Reflecting on Past and Looking Forward

Four years. That’s about the amount of time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree, or for children to grow from infants to preschoolers, or for us to elect a president. It also happens to be the amount of time I’ve been a part of Rutland Young Professionals, an all-volunteer, all-inclusive organization focused on creating a vibrant Rutland Region and promoting all of the opportunities available here to young professionals near and far.

I began my journey with RYP back in 2017 as a member of the events committee, helping to plan the organization’s monthly Mixes and smaller Meet-Ups. A year later, I took on the leadership role of that committee. One year after that, I joined the organization’s board of directors and became chair of RYP’s marketing committee. Another year passed, and I was named President-Elect. In June, I became Rutland Young Professionals’ sixth president. It’s an honor and a privilege to lead this organization and to do so alongside such a dynamic group on our 11-person board of directors.

I’m excited to welcome our new board members – many of whom have recently moved to the Rutland Region and bring a fresh perspective. Our new board members include Dylan Watts, Jadziah DeRosia, Jordan Green, George Hodulik, and Kate O’Hagen. We also have five returning board members: Matt Britt, Jacob Pluta, Vanessa Robertson, Fran Sun, and Amy Laramie, who I’m grateful to have as our new president-elect. As a board, we are 11 people with different views and beliefs, lived experiences, and perspectives. What an opportunity in front of us to learn from and alongside one another.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize the RYP presidents who came before me – who dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to make our organization well-known, well-loved, and well-respected. They are Kim Rupe, Laura Pierce, Steve Peters, Will Gormly, Sara Gilbert, and Katye Munger. There have been countless others – too many to thank, honestly – who have volunteered with RYP and helped move our mission forward.

When I think back to RYP four years ago, I realize not much has changed. At its core, we’re providing the same programming with our monthly events, professional development grant, Let’s Dish, and more. I know why we provide these offerings hasn’t changed; we still work to connect young professionals with jobs, volunteer and mentorship opportunities, professional development, and, most importantly, each other. Yet, we’re continually striving to do these things better.

So, what does the next year look like for Rutland Young Professionals?

After a long hiatus due to COVID-19, we’re returning to in-person events this month. Our first Mix will be on Tuesday, July 27 from 6-8 p.m. at Lake Bomoseen Lodge & Taproom. You don’t need to be a member to attend, and I hope to see many of you there.

We’ll also work to strengthen our relationships with our area colleges and universities by continuing to offer discounted memberships for students, provide internship and experiential learning opportunities, and more.

We’ll be expanding our Let’s Dish programming to include smaller businesses as well, and revisiting our Professional Development Grant to make it better serve our members.

We’ll be conducting a listening tour with young professionals to help guide us as we develop new programming and services.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our members and sponsors. We know this year has been challenging, so I am especially grateful for the support of Heritage Family Credit Union, Killington Resort, and VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region. We’ve welcomed 12 new members this month already. If you’re not a member of RYP, you can learn more and sign-up at rutlandyoungprofessionals.org/membership.

If you have ideas for our organization, are interested in supporting our mission through sponsorship, think you can benefit from our services like Let’s Dish, or would like RYP to present to your employees, let’s connect at ryppresident@rutlandyoungprofessionals.org.

Elicia Pinsonault is president of Rutland Young Professionals. She serves as Communications Coordinator at Castleton University.