Flagstaff Young Professionals

LEADERSHIP

@7000ft

Advancing a Strong Community

In this issue of @7000ft we chatted with the Flagstaff Young Professionals, (FYP) a division of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber. They are 21-39 year old emerging leaders in the community looking to make a change for the better. With a strong board of directors, and young professionals who care deeply about community, career advancement, and civic engagement, FYP shares what makes them so successful.

Photo Credit: Barbara Sherman

FLAGSTAFF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

a division of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce

WHAT DO MEMBERS GET FROM BEING A PART OF FYP? Kelcy Hambsch - FYP Co-Events Chair - Revenue Manager, Choice International "Through FYP, members will be able to network with other individuals walking through the same point in life as them. They can grow professionally and socially through different events."

WHAT CIVIC ENGAGEMENT DOES FYP DO? Rachel McNamara - FYP Co-Marketing Chair - Digital Marketing Consultant, Avande "Civic engagement creates stronger ties to our community, and provides enrichment and awareness of local needs. We have been to many non-profits to serve them including the Food Bank, the Humane Society, Big Brothers & Big Sisters and more."

DO FYP MEMBERS HAVE A SENSE OF BELONGING IN THIS GROUP THAT IS VALUABLE TO THEIR CAREER DEVELOPMENT? Megan Roach - FYP Co-Marketing Chair - Foundation Specialist, Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation "Absolutely. FYP is a great way to connect with other young professionals in Flagstaff. Through our networking mixers and service events, members can learn about each other and other businesses and organizations in town. Our professional development events create opportunities for our members to learn new skills."

IS THERE A FOCUS ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND IS THAT A VALUABLE RESOURCE OF FYP? Zach Polston - FYP Professional Development Chair - Realtor/Owner, Realtor and Cobra Bail Bonds "I believe it’s a very valuable part of FYP. One of the main focus points is to grow our members professionally and encourage them to help others as well."

Kelcy Hambsch - FYP Co-Events Chair - Revenue Manager, Choice International "Within FYP we provide a variety of resources to help with resume building, networking skills, interview tips and so much to guide you through different parts of your career."

WHAT MAKES FYP STAND OUT FROM OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS? Cassity Smith - FYP Board Chair - Event Director, Andrew Maguire & Associates, LLC "We are capturing a demographic that needs to be connected in Flagstaff. Our group uses Chamber businesses and resources to elevate the next generation of business leaders through unique opportunities."

Megan Roach - FYP Co-Marketing Chair- Foundation Specialist, Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation "We are going to be the next leaders of Flagstaff. I think it is so great we have organizations in Flagstaff like the Chamber and FYP to engage in and gain leadership skills and help develop our next leaders."

HOW OFTEN DO YOU MEET? Skyla Savitch - FYP Treasurer and Co-Events Chair - Career Development Specialist, NAU Career Development "We have two events per month between networking, social, volunteer and professional development."

IF SOMEONE NEW COMES TO FLAGSTAFF TO WORK, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST OBVIOUS REASON TO BE A PART OF FYP? Jordan Linder - FYP Community Outreach Chair - Business Graduate Programs Coordinator, NAU; College of Business "When I moved to Flagstaff, I was looking for a group like FYP and have found a great community within FYP. Any young professional would benefit from FYP and the quality connections it facilitates. I have learned more about the Flagstaff community and opportunities for Flagstaff Young

Professionals than I would have on my own. Join for the connections that turn into friendships!"

WHAT ARE SOME GOALS IN THE YEAR AHEAD FOR MEMBER GROWTH AND ORGANIZATIONAL RELEVANCE? Cassity Smith - FYP Board Chair - Event Director, Andrew Maguire & Associates, LLC "We hope to increase by 35% in member growth!"

Rachel McNamara - FYP Co-Marketing Chair - Digital Marketing Consultant, Avande "We are hoping to enroll a total of 125 members by 2020! We are well on our way."

WOULD YOU SAY THAT MEMBERS OF FYP HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE IN THE COMMUNITY THAN BEFORE THEY JOINED? PLEASE EXPLAIN. Jordan Linder - FYP Community Outreach Chair - Business Graduate Programs Coordinator, NAU; College of Business "FYP members have so many more engagement opportunities in the community as the board works hard to partner with various businesses and experts in Flagstaff to bring awareness to all that Flagstaff has to offer. Through the Chamber we connect to a diverse array of business leaders."

BRIEFLY TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE EVENTS YOU DO. Skyla Savitch - FYP Treasurer and Co-Events Chair - Career Development Specialist, NAU Career Development "Budget’s and Brewski’s, Coffee Connections, Kickball, Trivia, Elevator Pitch Practice, Speed Networking, Mixers, Volunteering at animal shelters and food banks."