2024 Top 10 Under 40 Winners
*The title and company listed reflects the recipient's position and affiliation at the time of recognition.
Cynthia LeBlanc
Cynthia is a dedicated Peer Recovery Coach at Phoenix Paramedic Solutions and has been recognized with multiple awards, including Peer of the Year from Phoenix and the Recovery Rally, the Golden Feather Award for exceptional patient care, and the Golden Award from Valley Oaks for her contributions during EMS Week. She has managed two key projects—one with CCBHC providing therapy and housing support, and another with Phoenix’s Elevance Grant offering bedside response for patients with substance use and mental health disorders.
Outside of her professional role, Cynthia continues giving back to the community. She leads support groups at Tippecanoe County Community Corrections and partners with the Salvation Army on coat distributions and warming stations for the homeless. At LTHC, she advocates for individuals at risk of losing housing and spearheaded the installation of portable restrooms for those experiencing homelessness.
Paige Logan
Paige Logan serves as the Director of Harm Reduction and Outreach for the Tippecanoe County Health Department and is the Executive Director of the Outreach Advocacy Center Inc., a newly formed non-for-profit in Greater Lafayette, that houses a Community Cares Public Health Clinic. She has been with the health department for seven years and previously worked as the STD Prevention Program Area Manager for Indiana’s District 4 before transitioning to her current role.
Paige is dedicated to advocating for individuals with substance use disorders, marginalized and underserved populations. Paige serves on community action boards and participates in various leadership committees. A graduate of Leadership Lafayette Class 50 and native to Lafayette, Paige is passionate about her community, public health, harm reduction and empowering others.
Elyse Madigan
Elyse is a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney assigned to the Major Crimes Unit. Elyse is also an appointee to the Indiana State Child Fatality Review Team and the chairperson of the Tippecanoe County Child Fatality Review Team. Through her work, Elyse focuses on violent crimes and crimes of battery and neglect against children. Elyse is passionate about making the Greater Lafayette community safe for all residents, decreasing gun violence locally, and advocating for children and victims, who oftentimes are voiceless.
Elyse is proud to serve on the board of directors for Community Cancer Network, which is an organization created to help patients in cancer treatment, as well as their families, to access basic unmet needs which are causing additional stress and hardship. Community Cancer Network assists in client advocacy and helps patients going through some of the most difficult times in their life.
Ronnie Steward
Ronnie Steward serves as an Operations Manager at Caterpillar’s Lafayette Engine Center. He leads a team of five leaders managing the day-to-day operations at the facility. Ronnie has spent 16 years of his career in various leadership roles.
Prior to joining Caterpillar, Ronnie earned his Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University and later received his MBA.
Ronnie has a strong passion for coaching and volunteering for various athletic programs in the area. He serves as a board member for East Tipp and coaches several teams.
Additionally, Ronnie has dedicated his time to volunteering at the local YWCA.
Marlee Thomas
Marlee Thomas is the Weekday Evening News Anchor at WLFI, News 18. She’s also the In-Game Host for Purdue Men’s Basketball. She graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Telecommunications and Journalism. She started working at WLFI in 2020 as the Weekday Morning Anchor. After three years on the morning show, she was offered a promotion to be the Evening News Anchor. She strives to keep the community informed and up-to-date with the latest local news.
Outside of her full-time job, Marlee enjoys being active in the community. She’s emceed multiple events for United Way of Greater Lafayette, participated in the Joyful Journey softball game, Lafayette Christmas Parade, judged the Little Miss and Mister Tippecanoe County Pageant, participated in the Tyler Trent Golf Outing for the past four years and much more.
Megan Thompson
Megan is a double Boilermaker, receiving both her Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Master of Business Administration from Purdue University! After graduating, Megan earned her SHRM-SCP certification and has taught SHRM certification courses through Ivy Tech to support other local HR leaders. She is currently the Chief People Officer at Antique Candle Co., where she leads employees through the entire employment lifecycle and implements strategic HR initiatives to improve employee experiences and company culture.
Megan also serves on the Executive Board for the Hanna Community Center and enjoys being a member of the Tippecanoe Area Human Resources Association.
Amber Turner
Amber Turner has worked in advancement for more than 10 years and is serving as the associate vice president for broad-based campaigns and strategic engagement at the Purdue for Life Foundation. Her experience includes firsthand knowledge in comprehensive communication campaigns, annual giving, membership, volunteer management, digital technology and strategy, and advancement services.
During her time at Purdue, Turner has worked to centralize annual giving and create a comprehensive, multichannel approach to fundraising. Prior to this position, Turner was the executive director of annual giving and stewardship and worked as the project manager for the 2014 and 2015 Purdue Day of Giving. She also has experience in marketing, communications, and donor relations, working within other higher education institutions, athletics, and nonprofit organizations before her time at Purdue.
In 2020, Amber was named to EverTrue’s 40 under 40 list to honor her innovation, impact, and strategy in higher education fundraising.
She is a 2007 graduate of Ball State University with a degree in public relations and communication studies. She currently resides in the Greater Lafayette community with her husband and two kids.
Angel J.Valentin
Angel J. Valentín Rodríguez currently works at Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) as the Financial Assistance and ID Clinic Programs Director. He also serves as the Wabash Township Trustee, where he is working with the Township’s staff to help address issues arising from our community’s strong population growth. With his team, Angel is working to strengthen the Fire and E.M.S. services that are provided to the unincorporated areas, as well as improving the Township’s financial assistance program.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Angel moved to West Lafayette in 2014 to attend Purdue University. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Angel has been involved with local non-profit and government organizations. He currently serves as board president of the Wesley Foundation at Purdue University, as well as being a board member of CityBus of Greater Lafayette.
Angel is also involved with the Financial Assistance Network, a group of agencies who provide direct assistance to residents that is seeking to help address critical gaps in our community in a collaborative, more effective manner.
Danielle Waldschmidt
Danielle is the Assistant State Conservationist-Field Operations in Lafayette where she oversees the conservation implementation and program delivery for 17 offices in Northwest Indiana. As a member of the Indiana leadership team, she is responsible for training 50+ employees and has helped develop the 5-year strategic plan for USDA-NRCS.
Outside of her professional work, Danielle is an active member of the Hanna Center Toastmasters where she has served in various leadership roles including Vice President of Membership and Secretary. She is active within her church, The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, and volunteers at the Taste of Tippecanoe, Lions Club, and Food Finders.
Nolan Willhite
Nolan is the founder of Flora Candle Company, a local business that has grown from a market booth at the Lafayette Farmers Market to a thriving downtown shop. In addition to creating custom candles for significant local landmarks, such as the Purdue Memorial Union 100th Anniversary Candle and the City of Lafayette Bicentennial Candle, Nolan has built a welcoming space for all, with a special emphasis on inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community.
Nolan also serves as the President of the Downtown Lafayette Business Owners Association (DLBOA). Under his leadership, the DLBOA has launched several successful community events designed to bring people back to downtown and stimulate local growth.
Additionally, Nolan serves as a board member for Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette and is a part of the Downtown Art Committee.
