Mass Transit releases 2023 40 Under 40 honorees

Aug. 22, 2023
The magazine’s 15th iteration of its signature recognition program spotlights the individuals pushing the transit industry forward.

The Mass Transit magazine is proud to present its annual 40 Under 40 honorees for 2023. The 40 Under 40 program was established in 2008 to highlight young talent in the transit industry and feature the work done among professionals who will be carrying the industry into the future.

In its 15th year, the program recognizes individuals for their industry contributions. The magazine’s evaluation committee assessed more than 170 nominations for this round of awards. Nominees were rated on four criteria, including job commitment, industry involvement and contribution, achievement in his or her position and innovation in his or her field.

“The 2023 group of 40 Under 40 honorees represent the next wave of leaders in the North American transit industry,” said Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor in chief, Mass Transit. “This year’s class consists of a range of disciplines and backgrounds, but all share in a common goal of better connecting people to their communities.”

2023 40 Under 40 honorees:

Kimiya Rae Aghevli Darrell

Jessica Alvarez

Andy Arnes

Neela Babu

Martin Barna

Andrew Batson

Julian Bautista-Rojas

Peter J. Calcaterra

Hayden Clarkin

Brad Cummings

Audrey Denis

Rumpa Dey

Elyce Embery

AJ Farris

Elias Fischer

Reinaldo Germano

Jill Gibson

Lesley Gordon

Tony Henderson

Aditya Inamdar

Jennifer Judge

Jeff Kessler

Boris Lipkin

Manuel Martin Ramos

J. Levi McCollum

Joseph Mirabile

Amen Mukhlis

James "Jim" Nee

Charlotte Obodzinski

Oluseyi A. Olugbenle

Tommy Opland

Sanjay Paul

Michael Pimentel

Lex Powers

Javier Ramirez Salgado

Ryan Richards

Cristina Russell

Elenna Salcido

Jonny Simkin

Andrew Wakefield

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content. 

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.  

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.