The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has named Nicholas Ditto, founder and CEO of Fort Worth STEAM Academy, as the 2025 recipient of its Young Professional of the Year Award. Ditto was honored for his visionary leadership and commitment to expanding educational and economic opportunities in Fort Worth during FWC’s Young Professionals Summit on Sept. 11 at the Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown.

Presented this year by YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, the award recognizes an individual between the ages of 21 and 40 who is blazing a path forward in Fort Worth, exemplifying leadership not only within their industry and organization, but also in the community. Nominees are evaluated by a committee of FWC board leaders.

“Each year, the Young Professional of the Year Award shines a spotlight on Fort Worth’s next generation of leaders,” said FWC President and CEO Steve Montgomery. “Nicholas represents the very best of what this award is all about — professional achievement matched with service to others and a vision for our city’s future.”

Ditto was recognized for guiding the Fort Worth STEAM Academy from concept to state approval as one of only four new charters approved statewide in 2025. The tuition-free public charter middle school will open in August 2026. He has also connected with hundreds of students through free STEAM programs offered with partners including Fort Worth Community Centers, the YMCA, Girl Scouts, and Boys & Girls Club.

“I’m deeply honored to be named the Fort Worth Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year,” Ditto said.

Ditto, who has a bachelor’s from University of Minnesota and a master’s in secondary education from Arizona State, has been a principal in the IDEA Public Schools.

“I believe education is the cornerstone of opportunity — for students, families, businesses, and the entire community,” Ditto said. “With the launch of Fort Worth STEAM Academy less than a year away, this award energizes me even more as we work to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in Fort Worth’s growing economy and help shape the city’s future.”

YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth President and CEO Mike Brown presented the award, noting Ditto’s “deep commitment to equity, education and building systems that deliver long-term value for Fort Worth.”