Written by Veronica Aguilar, Vice President of Recruitment for Teach for America and Valley Young Professionals Board Chair
The Valley Young Professionals (VYP), an initiative of the Greater Phoenix Chamber, serves as a dynamic community for emerging leaders in the Phoenix area, ages 25 to 39. VYP offers members a platform to connect with like-minded individuals, access career-enhancing development programs, and make a meaningful impact within the community. The program fosters the next generation of leaders by providing them with the knowledge and tools to address today’s business challenges. Through a variety of monthly events, VYP connects young professionals with entrepreneurs and business leaders, allowing them to grow their networks, skills, and influence. As a member, individuals can participate in networking opportunities, educational sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, and volunteer projects that foster personal and professional development.
Board leadership and kickoff
This year, VYP elected Veronica Aguilar, Teach For America as Board Chair, and Marcus Benally, REDW LLC to Vice Chair. We were also thrilled to welcome new board members Lauren Smith from Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center and Brittney Effner from Sendero. To kickoff the season, our board of directors gathered for the annual leadership retreat, a critical moment for strategizing the future direction of the VYP board. During this retreat, we focused on enhancing the program to better serve our members, planning for upcoming events, and ensuring VYP remains a valuable resource for young professionals in Phoenix. The leadership retreat provided a time for reflection, collaboration, and goal-setting that will continue to benefit the VYP community in the years to come.
Events and programming
Throughout the year, VYP hosted a series of exciting and impactful events. Our monthly gatherings provided invaluable networking opportunities, with attendees connecting with influential entrepreneurs and professionals across various industries. Notable events included the VYP Day at the Ballpark with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where members enjoyed a fun networking experience; VYP Day at the Capitol, an insightful event that offered a behind-the-scenes look at Arizona’s legislative process; a memorable Mixer at the Desert Botanical Gardens, combining nature with professional connection; and our Mentorship Breakfast, which connected young professionals with experienced mentors from the Greater Phoenix Chamber Board of Directors in an engaging environment. These events have contributed to the professional growth of our members while fostering a strong sense of community.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead to the upcoming spring season, VYP is excited to continue offering engaging events that help strengthen your professional network, enhance your business skills, and create a sense of belonging in the community. We invite all members to join us as we celebrate the young professionals in the Valley and build upon the foundation we’ve established. With plenty of opportunities to grow, learn, and connect, we are eager to welcome you to the next chapter of VYP’s journey. Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!
