Posted on Apr 23, 2024 2:00:00 PM by Greater Green Bay Chamber
Happy National Volunteer Week! Established in 1974, this week recognizes the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers. The Greater Green Bay Chamber is fortunate to have many groups of volunteers that dedicate their time and talents to making our programs great. We are excited to feature these individuals in a special blog miniseries published this week. Today, learn more about members of the Current Young Professionals (CYP) Leadership Committee.
Abby Vandenberg
Heartland Business Systems
When did you join CYP? 2019
Past & Current CYP Leadership Position(s): Vice Chair of D.E.N. Committee – 2022-2023, Chair of D.E.N. Committee – 2023-2024
Why did you decide to join CYP? Pursue a leadership position?
I joined CYP in efforts to expand my professional network as a young professional. In 2020 I decided to join a committee because I wanted the opportunity to be more involved in CYP programming, planning After 5’s have always been my favorite! Taking the next step into leadership was stepping out of my comfort zone, but I found myself really wanting to develop our programming and events, and creating opportunities for fellow young professionals to connect.
What impact has CYP had on your life personally and professionally?
I joined CYP hoping to expand my professional network, but it has given me so much more than that. I have connected with so many fellow young professionals to collaborate with, but I have also developed some very strong friendships. The relationships I have built within CYP I know will last a lifetime.
Kelsey Lutzow
New Buildings Institute
When did you join CYP? 2019
Past & Current CYP Leadership Position(s): Ambassador Committee Task Force Lead, Ambassador Committee Vice Chair, Ambassador Committee Chair, Leadership Team Vice Chair, Leadership Team Chair
Why did you decide to join CYP? Pursue a leadership position?
I joined CYP in hopes to find fulfillment in my professional career, but I found so much more. I’ve connected with a network of likeminded people across various industries, established several mentorships, and built lifelong friendships. I’ve discovered resources and support to grow as a young professional and develop as a leader. I’ve also engaged with community organizations and non-profits, and expanded my understanding of local government and policies. My CYP experience inspired me to pursue a leadership position within the organization to help other young professionals have an impactful experience.
What impact has CYP had on your life personally and professionally?
The support from CYP helped me during several career challenges and transitions. I've also developed life-long friendships with young professionals I've met through CYP - even stood up as Matron of Honor in a wedding! I've witnessed love stories blossom and families grow through CYP. It's very special.
Kris Neyrinck
AmFam Group
When did you join CYP? End of 2019
Past & Current CYP Leadership Position(s): Vice Chair/Chair role for Community Partnerships Committee
Why did you decide to join CYP? Pursue a leadership position?
I initially joined CYP as a way to build connections with other local YPs in the Green Bay area outside of the workplace. Love the assortment of events offered as there is something for everyone!
What impact has CYP had on your life personally and professionally?
I have enjoyed my time attending various events and networking with young professionals. The Community Partnerships Committee has allowed me to make an impact in the community by helping to plan program events and enhance my leadership skills with taking on the chair role. Happy to have a program like this in Green Bay and grateful for the wonderful connections and experiences made!
Tom Murphy
Associated Bank
When did you join CYP? May 2021
Past & Current CYP Leadership Position(s): YPAC Vice-Chair/Chair
Why did you decide to join CYP? Pursue a leadership position?
I joined CYP to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people in the community. Taking on a committee leadership position with YPAC was a natural next step as I believe strongly in civic engagement and wanted to help engage young professionals in issues that matter in our community.
What impact has CYP had on your life personally and professionally?
I have participated in so many thoughtful and meaningful discussions with inspiring leaders and other young professionals through attending CYP events. CYP also introduced me to the Leadership Green Bay program, of which I am a graduate of the class of 2023. Expanding my network of community-minded individuals lead me to running for local office in 2023, where I now have the privilege to serve as a Trustee on the village board of Bellevue, doing my best to make informed decisions for the betterment of our community.
Parker Wolf
Breakthrough
When did you join CYP? 2021
Past & Current CYP Leadership Position(s): Ambassador, Vice Chair of Leadership
Why did you decide to join CYP? Pursue a leadership position?
I joined CYP because I believed I could help take the program to new heights… If you know me, pun intended. But in all seriousness, I wanted to help young professionals feel welcome in our community and also wanted to practice my leadership skills outside of my workplace.
What impact has CYP had on your life personally and professionally?
Through CYP, I’ve created meaningful connections with business leaders and young professionals who have become my support system within our community. These connections and the experiences I have had within CYP have made me feel not only valued, but also integral to our community—both socially and professionally. While networking can seem intimidating, my consistent practice within CYP has made it into a skill I embrace. I’m eager to help empower others to master this skill among others as well.
Jacob Brunette
Nsight/Cellcom
When did you join CYP? I went to my first CYP event in October 2022.
Past & Current CYP Leadership Position(s): Vice Chair of Ambassadors
Why did you decide to join CYP? Pursue a leadership position?
I was informed about CYP plays and that is what got me interested. I have wanted to grow professionally and take a leadership role.
What impact has CYP had on your life personally and professionally?
It has been mostly personally. I have got to meet some great people and develop my social skills. Professionally it has taught me how to be a better leader.
Danielle Freeman
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
When did you join CYP? September 2022
Past & Current CYP Leadership Position(s): Community Partnerships Committee Member, CP Vice Chair, CP Chair starting September 2024
Why did you decide to join CYP? Pursue a leadership position?
I joined a committee originally to help me get more engrained with CYP from the beginning. I really enjoyed my time on the Community Partnerships committee and the impact that we had on engaging young professionals to with service opportunities, and decided to become Vice Chair be a stronger presence in helping our committee presence grow and continue to explore opportunities to foster a strong service connection between Current Young Professionals and our local community.
What impact has CYP had on your life personally and professionally?
Being a part of Current has been a great tool in broadening my connections within the community. This platform has provided me with invaluable opportunities to engage with both business and young professionals across various industries and get connected to the Green Bay community on a deeper level that I would have otherwise, which has been a great experience having returned to Green Bay area after 14 years away.