Caleb Holiday | 20 Under 40

Caleb Soliday
Director of Forge Young Talent
President of Topeka Pride

Caleb Soliday is director of Forge Young Talent, where he works to connect, develop and retain young professionals in Topeka. He also serves as president of Topeka Pride, where he and a dedicated volunteer board have grown Pride Palooza into one of the organization’s signature events.

Caleb’s commitment to public service was influenced by his family, including his mom, a teacher, and his dad, a former pastor turned nonprofit leader, who instilled in him the importance of serving others. Outside of work and volunteering, he enjoys traveling, working toward a goal of visiting all 50 states by 30, and spending time with his partner, Brian, and their two dogs.

What are you most proud of outside of your career? Why?

Outside of my career, I am most proud of the work I have been able to be part of with Topeka Pride. What makes me proudest is not any one event or accomplishment, but the incredible group of volunteers who continue to give their time, energy, creativity, and talents to support our community.

Topeka Pride is powered by people who genuinely care about creating a more welcoming and inclusive Topeka. I have been fortunate to help support and lead alongside them, watching volunteers take ownership of ideas, step into leadership roles, and turn those ideas into something bigger than any one person could create alone.

Pride Palooza is a great example of that. What started as an ambitious idea has continued to grow, and this year the event was even featured by GLAAD, giving our volunteers and our community national recognition. And, unless someone wants to fact-check me, I’m also pretty sure we may have the only Pride festival with a built-in splash pad.

More than anything, I am proud of what our volunteers have built together and the way they continue to show up with kindness, creativity, and determination. Being able to support that team and watch their ideas come to life is something I am incredibly proud of.

What should someone never take for granted? Why?

One of the biggest things I have learned is how important it is to actually live your life while you have the opportunity. During COVID, the lockdowns made me realize how quickly the ability to travel, experience new places, and spend time with the people you care about can disappear. Since then, seeing friends and family pass away only reinforced that tomorrow is never guaranteed.

That perspective has made travel and new experiences especially important to me. I want to see the world, meet different people, experience different cultures, and make memories rather than continually telling myself I will do those things “someday.” I still care deeply about my career and the impact I can make in my community, but I also want to build a life that is full outside of work.

For me, success is not just what I accomplish professionally. It is being able to look back and know that I took chances, saw new places, spent time with people I love, and made the most of the time that has been given to me.

What impact do you hope to make through your work?

I hope my work helps young people feel like they truly have a place in Topeka. I want to create opportunities for people to build friendships, find mentors, grow as leaders, and feel more connected to the community around them. That impact is personal to me because I know how much the right connections and opportunities can shape someone’s life. If I can help someone feel more confident, supported, and excited to build their future here, then I know I’m making a difference.

What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself through your career? How did you learn it?

I’ve learned that I am more capable than I sometimes give myself credit for. Throughout my career, I have stepped into roles and challenges where I did not always have every answer, but I learned that I can figure things out, build the right relationships, and keep moving forward. Taking on leadership opportunities has taught me to trust my instincts, be willing to take risks, and not wait until I feel completely ready before saying yes to something that could help me grow.

What's at the top of your bucket list? Why?

At the top of my bucket list is seeing the rockhopper penguin migration in Argentina. I have been fascinated by rockhopper penguins ever since watching Happy Feet and adoring the character Lovelace, voiced by Robin Williams. Since then, they have always been my favorite penguin. They just look so stylish, cool, and full of personality. Getting to see thousands of them in the wild would be an unforgettable experience and the perfect combination of my love of travel and penguins.

If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be? Why?

I would instantly master cooking. If you asked my partner, I’m currently only trusted with a panini press and an air fryer, so there is definitely room for improvement. I would love to be able to confidently cook great meals, try new recipes, and actually be useful in the kitchen beyond making a really solid sandwich.