This year marks the ten-year anniversary of the Young Professionals Council (YPC), founded in 2015 to connect, inspire, and empower the next generation of leaders in the floral industry. For a decade, YPC has provided opportunities where emerging professionals can build skills, expand networks, volunteer, and find encouragement from peers who share their passion for the industry.
To honor this milestone, a special 10-year anniversary highlight video features YPC members sharing why they love being part of the council. Their reflections capture the true spirit of YPC: a welcoming community, a place to learn from one another, a resource hub for professional development, and a network that turns professional connections into lasting friendships.
From gaining confidence through leadership and volunteer opportunities to feeling supported in career transitions, the experiences of the Young Professional Members showcase the personal and professional impact the council – now at over 110 members – has made over the years.
© American Floral Endowment
YPC members celebrated the 10-year milestone with two in-person events this summer. On Sunday, July 13, members gathered for a networking lunch during Cultivate in Columbus, Ohio. Then, on Thursday, July 31, members met again in New Orleans during ASHS. This event not only hosted a networking lunch, but also had a volunteer opportunity for YPC members to serve as ambassadors of AFE during the conference's Career Fair, which is supported through one of AFE's educational grants.
YPC offers opportunities that go beyond in-person events. Members have opportunities to moderate webinars, serve as mentors, further their public speaking skills, participate as scholarship reviewers, submit their work through guest writing for our communications, and more.
© American Floral Endowment
Additionally, there's a growing library of webinars focused on professional development, career resources, and additional funding opportunities for both students and industry members. The YPC is a launchpad for personal growth and a path to strengthen the industry pipeline of future leaders.
American Floral Endowment
Tel.: +1 (703) 838-5211
[email protected]
www.endowment.org
