20 Under 40

20 lives. 20 paths. 20 futures. Each year, The State showcases young Midlands professionals who have made their mark before age 40 and who look like they will continue their contributions for years to come.

This year's class carried on their families' legacies, built careers from humble beginnings and fought to defeat their fears. You'll meet a woman raised in foster homes who now has her own financial firm.

You'll find the son of restaurant owners who runs a successful hotel and the lawyer whose college jobs showed her she needed to help disadvantaged children. You'll read about charity organizers, coaches and business builders.

You'll discover how a woman turned a devastating moment in her life into a crusade and how a banker is recovering from the robber who nearly took his life.

No one said the path would be easy. But it's nice to get noticed for the journey.

See also: How are the nominees selected? Tips for 2011 nominees.
Where are they now? Read our update on previous 20 Under 40 Honorees.