Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40

Celebrating Emerging Leaders

Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40

Established over 14 years ago by The Fayetteville Observer, the "40 Under 40" program has been a cornerstone for celebrating the achievements of young professionals and community leaders in our region. This visionary initiative has recognized individuals who exemplify excellence in their professions and a steadfast commitment to community service.

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Program Oversight

Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 is supported by a rotating planning committee composed of past honorees and community leaders committed to upholding the program’s integrity, fairness, and regional impact. With the continued support of The Fayetteville Observer, mentorship from Sharon Moyer, and direction from Ayana Washington, the initiative remains grounded in its original mission while serving as a meaningful platform for recognizing emerging leaders.

The rotating committee oversees the selection process and plans annual ceremonies and events that celebrate young professionals making a difference across the Sandhills and surrounding counties, including Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Robeson, Sampson, Richmond, Scotland, Montgomery, and Anson counties.

Through Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40, we aim to celebrate the contributions of emerging leaders and amplify their stories, inspiring future generations to make an impact in their professions and communities.

Please read the submission guidelines before submitting!

Submission Guidelines:

  • Eligibility: Nominees must be under the age of 40 as of January 1, 2026 and should have a demonstrated record of professional success and community involvement within the Sandhills region.

  • Deadline: All nominations must be submitted by March 31, 2026.

  • Submission Method: Complete the online nomination form at and upload all supporting materials as a SINGLE PDF document.

Selection Process:

An independent panel of past honorees and community leaders will review all nominations. Honorees will be selected based on their professional achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. Selected individuals will be notified by April 30, 2026 and recognized at the awards ceremony on August 1, 2026.

For questions or additional information, please contact us at info@bookblackwomen.org.

Note: By submitting this nomination, you confirm that all information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge and that the nominee has consented to the nomination.