"We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men." – Herman Melville

Delaware Online has once again shone a spotlight on the individuals who are shaping the First State with its 2025 Most Influential series. This year's project, now in its fifth year, recognizes a diverse group of Delawareans making significant contributions across various sectors. From social media sensations to community leaders and innovative entrepreneurs, the series highlights the dedication, creativity, and drive that define Delaware's most impactful citizens.

The process of selecting the Most Influential is a meticulous undertaking, beginning as early as September. The Delaware Online team carefully considers nominees, refines categories, and introduces new elements to ensure the series remains fresh and relevant. The selection process involves thoughtful deliberation and debate, particularly when choosing the honorees for the prestigious Hall of Fame.

This year's series encompasses a wide spectrum of categories, reflecting the multifaceted nature of influence in contemporary society. The categories include:

Politics: Recognizing individuals shaping policy and governance.
Food: Celebrating chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary innovators.
Sports: Acknowledging athletes, coaches, and sports leaders.
Social Media: Highlighting individuals with a significant online presence who use their platform for positive impact.
Community Impact: Honoring those dedicated to improving the lives of Delawareans.
Health Care: Recognizing medical professionals and healthcare advocates.
Education: Celebrating teachers, administrators, and educational innovators.
Business: Acknowledging entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Arts and Entertainment: Highlighting artists, performers, and cultural influencers.
Law: Recognizing legal professionals who uphold justice and advocate for change.
Hall of Fame: Inducting individuals with a long-standing and profound impact on Delaware.
In an era where the term "influencer" can carry both positive and negative connotations, Delaware Online has focused on identifying individuals who leverage their influence for the greater good. The series celebrates those who are not merely seeking personal gain or fleeting notoriety, but rather those who are committed to improving lives, strengthening communities, and contributing to the advancement of society.

Highlighting the Honorees

This year's Most Influential series introduces readers to a captivating array of individuals, each with a unique story and a shared commitment to making a difference.

One of the standout honorees is Larry Pennington of Rehoboth Beach. This retired educator has captured the attention of over 230,000 followers on TikTok, where he shares glimpses of his "thrifted home" and showcases his distinctive fashion sense. Pennington's brightly colored suit jackets have become his signature, and his online presence demonstrates that style and substance can go hand in hand. His rise to social media prominence later in life serves as an inspiration to many.

India Colon-Diaz, vice president of Nuestras Raices Delaware, has been recognized for her profound impact on the community. An indigenous Arawak/Taino woman of Boriken descent, Colon-Diaz has played a pivotal role in the growth of Nuestras Raices Delaware, transforming it from a small community group into a powerful force for change. Her dedication to advocating for her community and preserving cultural heritage has earned her widespread admiration. Nuestras Raices Delaware is known for its work in promoting community development, cultural awareness, and social justice.

The entrepreneurial spirit is also celebrated in the series, with Zach DeLong and Leigh Ann Tona being recognized for their success in the food industry. This husband-and-wife team are the owners of Sleeping Bird Doughnuts in Talleyville, where they craft delectable, made-from-scratch doughnuts that have garnered a devoted following. Their commitment to quality and their passion for their craft have turned their dream into a thriving business. Sleeping Bird Doughnuts is known for its unique flavors and artisanal approach to doughnut making, drawing customers from across the region.

Engaging the Community

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, Delaware Online incorporated a new element into this year's Most Influential project. The team actively solicited nominations and input from readers, inviting them to share their suggestions for deserving Delawareans. This initiative resulted in an outpouring of support for individuals making a difference in various ways, further enriching the selection process and ensuring that the series truly reflects the voices of the community.

Words of Wisdom

A particularly poignant feature of this year's series is the inclusion of video messages from nearly a dozen honorees. In these videos, the honorees offer heartfelt advice to their younger selves, sharing valuable insights and lessons learned throughout their lives. These messages are filled with inspiration, offering guidance and encouragement to anyone facing challenges or seeking direction. The wisdom shared in these videos serves as a testament to the resilience, perseverance, and generosity of the Most Influential honorees.

A Celebration of Delaware's Finest

The 2025 Most Influential series is a testament to the remarkable individuals who call Delaware home. It celebrates the diversity, talent, and dedication that contribute to the state's vibrant character. The series acknowledges that influence can take many forms, from entertaining and inspiring to innovating and advocating.

While the series strives to recognize as many deserving individuals as possible, the Delaware Online team acknowledges that there are countless others who are making a positive impact on the state. The team expresses its gratitude to all those who are working to improve their communities and looks forward to sharing their stories in the future.

Delaware Online invites readers to explore the 2025 Most Influential series and to be inspired by the stories of these extraordinary Delawareans. The team also extends an invitation to readers to submit their nominations for the 2026 Most Influential series, ensuring that this important project continues to recognize and celebrate the individuals who are shaping the future of Delaware.