In March of last year, we highlighted 12 rising leaders in our inaugural  young professionals feature  (“Command and Deliver,” by Russell Nichols, March 2014). Here’s what a few of them have done since: 

Basim Elkarra

Basim Elkarra is gung-ho on change, open to new ideas and perspectives while heeding reasonable metrics and milestones for progress. Elkarra put his skills to the test with his campaign for a seat on the Twin Rivers School District board. He was unsuccessful in claiming the seat, but his resolve as a candidate and parent remains clear: “I want to raise my family here.”

Verna Sulpizio

Verna Sulpizio has worn many hats in her career, and this varied experience made Sulpizio the perfect candidate to head the Florin Road Partnership. One of the oldest property-based business improvement districts in the state, Florin provides a host of challenges and opportunities for the unflagging Sulpizio. She also chairs the Sacramento chapter of the Young Leaders Group of the Urban Land Institute.

Related: The Next Wave — 10 young professionals on our radar for 2015

Joshua Wood

As Executive Director of Region Builders Inc., Josh Wood’s most recent project is the Permit Simplicity pilot plan in Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova, which allows for one-day approvals on tenant improvement projects within those cities, modelled after the multi-million dollar success Phoenix experienced after launching the original initiative.

Emilie Cameron

Emilie Cameron recently transitioned from two years as senior public relations manager with 3Fold Communications to a new role as the policy and advocacy manager with the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. There she will tap her extensive experience to coordinate support from the business community to further the organizations goals of smart growth and business-forward policymaking.