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ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ alumni recognized in Erie Reader's 40 Under 40 class

Published: 07/09/2025

Headshots of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ alumni who are in the Erie Reader's 40 Under 40: Class of 2025

Congratulations to Erie’s 40 Under 40: Class of 2025, as selected by the Erie Reader.  

Erie’s 40 Under 40 recognizes individuals who are involved and invested in the community and celebrates “Erie’s young talent, as well as a reminder that emerging leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs are continually living and thriving in Erie,” according to the publication's website.   

“I am so incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped me along my journey, including all the wonderful people I had the pleasure of meeting, collaborating with, and learning from during my five years in maroon and gold,” said alumnus Ethan Bennett, one of this year’s honorees. “I would not be where I am today without the support of the Golden Knight community, and I could not be more thankful.” 

We are so proud of all our ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ alumni who have been recognized this year. You can learn more about each of them below: 

 

Ethan Bennett, 25, works with the Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) as a loan officer but is also heavily involved in the Erie community. Bennett is a member of the Community Action Media (CAM) board, the vice-chair of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ’s College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences’ advisory board, and as a member of the fund development committee for the Emerging Erie Funds. 

 

Maurice Clarke, 38, works as a licensed professional counselor and as the minority veterans program coordinator at the Erie VA Medical Center. He also works as a child and adolescent therapist at LECOM Health’s Achievement Center. Clarke also helped launch a faith-based program to help families cultivate Christ-centered home and co-owns his wife’s event planning business. 

 

Damali Donovan, 32, works within Erie to address limiting factors in the community. Her work has included time with United Way of Erie County and the Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory School System, where she currently works as an admissions director. She is also a Raimy Fellow for the Jefferson Educational Society. Donovan has dedicated her work to addressing youth homelessness and improving education access. Donovan is also an artist in her free time.   

 

Kaitlyn Falk, 29, has lived in Erie since she came to ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ 12 years ago. At ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance. Now, Falk works in Erie’s public schools as the district wellness manager. She also works with organizations like Our West Bayfront and the Erie Downtown Partnership (EDP) to promote fitness programs, including working as a co-creator of West Bay Fit and West Bay Walks programs, and as a volunteer at free fitness programing hosted by the EDP.  

 

Grant Filbeck, 26, currently works as the district manager of Junior Achievement of Western PA, helping to coordinate K-12 educational programs across the region. Filbeck also works with groups like Erie’s Multicultural Health Evaluation Delivery System, Young Erie Professionals and the Erie Chamber Ambassadors. Filbeck is also heavily involved in work with the Erie County Democrats and even collects political memorabilia from both parties.   

Ash Jones, 36, is working to bridge the gap in financial literacy by hosting workshops and programs that focus on finance, housing, grants and loans at the ERIEBANK branch on Parade Street as the community office manager. Jones also works to highlight local business, athletes and events through media production with his company Ground 0 Visuals. The former ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ defensive back even helps his father run the Metro Youth Football League. 

 

Rachel Loper, 29, works as an associate attorney at MacDonald, Illig, Jones, & Britton for their Banking, Real Estate and Business Transactions practice groups. She has been described as “one of the brightest legal minds that we have in our community” and works behind-the-scenes on countless transactions and key large-scale projects. Beyond her work, Loper also serves on the board of directors for Early Connections and the vice president of Young Erie Professionals. This year, Loper was awarded the Pro Bono Award by the Erie County Bar Association. 

 

James Marsh, 31, works as the field government relations specialist for Erie Insurance. He explained that in his role he educates employees about how state and federal government works and their impact on the company and in their lives. Marsh received his bachelor’s from ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ in 2016 and spent the beginning of his career working for Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey and Congressman Mike Kelly but eventually made the decision to work in the private sector. 

 

Hannah Rhodes, 27, received a degree in early childhood education and special education from ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ in 2020. Today, she uses her degree to help Erie connect with nature by designing and implementing educational programs at the Lake Erie Arboretum and Frontier Park (LEAF). She also works as the coordinator for ReLeaf, a tree planting initiative, and as a volunteer coordinator for Erie Farm to School programs which connect local farms with schools to teach students about food systems and healthy eating. 

 

Amber Rose Stilwell, 35, works as a coastal outreach specialist with Pennsylvania’s Sea Grant. Stilwell helps with planning, developing, implementing and evaluating regional outreach programs. In her role as Penn State Extension’s master watershed steward coordinator, she addresses invasive species outreach, native tree plantings, water quality monitoring and coordination with local watershed associations. Stilwell volunteers as the sitting chair of the Pennsylvania Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force and the Aquatic Invasive Species Education and Outreach Committee. 

 

Patrice Swick, 32, works as a Neighborhood Engagement Specialist for the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network. Swick attended ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ for undergraduate and graduate studies and took part in programs like Alternative Break Service Trips (ABSTs) and Habitat for Humanity. She dedicates her life to serving her community working and volunteering as the vice president of Groundwork Erie, a member of the Erie Spiritual Coalition and as a youth mentor with NWPA Family Services. 

To read the original feature, Erie's 40 Under 40: Class of 2025, in the Erie Reader, please click . 

Photos courtesy of Jessica Hunter Photography