Take a look back at what the YoPro Community has accomplished in such a short time
Upping the YoPro Community Game at Annual Conference
Reflecting on the past year with the Young Professionals (YoPro) Community, we feel a deep sense of gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. After spending months connecting virtually, sometimes monthly and sometimes more frequently, we finally gathered in person with fellow YoPro members at the URMIA Annual Conference earlier in October. This was an incredibly meaningful milestone for the YoPro group, as after a year of planning and connecting online, we were finally able to meet and talk in person.
Connections Blossomed Better than Expected
When the idea for the YoPro Community first took shape, it began as a conversation about creating space for emerging professionals within URMIA. At the time, we anticipated a few virtual meetups, some shared resources, and light networking opportunities. Since then, YoPro has far exceeded those early expectations. Over the past year, the YoPro Community has grown into a vibrant, supportive, and engaged community. The members have built connections through active group chats, resource sharing, professional encouragement, and peer collaboration.
YoPros Unite at the Annual Conference
Throughout the conference, we watched the community come to life. At the President’s Reception, we connected with new URMIAns and met several student scholarship recipients. Their enthusiasm for the field and openness left a lasting impression. Earlier in the week, during the YoPro tabling event before the Opening Event, we got the opportunity to speak with affiliate young professionals (those working on the company/organization side of URMIA), whose kindness and familiarity strengthened the sense of connection throughout the conference.
One of the most memorable moments happened before our presentation began. As we arrived early to prepare and set up our microphones, we noticed the room felt quieter than expected and wondered how the session would unfold with its interactive elements. A few moments later, Hannah Shelton from the University of the Pacific, walked in and immediately took initiative, a central theme of our presentation. Recognizing the need for support, she encouraged others in the hallway to join us, bringing a contagious positive energy that quickly filled the room.
But Hannah didn’t stop there. When she saw another opportunity to help, she stepped in to moderate, seamlessly guiding parts of the discussion and ensuring everything ran smoothly. During the session, her active participation and visible support stood out. Her enthusiasm, generosity, and willingness to take charge embodied the true spirit of YoPro, uplifting everyone around her and strengthening our sense of community. The moment reminded us how one person’s positivity and leadership can make all the difference.
The YoPro Mixer, held just before the Closing Reception, captured the vibrant energy of the growing YoPro community. As we looked around the room, we saw more than our colleagues. We saw future URMIA board of directors members, committee chairs, and conference leaders. We clearly recognized this group as the next generation of professionals, people who not only show passion for their work but also commit themselves to supporting one another and growing together.
And We’re Just Getting Started
Over the past year, the community has grown meaningfully, not only in size, but in the strength of our relationships, purpose, and shared vision. We’ve seen what happens when URMIA welcomes, empowers, and gives early-career professionals the space to lead and contribute. We deeply appreciate URMIA’s ongoing support for this initiative and its continued investment in the profession’s future.
Today, YoPro stands as a meaningful and lasting community. We take pride in what we’ve built together, and we look forward to seeing how this community continues to evolve.
By Caitlin Cai, Risk and Insurance Program Manager | University of Tennessee System
By Olivia Watson, Risk Manager | Colorado School of Mines
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