Meet Delaware's Most Influential People for 2023

Delaware News Journal
·3 min read
President Joe Biden gestures to the crowd during the University of Delaware's 2022 Commencement at Delaware Stadium, Saturday, May 28, 2022.
President Joe Biden gestures to the crowd during the University of Delaware's 2022 Commencement at Delaware Stadium, Saturday, May 28, 2022.

Three years into the pandemic, our lives continue to be shaped by COVID-19, as we reach the mid-point of the Biden presidency and anticipate the 2024 campaign.

Once again, we want to pause and take notice of the people in our state who work, both in the limelight and behind the scenes, to influence this place we call home, and who continue to shape its future.

For the third year, Delaware Online/The News Journal sought to highlight those who have a big impact in the First State – from political and legal leaders to those in the sectors of business, entertainment, sports, education, health and social justice

For the first time, we have included a social media category, for leaders with great viral influence in spaces including TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.

We will unveil our Most Influential people on Tuesday, March 21.

But before that, we will introduce you to our inaugural Delaware Influencers Hall of Fame at noon on Monday, March 20, as we install our first nine members, all highly influential people who appeared on our lists in 2021 and 2022.

It's a given that you won't agree with all of our selections. That's to be expected. This group is more about who had an impact on our lives rather than popularity contest.

These lists are in no way comprehensive. But they’re important, as a means of recognizing those working hard throughout our state, or whose actions alter a significant aspect about it, and as a reminder of who to watch throughout 2023 and beyond.

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🔒We kick off our Most Influential Hall of Fame with 6 Delaware leaders

Tamika Montgomery-Reeves in November 2015
Tamika Montgomery-Reeves in November 2015

The first 9 Delaware leaders inducted into our Most Influential Hall of Fame include a sitting president, philanthropists, star woman athlete and more.

Hall of Fame:Delaware's most influential people

🔒 Meet the 10 most influential people on social media in Delaware

Delaware loves SoBear, EVO champs, TikTok and YouTube stars and other making social media waves.

Social media: Delaware's most influential people

🔒 Meet the 13 most influence people in law in Delaware in 2023

From advocating on behalf of the falsely accused to making path to becoming a lawyer more inclusive, these leaders have the most influence on the law.

Law: Delaware's most influential people

🔒 Meet the 15 most influential sports figures in Delaware in 2023

Delaware athletic director Chrissi Rawak watches the Rhode Island possession in the first overtime of Delaware's 44-36, three overtime win at Rhode Island's Meade Stadium Saturday.
Delaware athletic director Chrissi Rawak watches the Rhode Island possession in the first overtime of Delaware's 44-36, three overtime win at Rhode Island's Meade Stadium Saturday.

A woman baseball coach, two physical therapists and an Olympic hopeful make our list of Delaware's most influential sports leaders.

Sports: Delaware's most influential people

🔒 Meet the most influential people in politics in Delaware in 2023

Governor John Carney delivers the State of the State address in the Senate Chamber of Legislative Hall in Dover, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. Much of the governor's speech focused on education, including pay increases for teachers.
Governor John Carney delivers the State of the State address in the Senate Chamber of Legislative Hall in Dover, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. Much of the governor's speech focused on education, including pay increases for teachers.

Volunteers, lobbyists, a university president and a presidential speech writer are among the most influential people in politics in Delaware.

Politics: Delaware's most influential people

🔒 Meet the 17 most influence people in health care in Delaware for 2023

Beebe Healthcare and the Delaware Rural Health Initiative recently honored three physicians for their role integrating behavioral health services at La Red Health Center in Sussex County. From left to right, Dr. David Tam, Beebe Healthcare CEO; Brian Olson, La Red CEO; Dr. Mark Borer, Psychiatric Access; Psychiatrist Dr. Jose Capiro; Dr. Fabricio Alarcon, CMO at La Red Health Center and Betsy Wheeler with Delaware Rural Health Initiative.

Meet our 2023 most influential people in healthcare, from a lead-free advocate to the founder of Black Mothers in Power and more.

Health: Delaware's most influential people

🔒 Meet the 14 most influential in the food industry in Delaware for 2023

Dru Tevis, head pastry chef for SoDel Concepts hospitality group based in Sussex County, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at Bluecoast restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tevis competed on the Food Network series Holiday Baking Championship and won the competition.
Dru Tevis, head pastry chef for SoDel Concepts hospitality group based in Sussex County, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at Bluecoast restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tevis competed on the Food Network series Holiday Baking Championship and won the competition.

From hot TV chefs to a non-profit CEO, these are the 14 people making the biggest waves in food and dining in Delaware.

Food:Delaware's most influential people

🔒 Meet the 15 Most Influential entertainment figures in Delaware in 2023

Aubrey Plaza attends the 2022 Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 28, 2022 in New York City.
Aubrey Plaza attends the 2022 Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 28, 2022 in New York City.

An A-list celebrity, a Black country star. Meet the people who make entertainment headlines in Delaware.

Entertainment:Delaware's most influential people

🔒 Meet the 15 most influential business leaders in Delaware in 2023

Founder and Owner Markevis Gideon, at left, accompanied by Governor John Carney, speaks at the grand opening of NERDiT NOW's 50,000-square-foot warehouse near East Side Charter School in Wilmington, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. NERDiT NOW is Delaware's only R2 certified electronics recycler and has received a lot of local recognition for its community initiatives and its training program.

CEOs, developers, entrepreneurs and more among 15 Delaware's Most Influential business leaders.

Business: Delaware's most influential people

🔒 Meet the 12 people who made a community impact in Delaware in 2023

Delaware State University lacrosse player and school newspaper reporter Sydney Anderson received the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association's 2022 Tina Sloan Green Award for writing the story that broke the news about the controversial stop and search of the team's bus in Georgia.
Delaware State University lacrosse player and school newspaper reporter Sydney Anderson received the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association's 2022 Tina Sloan Green Award for writing the story that broke the news about the controversial stop and search of the team's bus in Georgia.

Expanding access to the arts, raising awareness about addiction, supporting those facing homelessness, addiction: 12 Delawareans making a difference.

Community impact: Delaware's most influential people

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Introducing Delaware's Most Influential People for 2023