Young Professionals Group
Monthly Meeting:
2nd Tuesday of the month, 4:00-5:00 pm at the Anchorage Chamber Board Room (1016 W 6th Ave., Ste. 304)
Networking Luncheons:
Last Friday of the month, 11:30 am-1:00 pm
YPG Director:
Tosha Swan, 677-7103, tosha@anchoragechamber.org
Our Mission
To connect diverse young professionals across the area to create a force that will both strengthen and grow Anchorage and its community with the ultimate goal of attracting even more young professionals to share their talents and make Anchorage their home.
Who We Are
The Young Professionals Group is made up of business professionals and corporate leaders between the ages 21 – 39 who are ready to work hard, play hard and make a positive impact on the greater community of Anchorage. YPG was created in June of 2014 and is the largest young professional organization in Alaska with over 400 engaged members.
The YPG averages dozens of professionals per event and has implemented a variety of avenues for professionals to develop key business skills and strategies, grow personally and professionally, and provide unique networking opportunities with other motivated and social professionals of all ages.
YPG Monthly Meetings - Meet young professionals, hear what's happening at the chamber, sign up for volunteer opportunities, and give an update on your company or organization. Want to address the YPG? Submit a proposal to present here.
YPG Monthly Networking Luncheons - Come and meet young professionals from around Anchorage in a casual environment to eat and sip while socializing and talking politics, business, and what’s currently going on in Anchorage and the world.
CEO Luncheon Series - At the CEO Luncheons, attendees have the unique opportunity to personally network with successful, local leaders with years of experience from various industries across Alaska. Hear about their journey to becoming a CEO and take the opportunity to ask questions or for advice.
Brews with the Boss - The YPG's Brews with the Boss series gives you the unique opportunity to personally network with successful, local leaders with years of experience from various industries across Alaska.
YPG Social Mixer - YPG Social Mixers are after hours from 5 to 7 pm at various establishments around Anchorage featuring food and drinks, activities, live music, and many great opportunities to network.
Alaska Young Professionals Summit - The Summit, a two-day conference, hosts a series of immersive sessions and compelling seminars presented by successful and experienced government, business, and community leaders. Attendees are fueled by a phenomenal keynote speaker, insightful panel discussions, and have the opportunity to connect with experts. Programs and events are geared toward all levels of employees and executives and welcomes professionals of all industries. MORE INFO
YPG Gift - Each year, the YPG focuses its volunteer efforts on a specific cause. In 2021, the YPG gathered fun, frivolous items for gift baskets that were delivered to local caretakers at senior homes. In 2019, the YPG chose senior citizens and volunteered with organizations like the Anchorage Senior Center and the Food Bank of Alaska. In 2018, the YPG provided gifts for over 30 adults with developmental disabilities through The Arc of Anchorage, and in 2017 provided gifts for over 30 children with incarcerated parents through Salvation Army.
Adopt-a-Precinct - The YPG gave back to the community by adopting the Creekside Park Elementary School voting precinct during both the Primary and General Elections in 2020.
Adopt-A-Trail - From April 2021 to April 2022, the YPG cared for the Coastal Trail from Lynn Ary Park to Earthquake Park. Thank you to those who came out every other Wednesday to help us keep the trail clean.
UPCOMING YPG EVENTS
Benefits of Joining
Employers benefit from sending their younger employees to the Young Professionals Group because they will strengthen and develop skills that make them more valuable employees, their morale will improve and they will feel appreciated by their employer.
- Meeting new people and developing new business opportunities
- Expanding your network of business contacts
- Increasing your visibility through attendance and participation
- Unique volunteer opportunities
- Strengthening your teamwork skills by joining a committee
- Strengthening your leadership skills by serving as a committee or executive board chair
- Broadening your knowledge base and skills through useful programs and presentations, including learning from both your peers and more experienced professionals
Join us!
It's simple. Start attending our meetings and events. To become "official" and to receive a name tag, you must attend at least one monthly meeting and one networking luncheon or social mixer. For a calendar of upcoming events, click here.
Testimonials
The Chamber has wonderfully connected me to the business community and, even greater, the community as a whole. Since joining the Young Professionals Group, my volunteer time has connected me to other young professionals, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders while in service to Anchorage.
- Jen Motyka, Owner, Blitz Promotions
The Young Professionals Group within the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce holds a special place in my heart. Composed of passionate, bright, and driven individuals, YPG is helping lead the way into the future. Through programs such as the annual Young Professionals Summit, YPGers are exposed to C-Suite level executives, CEOs, and other mentors from Alaska that encourage and champion professional development, goal-based actions, and community engagement. YPG not only advances positive business connections, but personal connections as well. I have made some of my closest friends through YPG and the Chamber, people that share a passion for the community of Anchorage, people that believe in working together to make our town the best place it can be, and people that genuinely rejoice in the accomplishments of their peers.
- Skye Nevada, Operations Manager, The Bridge
Since joining the Anchorage Young Professionals Group and having the opportunity to serve on its executive board, I’ve made some of the best networking connections and friendships yet in this community! The Chamber and YPG is hands down one of Anchorage’s best business assets to be apart of.
- Shaina Aguon, Innovate
YPG Executive Board
YPG executive board elections are happening now! Deadline to apply is Friday, May 26. APPLY
CHAIR: Jen Motyka, Blitz Promotions
VICE CHAIR: Logan Burt, Dimond Center
COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIR:
Melanie Pinales, ConocoPhillips Alaska
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR: DJ Jennings, Adulting Done Right
COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR: Shaina Aguon, Innovate
SECRETARY: Vlad Finko, Global Credit Union
EVENTS CHAIR:
Abigail McLagan, Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals
DIRECTOR: Tosha Swan, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce