Each year, the Philadelphia Business Journal recognizes some the region’s up-and-coming leaders for our annual 40 Under 40 program.

This year's class was selected from a pool of nearly 400 nominations, making it the most competitive year on the books.

That's reflected in the breadth of talent among this year's honorees, who span a broad range of industries including health care, legal services, nonprofit, real estate, finance and retail. Our 2025 list actually totals 41 individuals with a pair of business partners being recognized together.

Our 40 Under 40 honorees were selected by the Business Journal's editorial board for their impressive early career successes, as well as for the ways they give back to the community. This year's class was photographed at Otherworld in Northeast Philadelphia, with the immersive art experience providing an appropriate backdrop to showcase the bold creativity and eye-catching talent of these young business leaders.

Krystal McLaurin

Director of Construction, Mosaic Development Partners JV

Some of the region’s largest social impact projects are coming to fruition thanks to Krystal McLaurin. The director of construction for Philadelphia firm Mosaic Development Partners, she’s leading development of the $62 million, 87,000-square-foot AMY at James Martin Middle School in Port Richmond, as well as work on the Reverend Leon H. Sullivan Community Impact Center in North Philadelphia. In Southwest Philadelphia, she has been spearheading the New Africa Center, a mixed-use development that will include a museum and apartments. Such projects are aimed at creating vibrant communities and revitalizing underused spaces.

Age: 39

Education: B.A., marketing, Virginia Commonwealth University; M.A., project management with a concentration in construction management, Northeastern University

Originally from: Cheltenham

A word that best describes me: diligent

Before my 40th birthday, I’d like to: Not much before but on my 40th birthday I’d like to enjoy that time with my mother as we both have September 11 birthdays.

Bucket list item: Travel to Bali.

The most influential person on my career: Two influential people have significantly impacted my career. The first is Leslie Smallwood-Lewis, COO and co-founder of Mosaic Development Partners JV, who has been a mentor to me since I was 15 years old. The second is my former boss, Andrew J. Ferguson. From the moment we met, Andy took me under his wing and generously shared his knowledge, which plays a key role in helping me deliver successful projects.

A business icon I admire: Shirley Chisholm. As the first black woman in Congress, she inspires me often to stand in a male-dominated space and feel comfortable as her “take no stuff” attitude proves to be successful.

The most impactful change I’ve made in the local community: I was instrumental in revitalizing urban spaces with initiatives like the Rev. Leon H. Sullivan Community Impact Center, which transforms a historic building into a vibrant hub for empowerment and education, and the AMY at James Martin School, a forward-thinking educational facility designed to inspire future generations.

My advice for other young leaders: Study your craft, learn everything you can. The most powerful tool is education.

Favorite local restaurant: Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

Favorite stress reliever: Playing the "Call of Duty" video game.

Something I do daily to set my day up for success: Prayer, thanking God for all my blessings