Natchitoches Young Professionals Honors Visionary Leaders with 2026 4 Under 40 Awards
Posted 02-05-2026
Natchitoches, LA, February 5, 2026: The Natchitoches Young Professionals (NYP), an initiative of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 4 Under 40 Awards: Crit Williams, Dr. Dylan Solice, Dr. Jasmine Wise, and Dr. Mary-Katherine Horton Maggio. These four individuals represent strong leadership in Natchitoches through their professional accomplishments, commitment to service, and dedication to strengthening the local community.
Now in its 11th year, the 4 Under 40 Awards recognizes young professionals who are making a meaningful difference in Natchitoches Parish through career excellence, civic engagement, and community influence. Since the program’s inception, more than 40 professionals have been honored for their leadership and impact. Award recipients are selected by a panel of past honorees and NYP leadership, who evaluate nominees based on written submissions highlighting professional success, community involvement, and commitment to serving as role models in the region.
Meet the 2026 Honorees:
Crit Williams
A Natchitoches native and entrepreneur, Crit Williams is committed to strengthening the community through business development, tourism, and civic leadership. His work spans real estate investment, entrepreneurship, and experience-based ventures that foster economic growth and community pride. Crit has played a significant role in the continued development of Dark Woods Adventure Park, helping grow it into a regional attraction that draws tens of thousands of visitors annually while creating employment opportunities for local residents and Northwestern State University students.
Beyond business, Crit is actively engaged in civic and service initiatives, including serving on the Downtown Master Plan Steering Committee, participating in the Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches, and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs. His leadership philosophy centers on grassroots community investment, encouraging residents to recognize the value of their hometown while fostering long-term growth and opportunity for future generations.
Dr. Dylan Solice
Dr. Dylan Solice is an Assistant Professor of Education and program coordinator for Educational Leadership at Northwestern State University, where he prepares future educators and school leaders to create meaningful change in their fields. With a career rooted in K-12 education, Dr. Solice has served as a classroom teacher, academic coach, coordinator, and administrator before transitioning into higher education. In his current role, he also serves as an accreditation coordinator and faculty mentor for the Elevate-U initiative, which supports first-generation and underrepresented students through academic and engagement resources.
Dr. Solice’s is an active Chamber Ambassador, NYP Executive Committee member, and graduate of Leadership Natchitoches. He also volunteers with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Through mentorship, educational leadership, and community engagement, Dr. Solice continues to champion opportunities that support student success and workforce development throughout the region.
Dr. Jasmine Wise
Dr. Jasmine Wise serves as an Assistant Professor at Northwestern State University, where she has played an integral role in strengthening and expanding the university’s Black Studies program through curriculum development, internship partnerships, and community-focused programming. Her leadership bridges higher education, nonprofit work, and community-based research, focusing on creating inclusive initiatives that support education, housing, and community development.
Previously, Dr. Wise served as Director of Operations for a nonprofit organization in Atlanta, where she built operational infrastructure and launched programs focused on financial stability and community empowerment. She is also the founder of Prosper Projects, a project management firm that helps organizations and individuals transform ideas into measurable outcomes. A member of Leadership Natchitoches Cohort 6 and recipient of the SGA V.L. Roy Faculty Member of the Year Award, Dr. Wise is dedicated to mentorship, research, and initiatives that promote long-term community advancement.
Dr. Mary-Katherine Horton Maggio
Dr. Maggio is a lifelong Natchitoches resident who is deeply invested in the growth and success of Northwestern State University students and the broader community. As Director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement at NSU, she helps students develop leadership, event planning, and professional skills that prepare them for successful careers. Through mentorship, she has guided interns, supported graduate assistants in securing local employment opportunities, and created connections between students and community partners to strengthen workforce retention.
Dr. Maggio is actively involved in several local organizations, including the Service League of Natchitoches, the Natchitoches Historic Preservation Society, and multiple NSU initiatives focused on student wellness and engagement. She recently earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with research focused on orientation programs and their role in student success. Her passion for investing in students reflects her commitment to ensuring Natchitoches remains a thriving and welcoming community for future generations.
Award Ceremony:
The 2026 4 Under 40 honorees will be recognized during the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce Go Natchitoches Annual Awards Luncheon on February 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center. To learn more or register for the event, visit GoNatchitoches.com/Awards.
For additional information about the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, the Natchitoches Young Professionals program, and other community initiatives, please visit GoNatchitoches.com.
The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The Chamber is committed to championing business, connecting the community, and cultivating growth in Natchitoches Parish.
Now in its 11th year, the 4 Under 40 Awards recognizes young professionals who are making a meaningful difference in Natchitoches Parish through career excellence, civic engagement, and community influence. Since the program’s inception, more than 40 professionals have been honored for their leadership and impact. Award recipients are selected by a panel of past honorees and NYP leadership, who evaluate nominees based on written submissions highlighting professional success, community involvement, and commitment to serving as role models in the region.
Meet the 2026 Honorees:
Crit Williams
A Natchitoches native and entrepreneur, Crit Williams is committed to strengthening the community through business development, tourism, and civic leadership. His work spans real estate investment, entrepreneurship, and experience-based ventures that foster economic growth and community pride. Crit has played a significant role in the continued development of Dark Woods Adventure Park, helping grow it into a regional attraction that draws tens of thousands of visitors annually while creating employment opportunities for local residents and Northwestern State University students.
Beyond business, Crit is actively engaged in civic and service initiatives, including serving on the Downtown Master Plan Steering Committee, participating in the Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches, and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs. His leadership philosophy centers on grassroots community investment, encouraging residents to recognize the value of their hometown while fostering long-term growth and opportunity for future generations.
Dr. Dylan Solice
Dr. Dylan Solice is an Assistant Professor of Education and program coordinator for Educational Leadership at Northwestern State University, where he prepares future educators and school leaders to create meaningful change in their fields. With a career rooted in K-12 education, Dr. Solice has served as a classroom teacher, academic coach, coordinator, and administrator before transitioning into higher education. In his current role, he also serves as an accreditation coordinator and faculty mentor for the Elevate-U initiative, which supports first-generation and underrepresented students through academic and engagement resources.
Dr. Solice’s is an active Chamber Ambassador, NYP Executive Committee member, and graduate of Leadership Natchitoches. He also volunteers with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Through mentorship, educational leadership, and community engagement, Dr. Solice continues to champion opportunities that support student success and workforce development throughout the region.
Dr. Jasmine Wise
Dr. Jasmine Wise serves as an Assistant Professor at Northwestern State University, where she has played an integral role in strengthening and expanding the university’s Black Studies program through curriculum development, internship partnerships, and community-focused programming. Her leadership bridges higher education, nonprofit work, and community-based research, focusing on creating inclusive initiatives that support education, housing, and community development.
Previously, Dr. Wise served as Director of Operations for a nonprofit organization in Atlanta, where she built operational infrastructure and launched programs focused on financial stability and community empowerment. She is also the founder of Prosper Projects, a project management firm that helps organizations and individuals transform ideas into measurable outcomes. A member of Leadership Natchitoches Cohort 6 and recipient of the SGA V.L. Roy Faculty Member of the Year Award, Dr. Wise is dedicated to mentorship, research, and initiatives that promote long-term community advancement.
Dr. Mary-Katherine Horton Maggio
Dr. Maggio is a lifelong Natchitoches resident who is deeply invested in the growth and success of Northwestern State University students and the broader community. As Director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement at NSU, she helps students develop leadership, event planning, and professional skills that prepare them for successful careers. Through mentorship, she has guided interns, supported graduate assistants in securing local employment opportunities, and created connections between students and community partners to strengthen workforce retention.
Dr. Maggio is actively involved in several local organizations, including the Service League of Natchitoches, the Natchitoches Historic Preservation Society, and multiple NSU initiatives focused on student wellness and engagement. She recently earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with research focused on orientation programs and their role in student success. Her passion for investing in students reflects her commitment to ensuring Natchitoches remains a thriving and welcoming community for future generations.
Award Ceremony:
The 2026 4 Under 40 honorees will be recognized during the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce Go Natchitoches Annual Awards Luncheon on February 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center. To learn more or register for the event, visit GoNatchitoches.com/Awards.
For additional information about the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, the Natchitoches Young Professionals program, and other community initiatives, please visit GoNatchitoches.com.
The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The Chamber is committed to championing business, connecting the community, and cultivating growth in Natchitoches Parish.
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Company Info
Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce
373 Second Street
Natchitoches, 71457