An organization in Augusta works to bring together young individuals and prepare them for leadership roles in business, education, and non-profit organizations.
The Young Professionals of Augusta (YPA) was founded in 2007 by State Farm Agent Jonathan English and Ed Presnell, Regional Business Executive for Peach State Federal Credit Union.
“It is an independent organization that really focuses on the development of young professionals. A young professional is defined by the organization as anybody between 21 to 40 years of age,” explained current President James Allen. “Over the years, there have been hundreds of very influential young professionals that have gone through the program, including (former Commissioner) Sean Frantom and Dr. William Hatcher (Department Chair and Professor Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Augusta University).”
“One of the nice things about Young Professionals is that it helps give that sense of purpose. It helps give a sense of what is available in the Augusta market, and it gives them an opportunity to really engage in the conversation on what they can do to make their community better,” he said.
YPA also presents members with the chance to engage with other professionals within their specific age group.
Jeannine Steinkuhl, Director of Sales at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in North Augusta and immediate Past President of YPA, recently participated in a panel discussion about how to network in Augusta. She said YPA presents opportunities across varied disciplines.
“It’s not one particular industry. I’m in the hotel industry. We’ve got folks in construction, manufacturing, law firms, accounting firms,” she said. “At YPA, we try to cover all bases when it comes to our three pillars, which first is networking, which is why we’re all here. Second is professional development, and then the third is community outreach.”
Allen said one reason membership is offered to those individuals starting at 21 is to try to attract college students preparing to graduate. It is part of the effort to keep the best and brightest in Augusta. They also partner with area Chambers of Commerce and service organizations like Kiwanis and Rotary Club to introduce YPA members to those in current leadership positions.
YPA holds monthly and quarterly meetings. It also hosts Lunch & Learn sessions to strengthen professional development while promoting career growth.
We do social events as well,” said Steinkuhl. “We’ve thrown parties to allow opportunities for people to network on a more casual level as well.”
Their organization has also worked with local nonprofit organizations, including fundraising.
“Every year, we’ve always tried to identify one nonprofit who could really use a donation,” Allen said. “This year, we’ve identified Bridge Builder Community, and we are doing a prom theme this year to sort of pair with the idea of children in foster care moving out and moving on into their own lives.”
To date, YPA has donated more than $40,000 to local nonprofits and community organizations.
Allen said YPA currently has about 175 members. Anyone aged 21 to 40 interested in joining can go to the website www.ypaugusta.com or email info@ypaugusta.com
