Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch

The top "Next Gen" award goes to Jacob Kinsel, who was honored for his commitment to the Manatee Education Foundation and the community.

By Madison Bierl
| 5:00 a.m. May 16, 2026

Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Education Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.

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It used to be that Jacob Kinsel cared way too much about receiving awards or recognition.

He felt recognition was a way to measure himself against the people around him, but he eventually learned to let that go.

Now Kinsel just concentrates on giving back to his community through his role as director of finance and operations with the Manatee Education Foundation and his dedication toward mentoring students. The gratitude for his services serves as a different kind of award.

On May 13 at the University Park Country Club, the Young Leaders Alliance honored Kinsel with the "Next Gen" award, its top award for service to the community.

The Young Leaders Alliance is a program of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for members ages 21-40.

Kinsel was admittedly left "speechless" when his name was announced. He told the audience that he has learned to "hike your town hike and race your own race."

But he said he still shoots for the stars.

"Some seasons, you will get to exceed your own goals," he said.

Kinsel said he was filled with gratitude.

Six awards were announced during the "Next Gen" event with three finalists in each category.

Olivia Garcia won "Community Impact," Felipe Rojas won "Connecting Champion," Tre Alexandrea won "Emerging Leader," Kaitlyn Perez won "Entrepreneurship," Jesslynne Quakkelaar won "YLA Member of the Year" and Kinsel won "Next Gen."

Brittany Lamont, president and CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, said young professionals are the driving force in the community.

"Each of you should be incredibly proud for what you've accomplished so far," Lamont said to the finalists. "I have no doubt this is only the beginning of the recognition you will receive in your career."

Nicole Hackel, the chair of the Young Leaders Alliance, said YLA has brought together a community of people who genuinely want to see each other succeed.

"These awards are not just about accomplishments on paper," Hackel said. "They're about recognizing the people who show up, who pour into others, who lead with passion and who are shaping the future of our community."

Kaitlyn Perez, who accepts the "Entrepreneurship" award for Kaitlyn Perez Communications, says you have to be willing to go on a rollercoaster of uncertainty in order to run your own business.

Felipe Rojas, head of marketing for the Sarasota Paradise, says he is honored to win the "Connecting Champion" award.

Tre Alexandrea, the chief operations officer of Aginto and head basketball coach at Bayshore High School, is joined by his father, Gregory Alexandrea, at the YLA Next Gen Awards where he won the "Emerging Leader" award.

Bailee Corona, Ashley Cole and Jesslynne Quakkelaar were finalists for the "YLA Member of the Year" award and Quakkelaar took home the win.

Ivan Richards of Truist Bank, Joe Flores of Edward Jones and Veronica Thames of the Manatee Community Foundation capture a moment at the YLA Next Gen Awards May 13.

David Otterness of Willis Smith Construction presents the "Community Impact" award to Olivia Garcia of Service Contracting Solutions.

Tre Alexandrea, the chief operations officer of Aginto and head basketball coach at Bayshore High School, is presented the "Emerging Leader" award from River Young of Mauldin & Jenkins.

Ashley Cole, the incoming chair of YLA committee, says she enjoys seeing so many young professionals move into the area and is excited to see what each of their futures might hold.

The six winners for the YLA Next Gen Awards are Olivia Garcia, Jesslynne Quakkelaar, Tre Alexandrea, Felipe Rojas, Kaitlyn Perez and Jacob Kinsel.

Julia Gennocro, Wendy Byrne and Alexis Naguib attend the YLA Next Gen Awards in support of those nominated for the six awards at University Park Country Club.

The Manatee Education Foundation's Jacob Kinsel, the winner of the "Next Gen" award, celebrates with Matt Hess of Gulfside Bank at the Young Leaders Alliance Next Gen Awards May 13.

author

Madison Bierl

Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.