Five Cleveland State University alumni have been named to Crain’s Cleveland 40 Under 40 list for 2024, celebrating their achievements and leadership across diverse fields throughout the region. From law and real estate to social services and technology, the honorees exemplify the Viking spirit of resilience, innovation, and community impact. Anastasia Elder (JD ’18), Mohammad Faraj (BA ’11), Andrew Gotlieb (MUPD ’12), Crystal Ann Hall (BA ’11), and Myesha Watkins (BSW ’10, MSW ’14) are not only excelling in their careers but also driving meaningful change in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Anastasia Elder (JD ’18), an associate at UB Greensfelder, sees litigation as a creative problem-solving process. Specializing in complex business disputes, she helps clients navigate issues through negotiation or, when necessary, court. A first-generation college graduate, Elder also gives back by mentoring Cleveland Metropolitan School District students through College Now Greater Cleveland, helping them transition to college life. With her drive and determination, she envisions a future leading the firm as a partner, continuing to combine her legal expertise with creative solutions to help clients achieve the best outcomes.
Mohammad Faraj (BA ’11) is navigating the evolving world of cryptocurrency as an enterprise risk manager at Bitcoin Depot, where he identifies and mitigates risks within the volatile industry. With a background in fintech, Faraj combines his deep technical knowledge with strong communication skills to guide the company through shifting regulations and emerging challenges. Outside of work, he’s committed to empowering the next generation of leaders through his role as co-founder of the Arab Americans of Cleveland (AAC), offering mentorship to young professionals. Faraj's own journey, shaped by the guidance he received as a first-generation Palestinian-American, fuels his dedication to helping others thrive.
Andrew Gotlieb (MUPD ’12) is continuing a family legacy in the building industry as president of Keystate Homes & Development, a company founded by his parents in 1979. After earning degrees in urban geography and urban planning, Gotlieb reactivated the company during a time when the housing market was struggling. Today, he is not only leading his family business but also advocating for the housing industry as president-elect of the Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland. Gotlieb is deeply committed to his community, also serving on the board of the Anti-Defamation League to fight hate and support philanthropic causes. Driven by a desire to make his family proud, Gotlieb is shaping the future of residential development in Cleveland.
Crystal Ann Hall (BA ’11) has always been driven by a passion for helping her community, especially the Black and brown communities that shaped her upbringing. Raised by her Puerto Rican grandparents, Hall’s commitment to service was influenced by her father’s career as a police officer and her mother’s community work. From her first experience as a bilingual poll worker in college, Hall knew she wanted to make a difference. Today, as the Northeast Ohio outreach supervisor for Help Me Grow, she provides vital resources and support to families with young children, focusing on early intervention and development. With years of experience working with marginalized communities, Hall is dedicated to creating lasting change by empowering families and fostering partnerships across the region.
Myesha Watkins (BSW ’10, MSW ’14) is dedicated to creating a world free of violence through her work as executive director of the Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance. The nonprofit focuses on reducing street violence, supporting victims, and providing resources to young people to steer them away from gangs. Watkins’ leadership ensures that her team remains consistent in their mission to address gun violence in Cleveland’s most impacted neighborhoods. In addition to her work with the Peacemakers, Watkins founded Counseling for the Culture, offering mental health support to Black Clevelanders. A passionate advocate for community-based solutions, she continues to learn and grow in her field, most recently graduating from the University of Chicago’s Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy.
