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Young Professionals Connection Annual Gala To Be Held On Aug. 3

July 16, 2024

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (July 16, 2024) – The Young Professionals Connection (YPC) will host its Annual Gala on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 6 – 10 p.m. The event will be held at The Conservatory, an event center in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).  

This year’s Gala theme is Seeds of Change which focuses on the small actions and stages of experiencing change in our community. Whether an individual initiates change in their life, or it is placed upon them, effectively navigating change and uncertainty is a necessary skill set for all young professionals to acquire both personally and professionally.  

YPC will host a dinner followed by a panel of young professionals with varying life experiences and career paths to discuss how they have navigated, led and influenced change both personally and professionally. 

"Our Annual Gala is the perfect occasion to reflect on the accomplishments we've had as an organization over the past term," said Dannie Patrick, 2023-24 President of YPC. "As outgoing President, I am grateful for my time with this organization. The only thing I am even more excited about is all the good work yet to come! I look forward to welcoming both members and non-members to celebrate the board's achievements, introduce the new board, and see the impact this new group of leaders will continue to build in our community." 

The schedule of events includes:  

  • 6 p.m. – Networking, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres 
  • 7 p.m. – Dinner and remarks 
  • 8:30 p.m. – Dancing 

The Gala will also celebrate the accomplishments of the past term and welcome the new YPC board for 2024-2025. 

Here is the new YPC board:  

  • President: Cecily Robinson 
  • President-Elect: Lily Allen-Duenas 
  • Treasurer & Secretary: Reilly Smidt 
  • Community Engagement Directors: Amelia Arku and Alex Gallach 
  • Communications Director: Taylor Petersen  
  • Professional Development Chair: Amit Mahapatra 
  • Volunteer Chair: Makala McGrean 
  • Diversity & Culture Chair: Alexis Hernandez 
  • Civic Chair: Jefferson Fink 
  • Social Chair: Jonni Solum 
  • Membership Chair: Chase Henry 
  • Impact Downtown Chair: Alexandra Marie Cruz Koenig 
  • Athletics Coordinator: Sammie Hildreth 
  • Social Media Coordinator: Megan Hurd 
  • Digital Coordinator: Alex Bradfield 

About YPC 

YPC's mission is to promote an environment that attracts and retains young professionals in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Its efforts focus on connecting young professionals to each other and to the community through social, civic, charitable and professional development endeavors. Members have unique opportunities to grow personally and professionally and forge lasting relationships. Engage, connect and form a foundation for your future in DSM. YPC is an initiative of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. 

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership 

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.