Comstock’s was humbled by the high number of nominations we received for our 2025 Young Professionals issue. In fact, we got the most nominations ever. There are so many impressive rising stars in our region, we thought we’d ask some of the nominees their thoughts on leadership, how they spend their workday and what advice they have for others who are just starting out.

Ashley Zavala, the Capitol correspondent for KCRA-TV, is well known around the corridors of the state Capitol. You can even say she’s feared. The Capital Weekly dubbed her the “Oh, s**t” reporter because that’s what some lawmakers say when they see her coming. 

It’s been a busy year for Camille Zapata, 29. In June, the political strategist marked her first anniversary as the digital director for Gov. Gavin Newsom, in a year marked by the devastating LA fires and the return of the Trump administration.

If someone has a good hobby recommendation for Christine Wolfe, she would love to hear it. Until then, daily life for this director of government affairs for WM for California, Nevada and Hawaii is primarily about work.

Charanjeet “Charlie” Kaur Tiwana-Purewal was studying for the LSAT when her older sister pointedly asked her, “Why do you want to be a lawyer?” When she couldn’t come up with a good answer, Tiwana-Purewal decided against law school.

Freddie Silveria, 35, has charisma. Asked about his craft as owner of FSA Auctions, he erupts into the exuberant cadence and gesticulations of an auctioneer, unfazed by the surrounding cafe patrons. But he also knows the art of silence, and he’s not afraid to sit in it. 

In general, players know to watch out for the younger players, who can be child prodigies who rapidly increase their ratings. “They say when his feet don’t touch the floor, you’re in trouble,” local player Paul Taylor said.

Brandon Kennedy, 32, is a program manager for Improve Your Tomorrow, a nationwide nonprofit that helps young people transfer to four-year universities. Over the course of a few years, Kennedy has helped 25 boys do this.

Blake Johnson, 37, once told himself he wouldn’t follow his mother’s career path. She’d been an educator — both a teacher and a principal— and while he respected her work, he wouldn’t pursue the same trajectory. He eventually changed his mind, setting off on a course that ultimately led him to his current role as chief strategy officer at Child Action.

Jack Davis, 32, has a unique background as a lawyer but has found that researching, writing and arguing cases as associate attorney at Kershaw Talley Barlow is the perfect melding of his many skills and passions.