Phoenix Valley Young Professionals

Politics isn’t just for political people! 👀

For many young professionals, “getting involved in politics” can sound like a major commitment. You may picture working on a campaign, attending partisan events, or becoming the person in your friend group who suddenly has very strong opinions about legislative procedure and policy. But, it doesn’t have to look like any of those things.

Civic and political involvement exists on a spectrum, and one of the best ways to start is simply by becoming more familiar with the people, institutions, and decisions shaping your community.

Read more from Rachelle Giles, Vice President, Local Government Relations at Goodman Schwartz Public Affairs, and VYP’s Vice Chair.

🗳️Read now: https://phoenixchamber.com/2026/09/09/politics-isnt-just-for-political-people/

🚀 VYP Board Updates from Lauren Smith

The VYP Board has introduced three new committees to create greater opportunities for board engagement and strengthen the experience for our members and attendees:

• Event Experience, led by Jazmine Cole
• Community Engagement, led by Mario Medrano
• Membership, led by Rex Bartlett

Each committee has a distinct focus, creating meaningful, high-quality event experiences to expand volunteerism, mentorship, and connections. These efforts will enhance community involvement and help engage, retain, and grow our membership.

Together, these committees will help ensure VYP delivers greater value to members and attendees by creating stronger connections, meaningful leadership opportunities, and experiences that support the growth and development of young professionals in our community.

Meet the leaders helping shape the future of VYP. ​

This week, we're spotlighting Natalie Vittitow, Area Sales Manager at Hyatt Place Phoenix Downtown, and the passion she brings to fostering meaningful connections and strengthening Greater Phoenix's young professional community.​

Read more: https://phoenixchamber.com/2026/07/08/meet-our-new-vyp-board-members/

Happy Labor Day from Valley Young Professionals! We’re proud to celebrate the contributions of professionals across our community.

A new chapter of leadership begins with VYP's newest Board Members.​
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Meet Mario Medrano, Enterprise Strategy Consultant at American Express, and learn more about his passion for connection, collaboration, and creating a stronger future for Greater Phoenix's young professionals.​
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Read more: https://phoenixchamber.com/2026/07/08/meet-our-new-vyp-board-members/

Great leaders don’t grow alone — they grow through mentorship, connection, and the support of those willing to share their experience. 🤝​

At the 15th Annual Valley Young Professionals Mentor Breakfast, emerging leaders from across Greater Phoenix connected with experienced professionals for meaningful conversations focused on career growth, leadership development, and building lasting relationships.

Mentorship is a powerful investment in our business community. By sharing their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, mentors help the next generation of leaders navigate challenges, discover opportunities, and make a greater impact.​ 🌟

A special thank you to our mentors for dedicating their time and expertise to this year’s program:

• Emily Breuker, Associate Provost, University of Phoenix
• Angela Clervoix, Director of Operations, Next Gen
• Joel Eberhart, Vice President Marketing & Community Development, Ideas Collide Marketing Communications
• Jay Kaprosy, Partner, Veridus
• Dillan Knudson, Arizona Market Director, Columbia Bank
• Tamala McBath, CEO, Dress for Success Arizona
• Paul Penzone, Vice President/Chief Community Relations Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
• Dr. Doug Ross, President, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
• Chet Samuelson, Arizona Market CEO, BOK Financial
• Laura Lynn Smith, Division Vice President/General Manager, ADP, LLC
• Donna Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Beatitudes Campus
• Vince Thelander, SVP/Market Executive Business Banking, Bank of America
• Jim Tomes, President / CEO, Telgian Holdings, Inc.
• Craig Waugh, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig

Thank you to everyone who joined us for another impactful VYP event. Ready to keep connecting with fellow young professionals? Join us for VYP Trivia Night — learn more through the link in the comments below!

September is quickly approaching, and it’s National Update Your Resume Month! If your resume hasn’t been updated since your last job search, consider this your sign to give it a refresh. Lauren Smith, VYP Board Chair, and Director of Community Engagement at Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), shares three resume tips she encourages every young professional to consider. 💼

Read more at the link in the comments!