The Impact of the Santa Rosa Young Professionals Network

In YPN’s most recent newsletter, outgoing YPN Board Member and Communications Chair, Katy Nestor, penned this editorial highlighting the significance of YPN, both professionally and personally, for her and other YPN Board Members. Whether you employ or manage a young professional, do business with young professionals, or are a young professional, this is a must read.

...in with the Young

By Katy Nestor, Petite Designs

A little over three years ago, I sat in a meeting with Kelly Bass Seibel going over the graphics for that year’s Signature Event. I had recently started attending YPN events, and because of the connections I made through YPN, I was hired as the contract designer for both YPN and the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce. I told Kelly that I wanted to apply for the board but wasn't sure if I was up to making the three year commitment. She encouraged me to apply anyway. Little did I know that I had just made a life-changing decision.

Joining the board threw me head-first into this organization. Being rather shy and very much an introvert, I was surprised at how quickly and easily I began forming relationships, personally and professionally. Despite growing up here, nearly everyone important to me now is somehow affiliated with YPN: whether they are a member, or friend/colleague of a member, etc. I think there is a common misconception that if you attend a networking mixer, you will immediately get business. Sometimes this happens, but I see YPN as much more of an investment in my future, personally and professionally. If given the choice, most of us would choose to work with people we like, e.g. friends, right? YPN affords the opportunity to meet and form connections and relationships with other like-minded young people in our area.

Most board members serving a three year+ term will agree that YPN has forever changed their lives for the better.

What role has YPN played in your life?

Tiffany Krankemann, Krankemann Law Offices
2013 YPN Chair

“As my leadership journey with YPN comes to an end I'm left to reflect on the many ways YPN has impacted me. Since being in YPN my life has taken many turns; from being a single career woman to being married, leaving my career, having two children and many exciting things in between. Through all of this, YPN has remained a relevant and constant presence in my life. I met my husband, most of my very best friends, formed countless professional relationships, and had the opportunity to lead an organization that I'm so truly passionate about. I owe all of this to YPN. I'm a true testament that what you put into something you will get back ten fold. I encourage you all to fully engage with this organization and start reaping the amazing things YPN has to offer you.”

Monica Garcia, Nelson Staffing

“YPN has been a very important factor for me personally as well as in business. It is a power of not only networking with other business professionals but connecting and building relationships that will last for a very long time. How wonderful it is to walk into a room filled with smiles and joy and people remembering your name. They remember you not just for your business but for who you really are. I now can honestly say I know someone in almost every industry and the referrals will continue to grow. Why? Because people do business with whom they are friends. That is what I have made. Many, many, wonderful friends! Thank you YPN!!!”

For me, YPN has paid for itself many, many times over, in more ways than one. Being in YPN has helped build my business, made me a better leader, better business owner and better person. I’m immensely grateful for all that I've gained during my time as a member and board member, and proud of what I've accomplished as the Communications Chair 2013-14. And while it’s time for me and other board members to say farewell, I’m excited for what the new board will do for YPN.

On behalf of the 2014 YPN board, I’d like to thank outgoing Chair, James Conners with Sonoma Country Day School for his hard work and leadership. We’d also like to thank our outgoing board members for all their time and efforts:

Monica Garcia, Nelson Staffing, 3 year term
Tiffany Krankemann, Krankemann Law Offices, 5 year term
Noah Lowry, Santa Rosa Ski & Sport, 1 year term
Katy Nestor, Petite Designs, 3 year term
Amanda Scruggs, Social Butterfly Effect, 2 year term

I'd like to introduce Elizabeth Barron with Burr Pilger Mayer as YPN’s 2015 Chair and Aaron Friedman with Signarama as Chair-Elect! We’d also like to welcome our new board members:

Erin Douglas, Adobe Associates, Inc., 3 year term
Nicole Hatley, Black Parrot Productions, 3 year term
Lana Jones, P2P Global, Inc., 3 year term
Todd Schapmire, RE/MAX Full Spectrum, 1 year term
Richard Thai, Keysight Technologies, 2 year term

Thank you YPN, for all that you've done for us.