The Future Ready Perry initiative, a collaboration between various community interests, has organized the relaunch of the Young Professionals of Perry (YoPro) group as a catalyst for networking among young professionals in their 20s and 30s.
The summer YoPro program is a reprise of the Young Professionals of Perry (YPOP) that was formed in the summer 2014 under the aegis of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, led in those days by Executive Director Bob Wilson and President Mark Powell.
City Administrator Sven Peterson, who was a charter member of YPOP in 2014, lauded the group’s rebirth as YoPro and highlighted the program’s significance in his own professional development.
“Young Professionals of Perry played an important role in my early career development by building my network and cultivating relationships,” said Peterson, who was a stripling of 23 in 2014. “This summer program is an excellent opportunity for young professionals to engage with their peers, develop their skills and contribute to Perry’s growth. It’s a fun experience that can shape friendships and help individuals grow ties to each other and the community.”
The YoPro summer program will feature a series of workshops, networking events and community service projects designed to foster fun, growth and connections. Connie Saenz, the Future Ready Perry coordinator, emphasized the YoPro program’s openness to all.
“Some think the young professionals is only for business people or lawyers in suits and ties,” Saenz said. “To us a young professional is anyone who lives or works in the Perry area and is in their 20s or 30s or is simply young at heart. The program is open to welders, teachers, nurses, college students, stay-at-home parents — anyone really who wants to connect with others and have fun this summer.”
YoPro will raffle gifts at each networking event and invite local leaders to meet with members. The summer kick-off will take place June 20 during the Courtyard Summer Concert at Soumas Court at 1118 Willis Ave. in Perry. The program will take place from 5-6 p.m., with guests invited to stay for music afterwards.
YoPro members will be invited to participate in making a float for the Fourth of July parade in Perry and also be guests at the July 19 downtown block party in Perry. For more information and to register, go to Bit.ly/YoProPerry or contact Dorothy Stoltz at
dmstoltz@dmacc.edu.
