NATCHITOCHES – Dr. Dylan Solice, Dr. Jasmine Wise and Dr. Mary-Katherine Maggio are among this year’s recipients of the 4 Under 40 Awards presented by Natchitoches Young Professionals, an initiative of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce. The three, who serve as faculty and administrators at Northwestern State University, will be honored during the Chamber’s Go Natchitoches awards luncheon on Feb. 25. Natchitoches entrepreneur Crit Williams is the fourth honoree.
According to the Chamber, the four “represent strong leadership in Natchitoches through their professional accomplishments, commitment to service and dedication to strengthening the local community.
Now in its 11th year, the 4 Under 40 Awards recognizes young professionals who are making a meaningful difference in Natchitoches Parish through career excellence, civic engagement and community influence. Since the program’s inception, more than 40 professionals have been honored for their leadership and impact. Award recipients are selected by a panel of past honorees and NYP leadership, who evaluate nominees based on written submissions highlighting professional success, community involvement, and commitment to serving as role models in the region.
Solice is an assistant professor of education and program coordinator of Educational Leadership at NSU, where he prepares future educators and school leaders to create meaningful change in their fields. With a career rooted in K-12 education, Solice has served as a classroom teacher, academic coach, coordinator and administrator before transitioning into higher education. In his current role, he also serves as an accreditation coordinator and faculty mentor for the Elevate-U initiative, which supports first-generation and underrepresented students through academic and engagement resources.
Solice’s is an active Chamber Ambassador, NYP Executive Committee member and graduate of Leadership Natchitoches. He volunteers with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Through mentorship, educational leadership and community engagement, he continues to champion opportunities that support student success and workforce development throughout the region.
Wise serves as an assistant professor at NSU and has played an integral role in strengthening and expanding the university’s Black Studies program through curriculum development, internship partnerships and community-focused programming. Her leadership bridges higher education, nonprofit work and community-based research, focusing on creating inclusive initiatives that support education, housing and community development.
Previously, Wise served as director of Operations for a nonprofit organization in Atlanta, where she built operational infrastructure and launched programs focused on financial stability and community empowerment. She is also the founder of Prosper Projects, a project management firm that helps organizations and individuals transform ideas into measurable outcomes. A member of Leadership Natchitoches Cohort 6 and recipient of the SGA V.L. Roy Faculty Member of the Year Award, Wise is dedicated to mentorship, research and initiatives that promote long-term community advancement.
Maggio is a lifelong Natchitoches resident who is deeply invested in the growth and success of Northwestern State students and the broader community. As director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement, she helps students develop leadership, event planning and professional skills that prepare them for successful careers. Through mentorship, she has guided interns, supported graduate assistants in securing local employment opportunities and created connections between students and community partners to strengthen workforce retention.
Maggio is actively involved in several local organizations, including the Service League of Natchitoches, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation and multiple NSU initiatives focused on student wellness and engagement. She recently earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with research focused on orientation programs and their role in student success. Her passion for investing in students reflects her commitment to ensuring Natchitoches remains a thriving and welcoming community for future generations.
Williams has played a significant role in the continued development of Dark Woods Adventure Park, helping grow it into a regional attraction that draws tens of thousands of visitors annually while creating employment opportunities for local residents and Northwestern State students.
The Go Natchitoches Annual Awards Luncheon will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Natchitoches Events Center. To learn more or register visit https://gonatchitoches.com/chamber-connections/who-we-are/the-go-natchitoches-awards.
The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The Chamber is committed to championing business, connecting the community and cultivating growth in Natchitoches Parish. For additional information about the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, the Natchitoches Young Professionals program and other community initiatives, visit GoNatchitoches.com.