A Look Back at 40 Under 40

What do Spanx creator Sara Blakely, entertainment mogul Tyler Perry and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams have in common? All were selected earlier in their careers to be one of Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40.

Young Stars: Spanx’s Sara Blakely (top right) in 2002

Blakely, who was an emerging entrepreneur when she was featured in the October 2002 issue, went on to become the world’s youngest female self-made billionaire 10 years later.

Perry, who had recently opened Tyler Perry Studios when he made the list 15 years ago, has since built an entertainment empire, directing, producing and acting in countless award-winning television shows and films. Perry also acquired a 330-acre lot on which he built his newest studio, one of the largest production facilities in the country, and recently signed a four-movie deal with Amazon.

And Abrams, who was a 30-year-old deputy city attorney when she was recognized in 2004, is now one of the most prominent Black politicians in the United States. The voting rights activist and bestselling author was recently appointed as the inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics at Howard University.

As in years past, this year’s 40 Under 40 list is filled with hardworking, creative and altruistic Georgians who not only shine in their work but also give back to the community. So don’t be surprised if one or more of them also become a household name someday. They most certainly have the drive, the intelligence and the heart to get there.