The 2026 cohort of Rising Stars demonstrates that regional prosperity is built not on individual accolades, but on collaboration, mentorship, and a commitment to the public good. From the city of Spokane to rural North Idaho, this class is helping redefine regional leadership.

A common theme among this year's recipients is a focus on how physical and creative environments shape our lives. Tyler Kavanaugh, an associate at ALSC Architects and incoming AIA Spokane president, designs K-12 learning spaces that influence student safety and confidence. To support the next generation, she is launching a local mentorship program pairing young architects with experienced mentors.

Similarly, West Valley High School art teacher Rose Honey is connecting youth to creative industries by co-launching Creative Mornings Spokane and piloting a Hillyard mural apprenticeship program. Honey is helping students build confidence and professional networks. In downtown Spokane, Victoria Zsa Zsa Seebeck is balancing project management at Consertus Inc. with her retail storefront Sauvage Zsa. Through an ethical social responsibility matrix, Seebeck partners with over 120 minority- and women-owned small businesses, providing a sustainable alternative to mass retail.

True regional impact requires securing the baseline health and heritage of our communities as well. Peter Mahoney, wellness services director for Marimn Health and a member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, is working to improve quality of life through motion across the organization's fitness and youth facilities in Plummer and Worley. Through tribal history and oral traditions, Mahoney's work actively fosters local understanding and unity.

This passion for community stability is shared by attorney Hannah Kimball of Malek + Malek, who helps rural clinics manage their legal obligations. Kimball provides the strategic guidance necessary to keep these vital regional lifelines open in a harsh financial climate.

Economic growth in 2026 is being driven by businesses that prioritize people. Andrew Hite, CEO of CDL PowerSuite LLC, is embracing servant leadership to support his team and train safer commercial drivers while leveraging artificial intelligence to adapt to the future. At Elixir Sauce Co., co-founder Kristopher Pockell balances software engineering with regional business growth, civic planning, and youth mentorship. Pockell's journey is bolstered by a collaborative business community where even competitors help source local materials.

This collaborative spirit is echoed by Devin Mecham, vice president at NAI Black, who uses commercial real estate to drive local jobs, housing, and neighborhood revitalization. Meanwhile, Summerlyn Feckner of Ginger Designs and Coyote Creek Cabinets, bridges creative design and physical craftsmanship through her work. Feckner measures success by the lasting relationships she builds and the careers she helps foster. For education, Corinna O’Brien Kelsey, vice president of Advancement at Gonzaga Preparatory School, is driving community engagement by actively listening to stakeholders' stories and resolving organizational conflicts with empathy.

This class of Rising Stars exemplifies the dedication, vision, and diversity of our region's emerging leaders by championing mentorship, civic engagement, and ethical collaboration, ensuring that the Inland Northwest thrives together.

It’s young professionals like this group, who give us so much optimism about Spokane’s future. Well done.