University of Cincinnati grads make Forbes 30 Under 30 list

Bearcat grads are well represented on a Forbes list of Cincy’s rising stars

Cincinnati residents have long understood the pronounced impact Bearcat graduates make on the Queen City. With its most recent 30 Under 30 list, Forbes’ editorial team is taking note, too.

The University of Cincinnati isn’t just Southwest Ohio’s premier talent hub; it’s also the region’s crossroads for innovation and impact. From groundbreaking research across advanced disciplines to promising startups at the 1819 Innovation Hub, UC’s impact on Cincinnati is unparalleled.

Below are five young and enterprising entrepreneurs with UC connections who are making waves in Cincinnati and beyond:

Chase Crawford: Founder, Four by Three Productions

Chase Crawford, like it or not, is probably funnier than you. The professional comedian and founder of Four by Three Productions has been cracking jokes for years, though he honed his skills while studying communication at UC.

Since graduating, he’s led Cincinnati-based Four by Three Productions through the production of almost a dozen feature films and has recorded stand-up comedy specials with leading comedians. In 2023, his company earned plaudits such as Best YouTube Special from The New York Times and Comedy Album of the Year from NPR.

Gus Ricksecker: Chief of staff, Councilmember Reggie Harris

Cincinnati City Hall. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand

Public service has always been a core value for Gus Ricksecker. From campaign internships while getting his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy at UC to his first full-time role at AmeriCorps post-graduation, Ricksecker loves serving in the government.

He took it to a whole new level in 2021 by heading up Councilmember Reggie Harris’ campaign for Cincinnati City Council. After a successful election, Harris named Ricksecker as his chief of staff. Ricksecker considers himself an “urban radicalist” and focuses on managing the city budget while advocating for equitable development, urban sustainability and affordable housing.

Romain Mayambi: Photographer, RedboxCtudios

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Romain Mayambi’s family moved to Cincinnati when he was 14. That, along with his decision to attend UC, shifted the trajectory of his life.

Mayambi’s best friend at UC introduced him to fashion photography, giving him an introduction to the Queen City’s creative community. He’s thrived ever since, as proven by his nearly 90,000-strong followers on Instagram. And fashion photography is just Mayambi’s side project — he works full time in the finance sector as well.

Molly Rizkallah: Co-founder, Cincy Carbon

Cincy Carbon logo. Photo/Cincy Carbon

Can manufacturers achieve their production goals while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions? Molly Rizkallah, the co-founder of Cincinnati-based startup Cincy Carbon, gives an emphatic “yes.”

Rizkallah’s company holds a clear purpose: “At Cincy Carbon, we are committed to providing innovative eco-friendly solutions for manufacturers. We are focused on reducing our clients’ environmental footprint and providing them the best possible manufacturing solutions.”

Others believe in Cincy Carbon’s mission, too: the startup, founded as Rizkallah pursued an MBA at UC, has already earned over $110,000 in funding.

David Wysong: News of now editor, The Cincinnati Enquirer

David Wysong, the youngest member of The Cincinnati Enquirer’s leadership team, has a way with words. That’s led him to a successful career at the Queen City’s top newspaper by readership.

Wysong, who holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UC, covers sports, entertainment and breaking news across Southwest Ohio. His reporting on Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” stop in Cincinnati brought millions of page views to The Enquirer and cemented his status as one of the region’s standout journalists.

Featured image at top: View of the Cincinnati skyline. Photo/Elliot Kolbus

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