The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Society to offer Power of Board Service
MIDDLETOWN >> Are you a young professional looking to develop new skills, grow your network and give back to your community? If so, I may have the perfect opportunity for you. On May 4, the Middlesex United Way Young Leaders Society will be hosting its first Power of Board Service event. The idea is to connect motivated young professionals with local nonprofits that are looking to diversify their board of directors.
At this networking-style event, young professionals in their 20s and 30s will have the unique opportunity to network with the representatives from leading local nonprofits. These future leaders will get to learn about what it takes to serve on board, the benefits of board service, and some vital dos and don’ts when serving on board.
“Our generation, Generation Y, is so often looking to impact its community in a meaningful way. I’ve learned that serving on a nonprofit board has been a fun and efficient way to advance my professional and spiritual goals simultaneously. I’m confident I wouldn’t be the leader I am without all the opportunities I’ve had on the Oddfellows, MCSAAC and United Way boards,” said Quentin Phipps, when asked how his experience serving on a local nonprofit board has helped him through his career and personal life.
Anne Yurasek of Fio Partners will share her presentation, The Power of Board Service, to begin the event. For over 12 years, Yurasek has worked as an organizational development consultant and trainer in both the nonprofit world and private sector. She is known for her exceptional training and presentation skills. Yurasek has an MBA in management from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wellesley College.
After the presentation, attendees will have the chance to hear from three local young professionals as they share their experiences serving on a nonprofit board of directors.
Our first sharer will be Phipps, who has served on three boards, including Oddfellows Youth Theatre Playhouse, Middlesex Substance Abuse Action Council and Middlesex United Way. In 2015, Phipps was featured in Hartford Business Journal 40 under 40, which recognizes young professionals in the Greater Hartford area that are excelling in their industries through their leadership roles. He is a 2005 graduate of Bryant University and a resident of Middletown.
Derrick Gibbs, the next presenter, is executive director of Change Inc. in Middletown. Gibbs is on the board of directors for the Middlesex YMCA and Middlesex United Way. He is also involved with the Stamford Public Education Fund and Inspirica. He holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Meghan Slater, an executive assistant at Wright-Pierce in Middletown, will be the last presenter to share her experiences. She has 10 years of experience in marketing and administrative support. Slater is a former chair of the Middlesex United Way Young Leaders Society, of which she is a founding member, and has served on the Middlesex United Way board of directors. Slater holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology.
After the panel discussion, young professionals and local nonprofits will have the opportunity to connect. At the event, there will be great nonprofits that are looking to engage young leaders to potentially serve on their boards. Nonprofits confirmed so far include The Community Foundation, MARC Community Resources, St. Vincent de Paul, Habitat for Humanity, The Connection and the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association. At least 10 are expected to participate.
We hope after this event, these young adults will walk away with some great connections for their personal and professional lives and be inspired by the work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. It is not very often a young professional has an opportunity to not only expand his or her resume, but do some good and help the community in the process.
This event is presented by the Middlesex United Way Young Leaders Society, which provides networking, volunteering and leadership development opportunities for young professionals ages 21 to 40 who live or work in Middlesex County.
I hope you, or a young professional in your life, will join us. Please RSVP at middlesexunitedway.org/yls/events and contact Amanda.furlong@middlesexunitedway.org with any questions.
We hope after this event, these young adults will walk away with some great connections for their personal and professional lives and be inspired by the work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.