YPWC connects local young professionals to community, peers

Wabash County, IN – The Young Professionals of Wabash County (YPWC) is excited to be continuing its work in 2024 to connect emerging leaders and professionals to each other as well as to the Wabash County community at large.

The YPWC network has existed in various forms in Wabash County for years. The current generation of YPWC was launched in 2018 by Grow Wabash County, with the goal of creating opportunities for young professionals in the community to better network not only with each other but with the organizations and companies that stand to benefit from being connected to an engaged group of young leaders.

YPWC recently rolled out an exciting slate of events for the spring and summer.  

While some events are purely social, allowing for professionals from different career fields and backgrounds to chat in a casual, fun way, others are more intentional in nature, encouraging young professionals to engage in philanthropic or educational activities that encourage valuable involvement with local organizations and initiatives.

“I am beyond excited about our upcoming Young Professional season,” Jana Thibos, YPWC Steering Committee chair, said. “We have many free events coming up including lunch and learns, casual meet ups, along with volunteer opportunities like the Wabash River Defenders Clean Up and Dam to Dam Bike Ride. We also bridge the gap between young leaders and community members by connecting them with committees/nonprofit boards that they have an interest in. It is a win-win for everyone!”

Some upcoming events include:

• Conversation, Community & Coffee – Monday, April 15
• YPWC/LDWC Alumni Mixer – Thursday, April 18
• YP Lunch & Learn: Wabash County Museum – Thursday, April 25
• YP Gives Back: Pack the Pantry Picnic – Thursday, May 9
• YP Ice Cream Social – Thursday June 20
• YP Meet-Up: Pizza Night at Hawkins Farm – Friday, July 12
• YP Gives Back: Wabash River Clean-Up – Saturday, July 27

The YPWC network also partakes in various events that have become annual traditions for the group such as the Wabash River Clean-Up in July and the Ugly Sweater Bowling Party in December, as well as various meet-ups and lunch and learns scheduled throughout the year focused on topics relevant to the young professional experience.

For the emerging leaders eager to take their involvement in the Wabash County community further, YPWC also helps to connect young professionals with open positions of local boards and committees that best align with their passions and skillsets.

YPWC prides itself on being accessible to all emerging leaders in and around Wabash County. It remains a group that is free to join, save for the occasional cost for various community events and meet-ups. The group encourages young professionals to join them at an upcoming event if they are interested in learning more about the value of being an active member of the group.

Those interested in being part of the network can do so by connecting with YPWC via email at yp@growwabashcounty.com or by RSVPing and/or attending any of the various social, educational and/or service events that YPWC hosts throughout the year.

All event information and YPWC updates can be found on the Young Professionals of Wabash County Facebook and Instagram pages as well as in the group’s monthly email blast. Specific questions regarding events or involvement in YPWC can be emailed to yp@growwabashcounty.com.