Young nonprofit professionals establish peer network

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

During the 2007 NP20/20 conference for nonprofit professionals held at GVSU’s Johnson Center, it became apparent to many of the 20- and 30-something attendees that the emerging leaders in the industry needed support within the industry if they were to develop their career paths and be successful.

And so, in October, 20 young nonprofit professionals showed up for a meeting and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Grand Rapids (YNPN) was born.

The vision of the organization is ‘fostering the development, recruitment and retention of young and emerging professionals.’ The YNPN plans to provide training, personal and professional growth opportunities, resources and services to its members, who must be between the ages of 21 and 35.

“We have a lot to learn from each other,” says founder Tera Wozniak, who works at the Johnson Center. “Whether you’re a board member of a nonprofit and work in the business sector, or you’re a volunteer, or you work for a nonprofit, you can be involved. We’re also planning quarterly social events so we can get to know each other.”

The organization is affiliated with the national YNPN.

“Networks are really important in the nonprofit sector,” Wozniak says. “Grand Rapids is a unique area for nonprofits and there are a ton of emerging leaders here that we want to bring together.”

Source: Tera Wozniak, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Grand Rapids

Deborah Johnson Wood is the development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].