A Rossford resident is among those recently recognized at the 27th annual 20 Under 40 Leadership Program. The 20 award recipients were selected from a field of 168 candidates.

Jessica Martin

Crowned Cakes by Jess began as a home business and transitioned to a bakery in Rossford three years ago. In response to the pandemic when months of wedding and birthday cake orders were canceled, Mrs. Martin offered virtual cake classes that continue in popularity. She has interviewed for national baking shows and is a regular on local stations chatting about all things sugar.

Besides baking, Mrs. Martin is active as a volunteer model for local fundraiser fashion shows and a regular supporter of the Victory Center. She participated in “Over the Edge,” by raising funds and rappelling down a 16-story building. She is a supporter of “Icing Smiles,” a national non-profit that provides custom cakes to families with children dealing with critical illnesses.

Mrs. Martin recently represented Rossford in the Mrs. Ohio America pageant, receiving the Overall Fitness and Director’s Choice awards. Her platform for Mrs. Rossford is “rise up,” inspired by her personal story of overcoming obstacles. Currently, she is a model in Bennington Pontoon’s national advertising campaign.

The 20 Under 40 program focuses on individuals in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their career and/or in the community.

An independent panel selects the 20 candidates for recognition. It is intended that the program will further motivate area young leaders.

Since 1996, 540 young, community leaders have been recognized through the program.