Discover how the next generation of higher ed risk management leaders are finding each other in URMIA
There Must Be Others in URMIA Like Me
After URMIA’s 2023 Annual Conference in Baltimore — my second URMIA conference — I found myself thinking deeply about a gap I had been feeling in our professional community. As a young and rising risk professional, I knew I wasn’t alone in sometimes feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or hesitant to post on the larger boards. Sometimes you’re not even sure what to ask yet — let alone who to ask. I reached out to URMIA leadership with a simple question: could there be a space for people like me?
Behind the scenes, the incredible folks at URMIA got to work. Their support and dedication turned that small idea into something tangible. By the time URMIA’s 2024 Annual Conference arrived in New Orleans, the Young Professionals group had its very first meeting.
Eventually, we gave ourselves a name: the YoPros.
What Is YoPro Doing and How Can You Get Involved
Since then, we’ve built something that I’m incredibly proud of — and that I genuinely needed. We’ve created a calendar of events, launched a community board, started gathering resources, and are actively working to expand our group so more young and rising risk professionals can find their people, too.
On May 9, we’re hosting our first organization-wide event. We’re excited to share what we’ve been working on, to spotlight the needs and voices of emerging professionals, and to hear from URMIAns about how we can keep growing this space.
Hear This, YoPros: We Truly Get You and Together We Will Learn Risk Management
This group came into my life at just the right moment.
After three rewarding years as the enterprise risk management analyst for the University of Massachusetts President’s Office, I made a big leap: I accepted a position as the risk manager for the Colorado School of Mines. That transition was a big one. Not only was I adjusting to a new institution in a new state, but I was also stepping into broader responsibilities and diving deeper into areas of risk management that I hadn’t fully explored before.
I had so many questions — questions that felt too basic to post on the main board. I worried that if I asked, people might wonder if I was even qualified to hold my new role. The truth is, I was overwhelmed. I felt like I was letting down my mentors, my new institution, and honestly, myself.
And then came YoPro.
Suddenly, I had a group of peers who understood. We were learning together. We shared resources, tips, and reminders that it’s okay to not have all the answers. Most importantly, I was reminded that I’m not alone.
If you’re a young or rising professional in the risk world, please know this: there is a place for you. Come to our events. Join our community. Ask your questions. We’re building this space for you — because we’ve been there, too. Join the YoPro Community.
YoPro Power Hour: Building Meaningful Connections
Join us May 9 at 1pm ET to meet other YoPros – young and/or rising risk managers or those young at heart in higher ed risk management – and talk about the unique challenges of being “new” to risk management. Register now!
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