The Roanoker - March/April 2018 - 16

THE
GIST!

Young
Professionals
Creating
eXperiences
Ready for an eXperience?

T

HE EXPERIENCE YP
conference first took place
in 2014; now headed into its
fourth year, the conference offers unique
programming designed to connect
and inspire young professionals in the
region. Those looking to build their
skills, network with other professionals
and learn more about their community
will come away refreshed and energized.
The conference encourages organic
connections and conversations that come
from being in the same room with other
driven young professionals.
Committee co-chair Taylor Spellman
wants more organizations to get involved
so their employees attend and become
rooted in the community. "Being a part
of Roanoke is cool because we're not a
tiny community, but we have the ability
for our voices to be heard," she says. "We
can positively impact the direction the
community is going."
eXperience YP is unique in that there
are many different industries represented,
including academia, nonprofits, tourism,
entertainment, health care and more.
They coordinate events that connect
industry leaders, visionaries and educators
with the area's next generation of leaders,
in addition to providing an environment
where their members can brainstorm,
connect and create dialogue.
This year's keynote speaker is Justin
Patton, an executive leader coach. He is
the group's first national speaker and his
work includes empowering leaders to
"make their voice and presence count."
Spellman says "to bring him to Roanoke
and get attendees excited is something
we're looking forward to."
The eXperience YP conference takes
place on Friday, May 4, at the Jefferson
Center. The $55 registration fee includes
the networking event on Thursday
night, snacks and beverages throughout
conference day and lunch. Learn more or
get tickets at experienceyp.com. I
-LIZ LONG

16

MARCH/APRIL 2018

FEMCITY:

Empowering Networking
for Women in Business and
Business Owners
These women have all followed their passions to starting
their own businesses. Who they are is reflected in their work.
All of them desire to make a difference for others, and all of
them are members of FemCity.

F

E M C I T Y R OA N O K E I S A
professional women's organization
that offers women the opportunity
to interact in a positive, supportive way.
Since its inception in February of 2017,
membership has grown to over 500
community members locally.
Beth Boyd Bell, president of FemCity
Roanoke, started the chapter because
"I was at a point in my life where I
realized the importance of a like-minded,
supportive tribe. I have been a member of
a few other networking groups in town,
contributed to the growth of the group and
others' business, but at the end of the day,
I wasn't growing in business or personally.
I am a relationship builder and FemCity
is the ultimate community for intentional
relationships."
Sabrina East, program recruiter for
Alliance Human Services, says, "I joined
because I was excited about the female
camaraderie and the chance to surround
myself with like-minded professional
females that inspire and lift one another up."
"It is great to have women from all
different fields come together to support
and build each other's businesses," says
Crystal Knuttgen, Financial Services

Professional with The Conner Group.
Complimentar y community
membership provides opportunities to
attend classes and local events as well as
network with other FemCity members.
Events include monthly luncheons and
social gatherings hosted by business
members. In addition, there are educational
programs on a variety of topics ranging
from marketing and business strategy
to goal-setting and living with passion.
The focus is on positivity, connection
and support based on the theory that
individuals succeed when they help others
succeed.
The paid business membership includes
additional benefits such as free online
courses, worksheets and an online platform
for promoting events and business. A
special perk for business members is
a collaboration with the CoLab. The
Global membership offers networking and
courses with FemCity members in over
70 FemCity communities in the U.S. and
Canada. Founder Violette de Alaya plans
to expand to other countries soon as well.
Fo r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t
femcityroanoke.com. I
-LAURA WADE

TheRoanoker.com
http://www.experienceyp.com http://www.femcityroanoke.com http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker - March/April 2018

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