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Fort Worth STEAM Academy Founder and CEO Recognized for Leadership and Community Impact at Young Professionals Summit
FORT WORTH, Texas – The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce (FWC) has named Nicholas Ditto, Founder and CEO of Fort Worth STEAM Academy, as the 2025 recipient of its Young Professional of the Year Award. Selected for his visionary leadership and commitment to expanding educational and economic opportunities in Fort Worth, Ditto received the award at FWC’s Young Professionals Summit on Sept. 11 at the Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown.
FWC’s annual Young Professional of the Year Award, presented this year by YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, recognizes an individual between the ages of 21 and 40 who is blazing a path forward in Fort Worth — exemplifying leadership not only within their industry and organization, but also in the community. Nominees are evaluated by a committee of FWC board leaders.
“Each year, the Young Professional of the Year Award shines a spotlight on Fort Worth’s next generation of leaders,” said FWC President and CEO Steve Montgomery. “Nicholas represents the very best of what this award is all about — professional achievement matched with service to others and a vision for our city’s future. From launching the Fort Worth STEAM Academy to building community partnerships, his leadership is creating opportunities that will benefit families and Fort Worth for years to come.”
Ditto was recognized for his entrepreneurial leadership and community impact, including his work to launch Fort Worth STEAM Academy, a tuition-free public charter middle school slated to open in August 2026. As founder and CEO, he guided the academy from concept to state approval — one of only four new charters approved statewide in 2025. The academy reflects his commitment to preparing students for future success while strengthening Fort Worth’s workforce and economic competitiveness for decades to come.
He has also connected with hundreds of students through free STEAM programs offered in partnership with Fort Worth Community Centers, the YMCA, Girl Scouts, and Boys & Girls Club. Beyond working with youth, Ditto is active in SteerFW, the Fort Worth Chamber, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber, and the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber, reflecting his broader commitment to civic leadership.
“I'm deeply honored to be named the Fort Worth Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year — a recognition that reflects not just what I do, but the values I bring to serve our city,” said Ditto. “I believe education is the cornerstone of opportunity — for students, families, businesses, and the entire community. With the launch of Fort Worth STEAM Academy less than a year away, this award energizes me even more as we work to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in Fort Worth’s growing economy and help shape the city’s future.”
As award sponsor, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth President and CEO Mike Brown presented Ditto with the honor.
“At the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, we believe that when young leaders thrive, communities flourish. Supporting the Young Professional of the Year Award is a natural extension of our mission — it’s about lifting up individuals who are not only advancing in their careers, but who are giving back to Fort Worth in ways that matter,” said Brown. “Nicholas’ work reflects a deep commitment to equity, education and building systems that deliver long-term value for Fort Worth.”
ABOUT FWC’S YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes an individual between the ages of 21 and 40 who is blazing a path forward in Fort Worth, exemplifying leadership in their industry, organization and community. Nominees must be employed by a business located in Fort Worth and are evaluated by a committee of FWC board leaders based on professional achievement, leadership, community involvement, professional development, character, integrity and overall impression.
The award is presented annually at FWC’s Young Professionals Summit. More information on the award, as well as a list of past recipients, is available at fortworthchamber.com/young-professional-of-the-year/.
ABOUT FWC’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SUMMIT
The 2025 Young Professionals Summit, presented by UTA Fort Worth, brought together young professionals to connect, grow and envision their future. With the theme “Find It in Fort Worth,” the half-day event challenged attendees to define what success, leadership and fulfillment mean to them while exploring how Fort Worth’s economy, culture and community can support that journey.
Programming featured a keynote address by Aaron Hunt, Associate Principal and Managing Director at GFF Design, on embracing challenges and seizing opportunities. The event also included panel discussions on topics ranging from the future of work and AI, to career growth and financial stability, to networking and work-life balance. The Summit equips young professionals with tools, resources and connections to thrive personally and professionally while strengthening Fort Worth’s pipeline of future leaders.
ABOUT THE FORT WORTH CHAMBER
The Fort Worth Chamber, with more than 1,300 member businesses, serves as the leading voice of the business community in the fastest growing city in the nation. Through its core functions of leadership, engagement, and advocacy, the Chamber’s mission is to bring the Fort Worth region together to identify issues, solve problems and align resources resulting in a stronger business climate and greater economic prosperity for all.
For more information, visit fortworthchamber.com.
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