MOVERS & SHAKERS APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN IN JANUARY 2026

The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club is pleased to announce applications for the Annual Movers and Shakers Awards celebrating the top 25 under 35 young professionals in Cleveland are now open. Since 2007, the organization has recognized 450 young professionals through the annual Movers & Shakers Award. The award recognizes young leaders that have a record of excellence in their work, civic engagement, and philanthropic efforts. These individuals give selflessly for their community, volunteer with local non-profits, or are up-and-coming leaders in their community or place of business. We recognize professionals who are in for-profit, non-profit, government, and military, and from anywhere in Northeast Ohio.

The awards celebrate the success of young professionals in Cleveland while showcasing their talents to the entire Cleveland community.  The awards and the ceremony are an opportunity to reflect on the excellent examples set by some of our most promising young leaders. We are proud to bring this diverse and deserving group together to honor their achievements and help connect young professionals and others with the region’s current and future leaders.

Click Here to view past award recipients.

Application Process

• You do not need to be nominated to apply
• You do not need to be nominated more than once
• A award ceremony will take place on March 7th at 6pm

To apply

• You must be between the ages of 21-35
• Live and or work in Northeast Ohio
• If you are not already a member of the Club, please apply for your free Social Membership Here
• Current 20/30 Club board and committee members are not eligible to apply and must wait a year since concluding their volunteer position before applying

Application Grading Process 

• Nominations are simply a way to bring attention to deserving young professionals who may not know about the Club and award. All nominations must be accompanied by a completed application. Potential recipients only need to be nominated once to be considered for this award. Multiple nominations for the same person does not affect the likelihood of winning.
• The application bio should be no more than 500 words about the potential recipients, which will be used as an introduction if selected for the award. 
• Potential recipients are scored on volunteerism, awards, leadership and accomplishments. Please make sure these 4 sections are filled out completely, as they are the only aspects of the application that are scored to determine eligibility.
• The application review committee is composed of 20/30 Club Board members, Movers and Shakers Alumni, and community leaders.

Nominate someone

Apply using the form. 

Apply with or without a nomination:

Apply using this form. Applications must be written by the person applying. You may not apply on someone else's behalf. This is to ensure that the information is accurate, complete, and in the applicant's own words.