains committed to her hometown and her alma mater. Her studio near campus often hosts Ohio State art students and collaborative projects with university departments.

Together, these five honorees encapsulate a rich tapestry of innovation, service, and resilience. While their paths have diverged in discipline, they are connected by their roots at Ohio State and their commitment to Columbus’s transformation. For the university, their success is a powerful testament to the value of a Buckeye education that blends rigorous academics with real-world application and social consciousness.

The significance of five Buckeyes making the Forbes 30 Under 30 Local Columbus list in a single year is not lost on university leadership either. Ohio State President Dr. Walter E. Carter Jr. remarked, “These alumni exemplify the spirit of excellence and service we instill at Ohio State. They are not only leaders in their fields but also changemakers who reflect the very best of our university’s mission.” Carter emphasized that the recognition also reaffirms the university’s strategic investments in interdisciplinary learning, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

At a celebratory event hosted by Forbes in downtown Columbus, the honorees were met with cheers from family, peers, and mentors. Each of them took a moment on stage to acknowledge their journeys and the people who helped them along the way—many of whom were Ohio State faculty, advisors, and classmates. There was an undeniable energy in the room—a collective recognition that these young leaders were just getting started.

In the broader context, the recognition of these Buckeyes is emblematic of Columbus’s rise as a national center for innovation and talent. As industries look to the Midwest for sustainable, scalable ideas, Columbus continues to produce individuals who not only dream big but execute boldly. The presence of Ohio State graduates at the forefront of that movement is no coincidence; it is the result of a culture that blends academic rigor with a deep sense of civic responsibility.

Looking ahead, the futures of Spencer, Morris, James, Chen, and Alston seem as bright as ever. With Forbes recognition comes new opportunities for funding, collaboration, and scaling impact. But each of them, when asked about next steps, spoke more about deepening their community involvement than chasing accolades. Their stories are not about fame—they’re about building systems, spaces, and stories that uplift others.

For the next generation of Ohio State students walking across the Oval or pulling late nights in Thompson Library, these honorees offer something more powerful than prestige—they offer proof. Proof that with vision, determination, and a heart rooted in service, it is possible to go from the lecture halls of Columbus to the pages of Forbes, not by chasing clout, but by creating change.

In the end, the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Local Columbus list serves as both a spotlight and a mirror. It illuminates the incredible work being done by young leaders and reflects the strength of the communities, institutions, and mentors that shaped them. For these five Buckeyes, this moment is a milestone. For Ohio State, it’s a celebration. And for Columbus, it’s a glimpse into the promise of a city—and its university—on the rise.