BY TERESA ACKERMAN
Gazette Newspapers
MENTOR – On Thursday, Jan. 29, the United Way of Lake County held a ceremony at The Everly in Mentor honoring the 4 Under 40 winners for 2025.
This award acknowledges Lake County’s best and brightest young professionals for their hard work and achievements. It encompasses leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship and professional accomplishment.
Dione DeMitro, United Way of Lake County president and CEO, welcomed all in attendance at this ceremony and thanked and acknowledged the 4 Under 40 alumni who were present, as well.
Before DeMitro introduced the honorees for 2025, she shared the mission of the Emerging Leaders of the United Way of Lake County.
“The Emerging Leaders of United Way of Lake County seek to be catalysts for change in the lives of Lake County youth through leadership, advocacy, knowledge and education in order to facilitate positive behaviors that will create tomorrow’s leaders,” she said.
Videos were shown highlighting each of the winners and then each recipient was presented with an award from the United Way of Lake County.
Ashley Cozzens was the first person to receive an award for the evening.
She serves as the director of community relations for the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities and was acknowledged for leading countywide outreach, advocacy and inclusion initiatives which strengthen connections between individuals with developmental disabilities and the broader community.
She was also acknowledged for volunteering with the Deepwood Foundation, Meals on Wheels, the Lake County Aktion Club, United Way of Lake County, Forbes House. To name a few.
Cozzens thanked the United Way for this award.
“I want to thank my family, friends and co-workers for being here,” said Cozzens. “I am honored, humbled and grateful to have received this award.”
DeMitro then introduced Joel DiMare Jr.
DiMare currently serves as the director of administrative services for the Lake County Commissioners’ Office. DiMare provides strategic leadership in budgeting, workforce development, labor relations and long-range financial planning.
He was the first chair of the Emerging Leaders and is a dedicated supporter of the United Way of Lake County.
He helped strengthen young professional engagement in Lake County by merging the Emerging Leaders with FUEL.
DiMare also serves on the Boards of AWT and OHPELRA and supports the Santa program at Caley’s Home.
“I want to thank my family and especially my parents who are here,” said DiMare. “Thank you to my wife, Katherine, who pushed me to be the best version of myself.”
DiMare also thanked Richard Regovich – Lake County Commissioner who recently passed away – for believing in him and for challenging him.
DeMitro then introduced Zerina Hutchinson.
She is dedicated to supporting women’s wellness and families in Lake County.
She is a Bosnian refugee turned American citizen.
Hutchinson is the owner of FIT4MOM in Lake County and helps women access health and connection for mothers by creating a supportive community that nurtures confidence, well-being and belonging.
In addition to being a business owner and community leader, Hutchinson serves as secretary of The Community Baby Shower board. This organization helps provide essential items to families in need and organizes charitable drives and free community events such as Celebration of Mama. She is a powerful advocate for women and families.
A very emotional Hutchinson accepted the award and thanked everyone for their support. She thanked her parents for all that they have done for her.
“I am an immigrant and a refugee from Bosnia,” said Hutchinson. “My parents gave me values and compassion and taught me the importance of showing up for others. This helped shape who I am.”
DeMitro introduced the final award winner for the evening, Brandon Morse.
Morse is the owner of Furniture Warehouse Ohio, which started as a small wholesale business in 2013 and turned into a retail company with showrooms in Mentor and Twinsburg.
Morse was born and raised in Painesville and believes that a business should serve its community.
He has been able to raise funds for Subzero Mission, Lake Humane Society, United Way of Lake County, A Special Wish and Addie Strong, to name a few, through Furniture Warehouse Ohio.
Morse also sponsors youth sports and coaches.
Morse is known for his generosity, encouragement and family values.
Morse thanked the United Way of Lake County for the award.
He jokingly shared that he was nominated for the award before he turned 40.
