Brittney Effner, Manager at Sendero Consulting
What are you hoping to gain from your experience as a new VYP Board member?
As a newer resident of Arizona, I am excited to build personal and professional relationships with fellow board members and members of VYP. I also relish the educational opportunities the chamber provides and value the insights I am gaining about my new home!
What opportunities do you see for young professionals in the Valley in the future?
The Valley and Arizona as a state are uniquely positioned for immense growth compared to other metropolitan areas, and I really see the people in this organization as the future of the Valley. I think young professionals have time and opportunity on their hands to embrace the growth of this region and lay the groundwork as the leading business professionals.
What experiences and perspectives do you bring to the board that you hope will be valuable to the Valley Young Professionals group?
I hope my previous work experience in PR, marketing, consulting and project management expertise will make me a strong contributor to the VYP group. I also happen to be planning a wedding right now and no one is better at planning incredible events than a soon to be bride – we are in the trenches and we know what we’re doing!
Submit one FUN FACT about you!
I am an avid cook and obsessively read cookbooks. I love nothing more than receiving a new cookbook and reading it end to end on the couch with some wine and sticky notes so I can select fun new recipes to try.
Lauren Smith, Director of Community Engagement at Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
What are you hoping to gain from your experience as a new VYP Board member?
As a new VYP Board member, I am eager to make a positive impact by creating engaging programs and opportunities for young professionals to connect, grow, and participate in mentoring experiences, helping them become future business leaders and changemakers in our community. I am excited to learn from fellow board members and young professionals who share a passion for making Phoenix a fantastic place to work and live!
What opportunities do you see for young professionals in the Valley in the future?
I see numerous opportunities for young professionals in the Valley to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the diverse and incredible organizations, businesses, and resources available in Phoenix. Knowledge is an invaluable tool, and the more a young professional understands what Phoenix has to offer, the better equipped they are to get involved and make a meaningful impact.
What experiences and perspectives do you bring to the board that you hope will be valuable to the Valley Young Professionals group?
As a fundraising and community engagement professional in the nonprofit sector, I build meaningful partnerships and link corporations, foundations, volunteers, and the broader community to my organization’s mission. With a strong background in program planning for young professionals and mentoring initiatives, I am committed to using my experience to support inclusive programming and expand opportunities for young professionals!
Submit one FUN FACT about you!
I was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame with my high school tennis program!
