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Get connected to URMIA’s newest community of risk and insurance professionals                                                                                                                                                                                                        

The Place for Young Risk Management Professionals

YoPro, a vibrant and growing community for young professionals in the field of risk management, was established in October to provide a supportive space for individuals who are either early in their careers or young at heart within the industry. The initiative was designed to foster professional growth, offer networking opportunities, and create a platform where institutional members can share both their challenges and their successes. This emerging network aims to be a source of camaraderie and a place for members to engage with others who understand the unique dynamics of being relatively new in the risk management field.

The YoPro Community Gets Started

As a newly formed community, YoPro is in the process of establishing its foundation, which includes developing regular meeting schedules, building meaningful relationships among its members, and crafting a unified mission and set of goals. In its early stages, the group is focused on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals who are still finding their footing in the industry.

One of the community’s first major initiatives was to sponsor a community conversation event last week, titled "My First Year as a Risk Manager." This event featured two young, experienced risk managers, Kate Miller, a risk management analyst at Christopher Newport University, and Michelle Powell, a risk manager at Florida Polytechnic University. Both shared valuable insights and personal stories about their experiences navigating the early stages of their careers in risk management, providing mentorship and guidance to newer professionals who may be facing similar challenges.

Where Did This Community Come from

The idea for YoPro came to life after I approached the leadership of URMIA following the 2023 Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD. During my time at the conference, I recognized a gap: while there was an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience among senior professionals in the field, there was no formal space for younger individuals to connect, share insights, and develop their careers. As someone early in my own risk management journey, I noticed that young professionals, without strong mentors or peer networks, could easily feel sidelined or disconnected. This lack of connection could hinder personal growth and potentially delay the progression of talented individuals in the field. My vision was to create a community where emerging leaders in risk management could connect, exchange ideas, and eventually step into leadership roles, such as URMIA presidents or board of directors members, in the years to come.

Since its inception, the YoPro Community has made significant strides. The members who have joined thus far have demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and a willingness to share resources, advice, and support. Even in its early stages, it feels like we’re already making a meaningful difference. This sense of shared purpose and mutual support has been a central theme for many members, including Caitlin Cai, risk and insurance program manager for the University of Tennessee System. Cai highlights the value of the community, stating that it “allows you to connect with other like-minded, ambitious professionals who are young in their risk management career.” For many, the sense of belonging and being part of a peer group has already been transformative.

YoPros Aren’t Slowing Down

Looking ahead, the YoPro group aims to continue growing and evolving as a community. We meet regularly on the second Friday of every month, and we invite any young professional in the risk management field, whether in age or in career, to join us. Whether you’re just starting your career or have been working in the field for a few years, we welcome you to be a part of our journey as we build a community that nurtures professional development, fosters leadership, and provides a space to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the successes of our collective efforts. Institutional members can request to be added to URMIA’s YoPro Community. We’d love to have you join us!

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