Kayla Mendez named 2023 Top 20 Under 40 winner

Pantexan Kayla Mendez has been recognized by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce as a 2023 Top 20 Under 40 Award winner.

The award is given annually to area early career professionals who demonstrate professional excellence and bring value to the Amarillo business community.

An Amarillo native, Mendez has worked at Pantex since 2015. She has been part of teams that have earned Defense Programs Awards of Excellence in 2019 and 2020.

In addition to her efforts at Pantex, Mendez is very active in giving back to her community.

She participates in a wide range of Pantex volunteer efforts and serves as a board member for the Amarillo Independent School District.

“I’ve always liked to try and give back,” she said. “Learning the other side of how a district runs and how the legislative part of things runs – the background and budgets – are eye opening. I have a deep appreciation for teachers, and this gives me even more appreciation.”

To be eligible for the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Top 20 under 40 Award, the candidates must be employed in the area for at least three years and in the same field during that time, though not necessarily at the same businesses. Winners were selected by judges who reviewed nominations and picked the top 20 award winners as up‑and‑coming Amarillo professionals who are standouts in their professions.

“It’s humbling,” Mendez said of the award she has earned. “I love helping and love being around the kids and giving something back to the community. For my work, I want do a good job with the utmost quality and to the best of my ability and to be successful so that Pantex is successful. It’s humbling, and I’m honored to be recognized.”