Young professionals deserve recognition

Selecting the honorees for our Women in Leadership and Young Professionals issues is one of the editorial team’s most important responsibilities, and one we take very seriously.

While interviewing 2026 Young Professional Katie Durham for her profile, she mentioned experiencing imposter syndrome throughout her career and even after being selected as one of this year’s 10 honorees. I’d felt something similar while reading through dozens of nominations and trying to identify the standouts from an overwhelmingly impressive group. Who am I to decide?

Katie’s advice was to lean on our peers when self-doubt creeps in, knowing we’re rarely alone in those feelings. I’m reassured by the fact that the Comstock’s editors truly work as a team, with complementary expertise and experience. Each year, after independently reviewing a long list of nominees, we arrive at many of the same names and easily reach a consensus on who we think deserve recognition.

So to our Young Professionals — and to anyone in a leadership role who wonders whether they’re good enough — remember that you’re here because the people around you believe you are the right person for the job.

I’m pleased to present five of our 2026 Young Professionals. Stay tuned for five more next week.

– Dakota Morlan, managing editor

Comstock’s 2026 Young Professionals: Makayla Ciminelli Is Creating Opportunities for Sacramento’s Small Businesses

Raised in Fresno and driven by a lifelong work ethic, Makayla Ciminelli went from early-morning barista shifts to helping lead Five Star Bank’s support for Sacramento businesses.

Sarah Costa Is Bringing Patients’ Stories Into Health Care Decisions

Years after seeing her newborn sons cared for at Sutter’s NICU, Sarah Costa now works behind the scenes on the partnerships and policies that affect patients.

Dana Cruz Is Solving Problems in California’s Courts

After working in the State Senate and Department of Finance, Dana Cruz now helps address some of the complicated issues facing California’s justice system.

Katie Durham Is Building the Network Behind Sacramento’s Next Leaders

From lantern festivals on the I Street Bridge to young professional networking, Katie Durham’s career has focused on bringing people into the conversation.

Jacob Sacks Is Cultivating Sacramento’s Food Entrepreneurs

Although he considers himself an outsider to the food world, Jacob Sacks has played a behind-the-scenes role in the growth of Sacramento’s small food businesses.

Some recommendations from our editors

Judy: The Comstock’s crew enjoyed a fun night celebrating the historic Elks Tower 100th anniversary. It was a nice celebration of the grand building on J Street that overlooks the city. Historic items from the Elks Tower were auctioned off, and we had a great time bidding on them. Souvenirs from when Frank Sinatra played in the ballroom were auctioned, as well as beautiful antique mirrors and lamps. But I was drawn to the most unusual item — a cannon! Yes, an antique cannon. I actually made a bid on it and thought it was mine until an unknown bidder swept in at the last minute and outbid me. If I got it, it could have been quite a conversation piece.

Odds and ends

Our July issue celebrates America’s 250th anniversary and the Capital Region’s emerging young leaders. Read it now on your computer, phone or tablet.

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