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Springfield, MO

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2017 40 Under 40 Honoree: Trysta Herzog, 33

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Trysta Herzog’s new job is her crowning achievement. She’s director of communications and public engagement for Greene County. “I went into journalism with the desire to help give a voice to those who didn’t have one and to encourage the community to engage with local and state government,” she says. Herzog is confident she can carry out that mission in her current role. She holds a master’s in communications from Missouri State University, is an active member of Junior League of Springfield and volunteers her time with The Kitchen and other relief efforts for children, generational poverty and homelessness.

What was your first job? A week after my 16th birthday, I was hired as a hostess at the Dixie Cafe. Although it didn’t pay much – only $5.35 per hour – it was a pretty great first job.

What is your theme song? Only the ultimate girl power song, “Titanium,” by Sia. If I’m feeling particularly defeated, I turn this on to remind myself I’m still standing and the only person who can change that is me.

When did you realize you had grown up? It would be easy to say that I felt grown up when firmly living on my own at 16. However, I think it is more likely when I could look at my parents as people, with a greater understanding of their sacrifices and flaws and forgive them their mistakes.

What do you miss most about the 1990s? Gah, what don’t I miss? Grunge rock, “dELiA*s” catalog, combat boots, butterfly clips – the list could go on.

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