The Journal of Business honored its 2024 class of Rising Stars at a mid-September event at Barrister Winery. 

Lauren Murray a market executive for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management’s Mountain West Market coaches more than 65 financial advisers and 45 associates in growing their practices.

At the age of 33, Tate Kelly already has established a lengthy track record of marketing success in the upper echelon of sports organizations, which includes Nike and the National Football League.

Doug Forkner’s engineering background and passion for entrepreneurship has made him a versatile asset for Avista Corp.

Demetrius Palmer is the vice president of community outreach and engagement at Excelsior, president of Impact Motion Sports, and owner of the Spokane Wolfpack football team.

Self-described equipment and operations nerd Trace Miller, a 2024 Journal of Business Rising Star, has developed a concept for healthy fast food that he hopes to franchise and build up to 1,000 locations in 10 years.

Noticing a lack of services in the skin care industry for people of color, Abigail Palacios took on specialized training to learn how to treat a neglected group of people and opened her business, Chicana Esthetics LLC. 

In addition to her rapid career advancement and extensive community involvement, Journal Rising Star Emily Moline Meyer has earned an executive MBA degree and become a new mother this year.

In just a few years, Erin Peterson has built a popular multimedia platform that continues to grow, making her a 2024 Spokane Journal of Business Rising Star. 

April O'Hair is balancing a full schedule as vice president of human resources at Numerica Credit Union, along with graduate school studies, family time, friends, and volunteer activities.