What is your favorite thing about CYP?
I treasure CYP’s connections with access to resources that allow one to advance professionally and personally. CYP is a hub of connectivity and innovation for the advancement of young professionals. The organization opens the doors for motivated leaders to drive awareness of key initiatives that address our region’s critical challenges.
People in their 20s and 30s looking to accelerate their careers don’t need to leave the region to discover business opportunities and develop their professional network… The social network, career growth and partnerships are all right here in Charleston!
How did you get started in CYP?
When I moved back to Charleston after graduating college, I set high goals for the vision of my career and I knew that to enhance myself in all aspects of life, I needed to develop community-driven, business-focused relationships and surround myself with like-minded young individuals that wanted to make an impact on the community. After attending a YP 101 four years ago, I was immediately drawn to the connections, exposure and knowledge of business advancement and resources.
How does being a volunteer leader positively impact your life?
Serving the community as a volunteer leader allows me to give other rising leaders a sense of belonging as they navigate their place, purpose and dreams here in the Charleston metro area. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without my involvement and connections through CYP. Having the role of leadership to give back to others means the world to me.
If you were talking to someone that has never heard of CYP before, how would you briefly explain it?
CYP serves as an action-oriented organization where young professionals are cultivated as the next generation of business and community leaders. The core foundation is volunteer-driven leadership.
What is your vision for 2023 as Chair of CYP?
My vision for 2023 encompasses OPPORTUNITY and ACCESS. Members of the organization have the opportunity to build connections, gain exposure to inclusive development experiences, improve quality of place, enhance confidence to advance professionally and gain perspective and influence from local business leaders. Most importantly, my outlook and initiative in 2023 are to lead this organization by giving driven leaders, new and current members, the tools, resources, and opportunities to make an effective impact in the area, whether it be through policy, philanthropy, professional development or business-driven motives.
What are you most excited about this year?
I am looking forward to growing the organization and bringing back a few outstanding events from years past to incorporate into the 2023 calendar. This year will be an exciting one to be involved in as the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, the oldest continually-operating Chamber in the United States, commemorates its 250th Anniversary. There’s much to be celebrated and I am honored to be a part of it.
What do you like doing outside of work and CYP?
Since becoming a first-time homeowner at the end of 2021, I often keep active through sweat equity and planning value-increasing projects. When I am not putting time and labor into the house, I am taking my adventurous cat on excursions in Park Circle and managing his Instagram account (@parkcirclepumpkin).
What is your favorite thing about CYP?
CYP is a gateway for opportunity. We can find that which aligns with our passions and grow in that discipline. Here’s an example: Some people aspire to be managers or C-suite executives. CYP offers opportunities to learn self and people management skills from distinguished local leaders and CEOs through programs like Leadership Discovery. This helps lead to promotions, job changes, community involvement, business partnerships and more growth. Personally, CYP has laid out an accessible pathway for me to be a thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion so I may help create a sense of BELONGING for all.
How did you get started in CYP?
Many young people struggle to find personal and professional friends after starting their careers. I felt the same way after moving to Charleston in 2020 with absolutely no knowledge of the area or any friends. I had no community and COVID wasn’t helping. I searched for opportunities to get connected and involved. That’s when I stumbled upon the Chamber. After attending a few events, there was a natural gravitation towards other young, like-minded individuals. That’s how I met McCain Kerr and Shelley Puckett who invited me to more events, expanded my network and encouraged me to apply to join the Steering Committee the following year.
How does being a volunteer leader positively impact your life?
I am so grateful for this opportunity as a volunteer leader. As an emerging leader, the people I look up to have filled my cup and invested in me. Now it is my responsibility to help create more leaders. Through this cycle we create actionable change that will continuously enhance Charleston to be a thriving community for all.
If you were talking to someone that has never heard of CYP before, how would you briefly explain it?
Our slogan is “where emerging leaders connect” yet CYP is much more than an ambitious group of young leaders. CYP is a forum that gives us a stake in how we make our community a thriving place for young professionals in many aspects such as professional development, talent advancement, policy, attainable housing, service and personal growth.
What is your vision for 2023 as Chair/co-chair for CYP?
My vision for 2023 is to show other young people that you have a seat at this table. Your voices, perspectives, opinions and collaboration are welcome and WANTED here. We want to grow our membership and increase involvement from the community so that together, we can make Charleston the PREMIERE place for young people to live, grow, and play.
What are you most excited about this year?
I am most excited to help more people discover the opportunities offered through CYP and the possibilities that open up in collaboration with the larger Chamber. This year is the 250th anniversary of the Charleston Metro Chamber and that’s a HUGE deal. We’ll see the excitement that unfolds with 2023!
What do you like doing outside of work and CYP?
We like to work hard so we can play hard! You’ll always find a group of YP’s supporting local sports teams, especially the Charleston Battery. Come join us for a tailgate and match! Serving the community is essential to me so I volunteer with the Rotary Club of Daniel Island, MultiplyingGood and various organizations. Lastly, music is a critical part of my identity and I get to create and perform with the Charleston Mens’ Chorus.
