The 2026 40 Under 40s will be announced next week! Watch for more info and a registration link to our awards event on May 28. Meantime, read about one of our 2025 Under 40s!
Erin Roethlisberger, Marketing Specialist – Social Media/Influencer for Cellcom
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I love to travel and visit new places. When the weather is nice, I take full advantage of hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and just about anything outdoors! I spend most of my time volunteering, especially at Happily Ever After Animals Sanctuary, and enjoy assisting in many aspects of their organization. When I’m not busy with animals, in the winter I can usually be found crocheting or reading a book!
What is one cause or issue that you’re especially passionate about, and why?
Animal welfare has always been at the top of the list. I have been a lifelong animal lover, and when I graduated college, I immediately became involved with Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary. I’ve seen firsthand how their efforts not only save lives but also create a ripple effect of positive change in communities.
What’s a failure or setback you experienced that ended up being a stepping stone to something greater?
One of the biggest setbacks I experienced was the unexpected loss of my late boyfriend to suicide. In an instant, my entire life completely changed. I wanted to take the pain I was feeling and do my best to make sure as few people as possible had to feel that same pain. I’ve made it my mission to help remove the stigma around suicide, bring light to suicide prevention and education, ensure that every member of our community has access to resources and help, and especially bring awareness to men’s mental health and mental health services. As a society we need to do better to make sure people don’t feel alone in their darkest moments.
Looking back, what personal experiences or milestones have had the greatest influence on your professional success?
Key experiences include fostering over 55 animals through Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary, which deepened my dedication to animal welfare. This has also taught me patience and to celebrate the little wins in life. Additionally, assisting in the development of the Women’s World Challenge for women’s sled hockey to be recognized at the 2030 Paralympics has taught me the value of advocacy and perseverance. Finally, the loss of my late boyfriend to suicide strengthened my passion for mental health awareness.
What legacy do you hope to leave, both in your career and in your community?
I hope to leave a legacy built on positive impact, both in my career and my community. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to see that small, consistent efforts can spark meaningful change and that each of us has the power to leave the world a little better than we found it.
