Seven emerging leaders recognized for their professional accomplishments, community involvement and contributions to Whatcom County
Photo: The 2026 Top 7 Under 40. From left to right: Jenny Hagemann, Ramesh Raliya, Erin Dahlman-Oeth, Brookelyn McClellan, Jessica Welter-Kolbo, Francine St Laurent, Dejah Griffin
Credit: Jesfer Mikesell | Glimpse Media
The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and Whatcom Young Professionals announce the 2026 winners of the Top 7 Under 40, an annual celebration of young professionals in Whatcom County. Awardees will be honored at the Top 7 Under 40 Awards sponsored by Barron Home Services on October 15.
The 2026 Top 7 Under 40 are:
Erin Dahlman-Oeth, Program Coordinator at Cascade Connections
Dejah Griffin, Marketing Director at North Coast Credit Union
Jenny Hagemann, Communications and Development Director at Downtown Bellingham Partnership
Brookelyn McClellan, Marketing Manager at Hardware Sales
Ramesh Raliya, Founder & CEO at RhizoPhyll Corporation
Francine St Laurent, Owner of Snow Creek Planning
Jessica Welter-Kolbo, Owner of Cinder Coaching
Top 7 Under 40, presented by the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and Whatcom Young Professionals (WYPs), shines a spotlight on emerging leaders in Whatcom County. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program.
Following a public nomination period, nominees submit responses to a questionnaire focused on character, community involvement, leadership qualities, professional accomplishments, and professional and personal vision. A committee of representatives from local businesses, WYPs, and the Chamber assesses candidates based on their responses.
“Young professionals are an essential part of the business community here in Whatcom County and it is an honor to celebrate this year’s Top 7 Under 40,” said Guy Occhiogrosso, President & CEO of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. “They are not only excelling in their professions, but investing their time, ideas, and energy into our community.”
The Top 7 Under 40 will be honored on October 15 from 6:00-8:00PM at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. At the awards, one of the seven will be announced as Young Professional of the Year. Tickets to the event are available on the Chamber website.