Twenty in their 20s 2026: TC Nash, Luci Patin, Tatiana Gonzalez Quiroga, Kendrick Henson and Jacob Loveland

TC Nash, 29

Communications manager, People’s Climate Innovation Center; Founder, Twenty-Four Nineteen

As if leading a national charge to increase youth and young professional involvement in climate-related initiatives wasn’t enough, Nash also runs her own communications firm. Her goal is to advance equity, community power and justice-centered storytelling. “The process of moving people to act is an art and a science that I never get tired of exploring,” Nash says.

How do you define success?
I am defining success in authenticity. In every space I am able to be myself and confidently make decisions for my peace and happiness, I am counting it as a win.

Why is giving back to the community important to you?

The causes I am currently working to support are a direct reflection of my identity as a Black, masculine presenting and queer woman. It is a joy to engage with young and queer people and provide mentorship as they prepare to take new steps in their lives.

Advice for your 18-year-old self?

The world is as scary as you think, but we do it. We find our people, they love us and we can go farther than your wildest dream, so dream!

Luci Patin, 22

Assistant director of NIL, LSU Athletics

Patin says she loves getting to watch student-athletes “put in the work and then actually achieve what they set out to do” in her fast-paced position in NIL at LSU. She has also been a member of the worship team at Journey Church in Central for eight years, a role she says “keeps my heart aligned and reminds me that my purpose is not about personal achievement.”

What’s your greatest accomplishment so far?

Buying my first home at 22! Having people who believed in me, encouraged me and helped guide me through made all the difference.

What part of your work do people not see?

There is a lot of planning, problem solving, relationship building and constant communication that goes into making things look seamless. Working with student-athletes means not just managing opportunities but walking alongside people as they grow, navigate pressure and figure out who they are and how they want to be perceived.

Advice for your 18-year-old self?

Trust the process and don’t rush it. You do not have to have everything figured out right away. Stay focused, work hard, keep your faith at the center, and trust that the doors meant for you will open at the right time.

Tatiana Gonzalez Quiroga, 26

Southeast territory government relations director, Alzheimer’s Association

“Generation gap” means nothing to Gonzalez Quiroga, who spends her days advocating for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Among the legislation she has crafted are a bill establishing the Louisiana Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Advisory Council and one providing funding to create a statewide Dementia Care Specialist Program. “This investment will directly help family caregivers and loved ones receive community support,” she says.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Working with our community members and empowering them to share their stories with state leaders. It’s even more meaningful when one of our initiatives becomes a reality due to our collective advocacy efforts.

How do you define success?

To me, success means the ability to do good in this world every day. I try to take success one day at a time.

What’s your next big goal?

We’re in a historic moment for Alzheimer’s treatment and diagnostics. My next big goal is to make sure Louisiana is prepared to help residents get the care and support they need in this new era of treatment.

Kendrick Henson, 26

Program manager, Baton Rouge Youth Coalition

Henson’s talent for reaching students came to light quickly during a two-year stint with Teach for America, where he earned multiple major awards and served as a regional board member. In his current role with BRYC, leaders say he has “absolutely transformed the organization” by building a Youth Participatory Action Research Program for eighth-graders.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Teaching students skills beyond formal academics—things like post-secondary exploration, discovering extracurricular passions and finding meaningful ways to get involved in their community.

Why is giving back to the community important to you?

Community resources helped shape me into the person I am today. Because I benefited from those systems, I feel a responsibility to contribute to them and strengthen them for the next generation.

What makes you so passionate about working with students?

I truly believe every child wants to do good in the world. However, access to the resources that help them live out their purpose aren’t always readily available. It brings me immense joy to be able to help youth “find their thing.”

Jacob Loveland, 24

Commercial real estate broker, Elifin Realty

Selling the first hotel in his company’s history earlier this year is one of the highlights of Loveland’s young career, which also includes closing 102 deals with more than $15 million in volume. He is also the co-founder and a board member of The NextWave Network, which brings together young professionals for connections in support of career growth.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Seeing that smile on a client’s face after I am able to help them grow their business or expand their investment portfolio.

How do you define success?

If you wake up every day and are truly happy in your life, then you are successful.

What part of your work do people not see?

From making that first call to securing a listing to actually closing the deal can be a long process with no guarantee that it will close.

What’s your personal pep talk?

Don’t sit and wait for the train to pass.