{"id":1857,"date":"2023-08-16T14:53:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T14:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afe.epicenter1.com\/news\/developing-and-celebrating-young-professionals"},"modified":"2024-03-15T21:30:28","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T21:30:28","slug":"developing-and-celebrating-young-professionals","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/endowment.org\/es\/news\/developing-and-celebrating-young-professionals","title":{"rendered":"Developing and Celebrating Young Professionals"},"content":{"rendered":"

At the American Floral Endowment, we know that the future of our industry is dependent on fostering the next generation of industry leaders. Through scholarships, internships, career resources, and the Young Professionals Council, the Endowment aims to support young professionals at each step in their journey in floriculture from education into their careers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\"YPC<\/a>By aiding the next generation with over 30 annual<\/span> <\/span>becas<\/a><\/strong> and <\/span>three internship programs<\/a><\/strong>,<\/strong> we are ensuring that students have the tools and funding that they need to pursue an education in floriculture, keeping our industry competitive with other fields. This includes a special invitation to get involved through our <\/span>Young Professionals Council (YPC)<\/a><\/strong> and utilize the AFE <\/span>Career Center<\/a><\/strong> to prepare them for their new careers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

However, the Young Professionals Council is not limited to those already connected to AFE through our programs. Anyone interested in pursuing careers in floriculture aged 18-35 is <\/span>welcome to join<\/a><\/strong>. <\/span>The membership is totally free!<\/b> YPC members are welcome to in-person and online networking events, personal development webinars, volunteer opportunities, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>

The YPC offers unique opportunities to network both with peers and industry leaders from all segments of the industry. The group is a mix of those in both academia and industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\"\"This July, AFE Staff traveled to Columbus, Ohio, for<\/span> <\/span>American Hort\u2019s Cultivate \u201923<\/strong><\/span><\/a> to continue to strengthen the Endowment\u2019s industry involvement and connect with our community and the next generation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

While there, <\/span>Consejo de J\u00f3venes Profesionales<\/a><\/strong> members got together for a luncheon to reconnect, catch up, and plan ahead with AFE\u2019s Manager of Communications and Outreach and YPC Liaison, Karin Krause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The YPC meet-up conversation flowed with life updates and industry anecdotes. Members discussed new industry challenges & advances, how to engage more students in floriculture, and several of their current research focuses.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI had a great time as a Young Professional and first-time attendant\/speaker at Cultivate 2023. I\u00a0 was honored to receive the 40 under 40 award;\u00a0 had a great panel discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion for our industry; saw old friends; and made new connections, especially at the YPC networking lunch! YPC is a home for all young professionals! Overall, it was quite an experience, and I enjoyed it so much!\u201d noted YPC member Ping Yu from the University of Georgia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Also among the attendees at Cultivate and the YPC luncheon were AFE\u2019s <\/span>2023 Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year<\/a><\/strong>,<\/strong> Emily Larsen of the University of Wisconsin \u2013 River Falls.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Through AFE, Emily completed a 3-Month Internship at Altman Plants. Every year, AFE gives the recipient of this prestigious award paid hotel and airfare to Cultivate and free registration, among <\/span>other perks<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>

We recognize our programs\u2019 impact on individuals like Emily, and it is an excellent reminder of why the Endowment\u2019s work is so important. Coming soon, you\u2019ll be able to check out Emily\u2019s 2023 Cultivate report, where she\u2019ll share her reflections on the event. Stay tuned to AFE\u2019s social for that release!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\"\"<\/a>

GPN\u2019s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023<\/p>

Another great celebration of young professionals in our industry is <\/span>GPN\u2019s 40 Under 40<\/a><\/strong>, which included a reception during the event. We wish to highlight the YPC members and AFE Staff who were included in this recognition by GPN. Awardees included but were not limited to:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>