The Future40 Friday page features current and former recipients on a weekly basis. The responses below have been shared with MavPAC directly.
Libby Ediger
Class of 2019
January 20, 2023
Walter Blanks, Jr.
Class of 2022
January 13, 2023
About Walter
I work at the American Federation for Children which is an organization that prides itself on empowering families, especially lower-income families, with the freedom to choose the best K-12 education for their children. The very work that AFC has done for decades allowed me to leave my low performing public school and attend a school that my parents believed was a much better fit for me (and they were right!).
School choice saved my life and now I fight every day to ensure that every child has the same opportunity I did to live a better life and truly make a difference in the world. I have been all over the country working with governors, legislators, and parents to make sure education freedom is a realized dream for every student in America.
Future Plans
I plan to run for office in Tennessee. Starting local and then scheming for the White House.
Why MavPAC?
I really enjoy being surrounded by young like minded individuals who share a similar vision for what our country can stand for on the global scale. It's humbling to be working with people who are dedicated to saving our country and being a beacon of light for the rest of the world!
What is special about Future40?
The biggest benefit from Future40 is the networking opportunity. Future40 has been the honor of a lifetime but it's even better being able to celebrate and work with people who are leading the way in conservative values. To have the opportunity to contribute to something that's bigger than me truly is an honor.
Connect with Walter via LinkedIn.
Weston Wamp
Class of 2021
January 27, 2023
About Weston
Last year I was elected Hamilton County Mayor, the chief executive of Tennessee’s fourth largest county, which includes Chattanooga. As a former early stage investor and founder of the Millennial Debt Foundation, a nonprofit focused on the national debt, I’m focused on generational stewardship in government, from Tennessee to D.C. I’m also continuing to serve on the Tennessee Board of Regents as an appointee of Gov. Bill Lee. My wife, Shelby, and I live in Chattanooga with our four young children.
Future Plans
In addition to my full-time job as Hamilton County Mayor, my nonprofit launched a unique project in Tennessee last year called, “In the Black,” which is a community of like minded conservatives who are committed to live ‘in the black’ and govern ‘ in the black.’ The symbol of our in-state initiative is Tennessee’s first all-black license plate, which was approved by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2021.
What is your favorite part of MavPAC?
The geographical diversity. I could be headed to just about any major city in America and connect with young conservatives through MavPAC.
What is special about Future40?
Being a Future40 recipient opened up a network of hundreds of the most credible conservatives in America, who I hope to partner with for decades to come.
Connect with Weston via LinkedIn.
About Libby
Libby Ediger is the Chief Executive Officer at Holberton Tulsa, an innovative software engineering school with a mission to empower motivated and talented people, regardless of background, age, experience, or financial ability, to succeed in their dream career and learn to code. Under Libby’s leadership, Holberton Tulsa is poised to create the next-generation talent pipeline for the region, generating hundreds of new developers into the workforce.
Before launching Holberton Tulsa, Libby spent five years with Quorum, a B2B SaaS company in Washington, DC, where she was on the founding team and helped lead growth on the business development and marketing teams. She enjoys advocating for women and young people’s role in government as a MaverickPAC board member and has received the Maverick PAC Future40, Oklahoma Magazine 40 under 40, and Tulsa World Women to Watch awards.
Future Plans
If you've talked to me at any point in the last four years, you know I’ve become a hype woman for Tulsa, OK! The city is undergoing a tech-minded renaissance and I plan on playing my role in our transformation. It’s my firm belief that the east and west coasts don’t hold a monopoly on talent, but they have historically on opportunity. I’m eager to change that story.
What is your favorite part of MavPAC?
Conference is one of my favorite parts of Maverick PAC. It’s a chance to meet new people, learn from the best government and business professionals, and reconnect with our national network!
What is special about Future40?
Maverick PAC is a remarkable network of professionals bound together by a desire to see the United States continue to be the best place in the world to build a business and a life. I’ve met some of my dearest friends all while supporting candidates I believe in.
Connect with Libby via LinkedIn.
Simone Cherie
Class of 2017
February 10, 2023
About Simone
Simone Price (nee Perry) is the Director of Organizing at Center for Employment Opportunities - a national organization working to support people returning from prison or jail. In her role she oversees an innovative initiative to empower formerly incarcerated people to engage in criminal legal reform in cities across the country.
Simone is a passionate advocate for the elimination of collateral consequences stemming from criminal legal systems involvement - especially barriers to economic opportunity and civic participation.
Future Plans
I hope to get our directly impacted organizers out front on transformative criminal justice reform - I want to see us develop young leaders who have the drive to carry the work forward.
What is your favorite part of MavPAC?
At the sake of sounding nostalgic, I love being able to look back in awe at the personal and professional growth of the members. I was in my mid-twenties when I was introduced to MavPAC and I remember joining with folks who were still quite early in their careers and now that I'm 32, some of my peers have gone on to start great firms, hold elected office and more. It's really cool to see that.
What is special about Future40?
My career hasn't always enabled me to naturally connect with professionals who shared my interests or priorities, and I've made incredible relationships with MAVPAC alumni. It's truly the only network of its kind.
Connect with Simone via LinkedIn.