Meet Our Newest Board Members!

We were overwhelmed by the response and astounded by the professionalism and dedication to YPC displayed by those in the applicant pool. After an arduous selection process, we are pleased to announce our newest YPC Advisory Board members!

Please read below to learn more about the young professionals dedicating their time and energy to improving your YPC experience.

What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? 

“Always treat everyone with respect because you never know who you could be talking to.” I’ve learned personally and professionally that treating everyone – from the intern to the CEO – with respect can create opportunities, grow your perspective, and make for lasting connections. Judging a book by its cover can limit your experiences and stifle your professional growth. When you give respect, you get respect.

What is your favorite part of being a YPC member?  

Every time I attend a YPC event, I feel like I get to take the pulse of everything going on in Philadelphia all in one place. Since YPC members hail from so many different professions, backgrounds, and experiences, I’m guaranteed to have an interesting conversation or learn more about an individual or an industry. Moreover, in my time as a YPC member, I’ve strengthened professional relationships and made some personal friends as well.

What is your favorite part of living and working in Philadelphia?  

I grew up right outside of Philadelphia and now live in the city. I spent almost a decade away from Philadelphia for college and law school and was very excited to return home a few years ago. Living in Philadelphia provides daily opportunities to appreciate its history, enjoy its present, and envision its future potential. Philadelphia is unmatched in its size, its neighborhoods, and, of course, its sports culture!

What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

Follow your passion – the money will follow! This piece of advice encouraged me to leave the accounting and finance field after six years to follow my passion for social service within my community. It is important to love the work you do!

What is your favorite part of being a YPC member?

I have a couple of reasons! I like being a YPC member because of the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of young professionals that encompass different fields. I also enjoy the networking and professional development events – these are great ways to expand your network and your professionalism.

What is your favorite part of living and working in Philadelphia?

As a West Philadelphian (born and raised!), my favorite part of living in Philadelphia is the diversity of cultures throughout the city. Philly is home to me, so my favorite part of working in Philly, is the opportunity to give back to the community that molded me into the person I am today.

What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of professional advice I have received is the compounding effect of consistently doing the right things day in and day out. Small, positive actions and habits, when practiced regularly, can lead to meaningful long-term success.

What is your favorite part of being a YPC member? 

My favorite part of being a YPC member is the networking opportunities it provides. Through the YPC I have connected with a wide range of individuals, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. Building these relationships has not only expanded my professional circle but also allowed me to make new friendships with other young, ambitious professionals.

What is your favorite part of living and working in Philadelphia?

My favorite part of living and working in Philadelphia is the tight-knit community and immense city pride. Philadelphians are incredibly passionate about supporting small businesses, which creates a vibrant local economy and a strong sense of camaraderie.

What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?  

Take your lunch break. The human body does not perform at its best when it’s under constant stress. Allowing yourself breaks lets you come back refreshed and able to think more creatively. Ultimately, allowing yourself breaks can increase your productivity, so even though you view it as “losing an hour,” you’re most likely gaining time. It also helps you to set workplace boundaries.  

What is your favorite part of being a YPC member?  

I love our access to thought leadership. The amount of information I’ve gained at some of these speaker series that I’m able to bring to friends outside of YPC is incredible. It’s also expanded my knowledge of Philadelphia resources, which I’ve shared with local business owners that I know.

What is your favorite part of living and working in Philadelphia?   

As a young professional and Philadelphia native, I love seeing the city grow as I grow in parallel. There are so many cool local establishments and institutions that I love going to and love taking new people to. I also love the small-city feel of this big city – the network and community are unmatched anywhere else. Philly people come off as rough, but we’re willing to help our friends and neighbors when they’re in trouble – and the vast number of grassroots organizations here is evidence of that.

What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? 

Always show up and ask questions! I have learned so much through simply showing up and taking in an event or a meeting. There are no stupid questions, and you’ll leave that situation with more insight and information than you did before walking in. I always tell our students at Villanova to write a “thank you” note to anyone who has helped them professionally as well – it’s old school, but it goes a long way!

What is your favorite part of being a YPC member?  

I love the connections and meeting new people and hearing their stories about their professional lives and lives outside of work. Since joining YPC last year, I’ve made several new connections and friends. All the events YPC hosts are insightful and will open doors for you! I value all the connections and opportunities YPC has given me and love helping others grow professionally as well.

What is your favorite part of living and working in Philadelphia?  

If you ask my friends, they’ll tell you how much I love Philadelphia (even though the sports teams break my heart seven ways to Sunday). I enjoy the blue-collar mentality of Philadelphians, and it really reminds me of home. I grew up in the Coal Region of Pennsylvania, about 90 miles outside of Philadelphia (shoutout to Pottsville & Yuengling). Coming from a large Irish family, we were always taught that hard work, perseverance and an appreciation for the little things in life will always get you far in life. I really feel that those aspects of life that I learned growing up ring true here in Philadelphia – both professionally and socially.

What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? 

Two pieces of advice from my father have profoundly influenced my professional life and personal development. The first is, ‘There’s always somebody watching.’ This has served as a constant reminder to always act with integrity, work diligently, and be a positive role model, even when no one is around. By consistently holding myself to this standard, I’ve built a strong foundation of character that not only defines who I am today but also creates good habits that prepare me for future challenges and opportunities.

The second piece of advice is to ‘leave every place better than you found it.’ This principle has become a core part of my personal mission, guiding me to make a positive impact in every setting, whether at work, during volunteer activities, or even in small acts like picking up litter at the park. With this mindset, I’ve learned the importance of contributing to the well-being of others and the environments I’m a part of, which in turn fosters a sense of responsibility and purpose in all my endeavors.

What is your favorite part of being a YPC member?  

YPC has provided a fantastic opportunity to engage with the Philadelphia community in a professional setting. My favorite aspect has been attending live speaker events, where I’ve had the chance to learn from other professionals in the city and gain insights into their contributions to our community. A memorable experience was meeting Angela Val, President of Visit Philly, and learning about how tourism flourishes in our city, along with the specific responsibilities involved in her daily work.

What is your favorite part of living and working in Philadelphia?  

One of my favorite aspects of living and working in Philadelphia is the strong connection I have with the city as a proud Temple University graduate. I love that I can stay close to the friends and professional networks I built during my time at Temple. Despite being a large city, Philly has a small-town feel that I really appreciate, as I often run into people I know on a regular basis. Beyond that, I’m passionate about exploring the rich history of the city, spending time in its beautiful parks, and taking full advantage of the diverse and vibrant bar and restaurant scene.