Twenty Under 40 2026 | Page 11

Marjony Gomez- continued from page 10

The United States is.... a collection of diverse communities, each with its own story to tell. Being part of New Albany has shown me that this country thrives when we support one another’ s small businesses and dreams. It’ s a place where you can honor your roots.

What is your motto? My motto in life is,“ Treat people with kindness.” Learning the meaning of kindness from my father. As a single father, he faced immense challenges, yet he never held a grudge and always chose to lead with a smile. He taught me that you never truly know what someone else is going through, and that a simple moment of warmth can change the trajectory of someone’ s day. Losing him unexpectedly last week has only deepened my commitment to this value. Whether I am behind the counter at Bloom or walking through my community, I carry his spirit with me and strive to make every person feel seen, respected, and welcomed, just as he did for us.

I owe it all to.... my father, Miguel Gomez. As a single parent who immigrated here from Mexico, he gave up everything to ensure I had the opportunity to build a life of my own. He was a kind soul who taught me that hospitality isn’ t just a job to be but a way of life.

Fun fact about you: I once won an award for speaking and reading at an incredibly high speed. It’ s actually quite symbolic of how my brain works. I’ m a high energy thinker and will always process information quickly.

Where do you find your inspiration? It might sound simple, but I find my deepest inspiration in the everyday things that many take for granted. To me, there is profound beauty in the mundane. The simple act of waking up and witnessing a sunrise isn’ t just a routine, it is a reminder of renewal and opportunity. This keeps me grounded and it teaches me that excellence isn’ t just found in big milestones, but in the beauty and potential of every single morning we are given. I think having a sharp eye for the small details that others might overlook helps bring many qualities into my leadership every day.

Where do you volunteer? Tutoring ESL Children at no cost.

Why do you volunteer? I believe the strength of a community is measured by how we uphold one another and foster collective growth. I’ ve seen firsthand how language is the bridge to belonging. For a child, expressing a simple thought is a monumental milestone that ripples outward and it allows them to contribute to our classrooms, our neighborhoods, and our future. Providing this support at no cost is my way of giving back to the community that welcomed my family, ensuring every child has the tools to connect, inspire, and thrive right here at home.

CONGRATULATIONS

ERIC KRUSE

“ The helpful place” starts with a helpful community. Thank you Chief Kruse for helping us keep Charlestown safe.

Charlestown 9207 CR 403( 930) 202-6030

New Albany 1905 Charlestown Rd.( 812) 945-6633

CN-1965144

News and Tribune | Twenty Under 40 Class of 2026

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