Editor’s note: Twenty under 40! is a collaborative effort between the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce’s ystark! and the Canton Repository. It recognizes young professionals in Stark County. This year’s honorees are being featured weekdays leading up to the awards celebration, which will be June 25 at the Cultural Center for the Arts in Canton.
Abigail Spraggins enjoys helping others.
So much so she founded Abby’s Helping Hands, Hopeful Hearts, a 100% volunteer‑based nonprofit created to ensure the long‑term sustainability and expansion of the Adopt‑a‑Family program, supporting low‑income families and homeless teens across multiple school districts.
Spraggins, 34, who lives in New Franklin, and her agency help students in Northeast Ohio school districts, including Canton City and North Canton.
“My future goals are centered on continuing to grow as a leader while expanding my impact both professionally and in the community, while also building a strong and meaningful family life,” Spraggins said.
“I aspire to advance in my career by taking on roles that allow me to solve complex problems, drive meaningful improvements, and mentor others, especially young professionals and women entering STEM fields. I want to continue using my technical background and leadership experience to create positive, lasting change within the organizations I serve.”
She previously worked as a chemical process engineer and operations leader at Allegheny Technologies in Louisville and a quality supervisor at RealTruck A.R.E. in Massillon.
She has been recognized for sustained service and leadership with numerous honors, including the University of Akron Alumni Association 5 Under 35 Award (Class of 2025) and Jaycees/JCI honors at the local, state and national levels, including Jaycee of the Year, Outstanding State Vice President, Officer of the Year, and JCI Senatorship, the highest honor given to a member of Junior Chamber International.
She’s a longstanding advocate and leader for individuals with disabilities, serving as board chair for Whole Latte Love Café and Whole CommUNITY Academy and helping to raise significant funding for vocational habilitation and support programs.
She had served as District 5 Science Day judging coordinator, mentoring students and promoting STEM education while encouraging women and young professionals to pursue engineering and science careers. She also has served the Girl Scouts (earning Bronze, Silver, Gold and Religious Awards) with mission trips and mentoring, via thousands of volunteer hours.
She graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, and the University of Akron with a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering, with a minor in chemistry and a polymer specialization certificate.
“I look forward to starting a family and raising children with the same values that guide my work today service, compassion, integrity, and a commitment to community,” Spraggins said. “I hope to model the importance of giving back, being resilient, and treating others with empathy, so that service and leadership become a natural part of their lives as well.”
Who nominated Abigail Spraggins for the Twenty under 40! honor?
Diane Minich, Spraggins’ mother and a physician with the Cleveland Clinic, nominated Spraggins for the Twenty under 40! honor.
“Abby embodies the principle that ‘The brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations’ by working tirelessly to uplift at-risk populations,” Minich wrote in her nomination. “Whether through her nonprofit work, mentorship, or volunteerism, she prioritizes helping others and fostering inclusivity. She not only gives her time but also empowers others to step up and make a difference in their own communities.”
Here are some of Abigail Spraggins’ professional accomplishments
Here are some of Abigail Spraggins’ professional accomplishments:
The Canton Repository posed several questions to Spraggins about Stark County. Here are her answers:
What advice would you give the younger generation when it comes to advancing in their careers or strengthening Stark County?
My advice to the younger generation is to be intentional about both your professional growth and your connection to the community around you. Advancing in your career is important, but true success comes when your skills and passions are also used to strengthen the place you call home. Seek out opportunities to learn, take on responsibility, and step outside your comfort zone even when the path isn’t clearly defined. Growth often comes from saying yes to challenges before you feel fully ready.
I would also encourage young professionals to get involved locally. Stark County thrives when people invest their time and talent into its organizations, schools, nonprofits and small businesses. Whether through volunteering, joining civic or professional groups, or mentoring others, community involvement not only builds stronger networks but also helps you develop leadership, project management, and communication skills that translate directly into your career.
What motivates or inspires you to better the community?
What motivates me to better the community is the belief that meaningful change happens when people take action to help others feel supported, valued and empowered.
From a young age, I was taught to stand up for those who need support, and that foundation has shaped how I live and serve today. Seeing firsthand the challenges faced by families, individuals with disabilities, and underserved youth continually inspires me to step in where help is needed and to create sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
The best career advice I’ve ever been given is to chase my dreams and do what I am truly passionate about.
This advice was consistently reinforced by Dr. (Darrell) Reneker during my time working in his lab at The University of Akron. His encouragement helped guide me to major in chemical engineering, pursue meaningful work in STEM, and confidently step into leadership and service roles that align with my values. That mindset choosing purpose over comfort has shaped every major career and nonprofit decision I’ve made ever since.
List some things people might not know about you.
Why do you think Stark County is a great place to live and work?
I believe Stark County is a great place to live and work because it offers a rare balance of opportunity, community and collaboration. There is a strong sense of pride here and people genuinely care about their neighbors and are willing to step up to support one another. Whether through local nonprofits, schools, small businesses or civic organizations, Stark County is filled with individuals who are invested in making their community better.
What are your top three favorite things to do in Stark County when not working?
What’s your favorite sports team and why? (Could be high school, college or pro)
My favorite sports team is the Carolina Cowboys (PBR-Professional Bull Riders). I love their grit, teamwork, and resilience and the fact that they proudly embrace Good Boy Georgie (the adorable cowboy dog), showing that heart, fun, and community matter just as much as toughness.
Describe your perfect evening.
My perfect evening is spending it with my husband, especially when he’s home from traveling. Having uninterrupted time together relaxing, catching up, and just being present means everything to me. Add a quiet night at home with Georgie, my service and therapy dog, and being greeted by my cat Lil Abby, and it’s the best possible way to unwind, reconnect, and recharge.
Name a personal hero and explain why you chose them.
My personal hero is my brother Adam, who is multiple handicapped. He has been a constant source of inspiration in my life because of his perseverance, strength, and the way he faces challenges with resilience and determination. Watching him navigate the world with courage and grace has shaped my perspective on compassion, patience, and inclusion.
Adam has taught me the importance of advocating for others, especially those whose voices may not always be heard. His experiences have motivated me to stand up for individuals with disabilities, to lead with empathy, and to work toward creating communities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. He reminds me daily that true impact is not measured by recognition or titles, but by kindness, integrity, and the willingness to support others unconditionally.
What’s a food or drink that you couldn’t live without. Explain why.
Pepsi. It’s what keeps me going. I don’t drink coffee, so Pepsi is my go‑to boost − reliable, familiar, and always there when I need a little extra energy to power through a busy day.
You can listen to only one musical artist for the rest of your life. Who is it and why?
Skillet. Their music is both powerful and motivating, it pushes me through tough days, fuels my drive, and keeps me energized no matter what I’m working toward. They blend intensity with meaning, and their songs always remind me to stay resilient and keep moving forward.
If you could plan your ultimate vacation − money isn’t a concern − where would you go?
Australia
What’s a small thing that instantly makes your day better?
A small thing that instantly makes my day better is coming home and being greeted by my cat, Lil Abby, waiting at the door. She pours all her love into that moment and follows me everywhere, and it’s an instant reminder to slow down, feel appreciated, and enjoy the simple joys of being home.
What’s a movie or TV show you can rewatch over and over?
“Big Bang Theory”
What’s one hobby or interest people might not expect from you?
Anime
What’s a tradition (big or small) you look forward to every year?
A tradition I look forward to every year is getting a birthday present. I’m a leap year baby, so my actual birthday only comes once every four years. When I was born, my dad joked that I’d only get presents every four years − until I started crying and he quickly promised I’d get one every year. He’s kept that promise ever since, and it’s a tradition I still love.
What’s your favorite way to recharge?
My favorite way to recharge is spending quality time with people and activities that help me slow down and reset. Whether it’s time with family, being outdoors, or enjoying quieter moments away from a busy schedule, those experiences help me regain perspective and energy. I especially value time spent with my service and therapy dog, Georgie, whose presence brings calm, joy, and grounding to my day.
What’s a book you’ve read that stuck with you?
“Lord of the Flies”
What’s something on your bucket list you haven’t done yet?
Visit Australia! I want to hold a koala bear!
Rick Armon is managing editor of the Canton Repository and Massillon Independent. He can be reached at 330-580-8310 or rarmon@cantonrep.com.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Meet Twenty under 40! honoree Abigail Spraggins: ‘Be intentional.’
Reporting by Rick Armon, Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Rick Armon, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
