CLU, ChFC, CASL Financial Representative/College Unit Director, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? I’ve been in Tallahassee for over six years now, since originally coming here to attend Florida State University. I thought I would leave after graduation, but after working and getting involved with different aspects and organizations in the community, I realized that this was a place that I could stay long term and have a fantastic quality of life both personally and professionally.

Why NYP? I got involved with NYP as a business move to meet young professionals like myself. It was recommended to me by some of my coworkers to help get more immersed in the community and meet my peers. I began to get more involved as I saw how NYP’s different events broadened my horizons to other young professional organizations in town and because of my desire to give back philanthropically.  This organization is doing exactly what my long term goal for Tallahassee is: to foster a diverse young professional environment that attracts and retains not only Tallahassee’s best and brightest, but others from across the country.

Communications Manager, Onyx Group

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? I have lived in Tallahassee for 14 years. I was born here then moved away to Southern California. I moved back to be closer to my family but all the other great things of Tallahassee have been an added bonus.

Why NYP? NYP is a great venue to meet like-minded young professionals in a similar life-stage. As we get older, our group of friends slowly disperses and NYP brings new people together to form great friendships. At the end of the day, it’s nice to unwind and socialize with your peers. NYP also great has great programs about being a young professional, highlighting local non-profits, and giving more insight into the hidden Tallahassee.

Owner, Concept Creative Hospitality Group

How long have you lived in/what brought you to Tallahassee? I have been in Tallahassee for 12 years. I originally moved here to attend Florida A&M University (FAMU), where I received my MBA.

Why NYP? I had worked in pharmaceutical sales for three years after graduating from FAMU before I started my own business. As an entrepreneur, I was operating in almost complete isolation and I wanted to get connected to the community and to my peers. NYP happened to be the perfect fit for me to do so!

Commercial Loan Assistant, Tallahassee State Bank

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? I was born in Tallahassee, but moved away in middle school; I came back to go to FSU in 1999 and have been here ever since.

Why NYP? I chose to get involved with NYP because I truly believe in its cause. Tallahassee is, indeed, a wonderful place to live, work, play and stay, but sometimes that aspect can get hidden with everything else that goes on in this great city.  NYP’s function is to bring to the forefront what a great community thrives in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas.

Program Coordinator, Knight Creative Communities Institute

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? I’m a native, having been born and raised here. While it was only a short time, I did experience life in a large city, and realized it just wasn’t for me. Tallahassee is my home, and I’ve made it my mission to make it a better and more appealing city for young professionals. I love that I’m helping shape Tallahassee’s future.

Why NYP? I was looking for a way to meet others my age. Even for someone who’s lived here her entire life, I found it difficult to transition from college student to young professional, as many of my friends had either moved away or were still in school, living the college lifestyle. NYP is a great way to ease that transition–I’ve met some really great people, several of whom I now call close friends.

Senior Account Executive, CoreMessage, Inc.

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? In 2003, I moved to Tallahassee, sight unseen, after being accepted to Florida State University (Go ‘Noles!). It was a huge change compared to the South Florida beaches I grew up knowing, but I immediately fell in love with the “southern” feel of Northwest Florida. Now, I’ve lived in Tallahassee for nearly seven years and I really can’t imagine being a young professional any where else. Nothing beats spring time in Tallahassee.

Why NYP? During my time at FSU, I came to realize how many individuals view Tallahassee as a transient town. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Tallahassee has so much to offer and being a part of NYP helps me share that message to other young adults. NYP is about promoting a better quality of life for self-professed work-a-holics, newbies and those who are just uncertain about the awkward period between college life and the real world. If we can make even one person more content with the community they live in, then it’s all worth it.

Prudential Insurance Company of America

How long have you lived in/what brought you to Tallahassee? I came to Tallahassee for my degree in 2001, but I stayed here initially because of my fiancé and her family. The key to me staying here in Tallahassee long-term was and always will be my affinity for the Tallahassee community. There are few other cities within Florida that can offer such rich diversity when it comes to activities within the community (outdoor pursuits, nationally recognized sporting events, cultural and artistic expos, family activities, and so much more) while still maintaining the feel of a close-knit community. I have found that Tallahassee is a small enough community that I can recognize people whenever I go out on the town, but is also large enough for me to realize my professional goals.

Why NYP? Being involved with this organization has been an incredible experience for me. There have been some great professional advantages, but some of the most enriching relationships that I have here in Tallahassee began by getting involved.  The more I engaged, the more I felt a strong personal connection with the community. I will always credit NYP for the deep appreciation and fondness I have for Tallahassee.

CPA, Senior Accountant, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC

How long have you lived in/what brought you to Tallahassee? I have lived in Tallahassee for the last eight years. I initially came to attend FSU – where students realize they either enjoy Tallahassee…or can’t wait to move out. I genuinely fell in love with Tallahassee and what it has to offer. I believe our city has a beautiful combination of cultural, outdoor, athletic and professional activities and opportunities.

Why NYP? After finishing graduate school and starting my career and family, I found it hard to find professional organizations that provided not only opportunities for professional involvement, but also business and community networking. NYP offers young professionals in Tallahassee a chance to become involved within the community, learn more about the opportunities and experiences available in Tallahassee, and develop relationships with fellow professionals in various business and non-profit arenas.