IAP2 Young Professionals |
The USA Young Professionals are an informal group of IAP2 members who are looking to build community connections through establishing meaningful relationships with other young professionals. The mission of the USA Young Professional Group is to not just grow in our field but also to nurture and empower other young professionals like ourselves. |
Upcoming Events |
Young Professional Trainings |
The USA Young Professional Network is excited to announce select discounted IAP2 Trainings! Applying Methods for Public Participation: August 20, 21, 22, & 23, 2024
Designing Public Participation: October 17, 18, 19, & 20, 2024 from 1-5pm
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Future Networking Opportunities |
Sign up to receive more information from our newsletter here. Cups of Tea Casual networking events were Young Professionals meet virtually to network, connect, share journeys, triumphs, and even roadblocks. Beginning quarterly with the hope to become monthly. Guest Speaker Talks Speakers will share their experiences around an IAP2 fundamental element then facilitate a group discussion. Intended to begin Q2 2024. Scholarship Program A Scholarship Pilot Program is intended to begin in 2025 where free or discounted IAP2 memberships will be provided to select Young Professionals, with the goal of building cohorts and removing barriers to membership. Mentorship Program Young Professionals will be matched with willing and experienced mentors to foster supportive relationships and deepen professional development through a dynamic and flexible structure. Intended to begin end of 2024. In-Person Events In-person meet ups at the IAP2 North American Conference and or IAP2 Symposiums. Details are subject to change based on the available budget and capacity. Intended to begin in 2024. |
Young Professional Leadership Team |
Presidential Co-Chair: Scarlett Schroeder (She/her) Scarlett entered the realm of IAP2 in 2022. She utilizes IAP2 teachings to prioritize, uplift, and incorporate community voices in various projects nestled at the the intersection of marine science, policy, and community engagement. Starting a Young Professionals network was the perfect way to continue to engage and uplift community voices - the young community. She's passionate about ensuring the next generation, her generation, has the networks in place to coordinate and have their voices heard. When she's not volunteering for the Young Professional Network or working at Strategic Earth Consulting, she's exploring the world as a digital nomad. She loves to go tide pooling, hiking, skiing, and trying extreme sports. |
![]() | Media Co-Chair: Rachel Paulsen (She/Her) Rachel joined IAP2 in 2023 and has since been empowered by their principles, tools, and networks in her work as an Engagement Specialist for Salt Lake City Government in Utah. Using these resources, Rachel has worked to create systems for implementing best practices, working towards amplified community voices and increased accountability from local government. Being a part of IAP2 has brought Rachel new connections and opportunities to make this possible. She would like to see these resources be more accessible to the upcoming generation, leading to her involvement and excitement in the creation of this new group! Outside of public service and volunteering for the Young Professional Group, Rachel can be found playing sports, listening to a good book, or finishing a puzzle. She spends all spare moments with friends and family and is energized by meeting new people. |
Membership/Outreach Co-Chair: Makayla Oliver (She/Her) Makayla became an IAP2 advocate in 2021 after witnessing the power that public participation could have in engaging underrepresented voices in local government decision-making. Makayla has worked as a Community Relations Manager at the City of Bend in Oregon State for the past five years. Her work during this time has focused heavily on helping to drive the organization to incorporate IAP2 practices and tools within their civic engagement framework. To Makayla, the most exciting part about this work is the power it has to make government more accessible and the impact it has on building a community that works for future generations to come. If WiFi and remote working capabilities were available in the wilderness, that's where you would find Makayla. Alas, this is not yet feasible, so she made a home only 30 minutes from ski slopes and trailheads in any given direction. Makayla spends her time out of the office as an EMT, volunteering with the National Ski Patrol, and supporting young professionals locally and through IAP2's newest Community of Practice. |