Wayne County Needs HYPE
In 2017, I joined a small non-profit with no paid staff and a skeleton of a Board of Directors.
Personally, it was just months after a life-changing experience. I was truly at a crossroads, pack up and leave, or find a purpose that gave me a reason to choose Richmond.
In the midst of my life shift, HYPE Richmond was also shifting. One that would change the future of the organization.
The committee that worked on that strategic planning, taking it from a social networking group to a professional development organization, saw the future, but also believed in this organization with great passion.
After being elected to the Presidents role in 2018, I began hearing about young professionals in every conversation I was having about this community. There was a gap. Working with my boss, Melissa Vance, the Chamber, and HYPE began exploring the possibility of a partnership.
In December of 2019 both boards announced an official merge, HYPE Richmond turned into HYPE Wayne County and became an action committee of the Chamber.
But we all remember 2020, right? Maybe, actually, absolutely, the WORST time in world history to rebrand a networking organization. Masks, social distancing, and outdoor venues made for difficult programming.
When HYPE took full form in 2021, it was clear we had made the right move. Businesses, stakeholders, and most importantly, young professionals, showed up.
Over the last 2 years, this organization has grown so much. The implementation of WC Leads, the areas only leadership training program has been just a joy to bring to life.
This organization has been a motivator for me for many years. HYPE and I grew up together. I think HYPE’s new energy and community support have continued to drive my passion. Young professionals have the power to impact this community. We need to feel empowered. We need to feel welcomed. We need peers. We need supporters and cheerleaders. We need Wayne County.
But most importantly, Wayne County needs us.
Without young professionals invested here, without living here, without growing here, Wayne County will struggle.
When you see them doing something AMAZING, shout it out for others to hear. Buy them coffee, they need it. Check-in on your young people, let’s make this a place where they want to live. A place where they want to work. A place where they want to play.
I wish the future of this organization nothing but incredible things. I will be your biggest cheerleader and I invite the rest of the community to join me in celebrating our young professionals.
Thank you HYPE for being one of the best organizations I have ever been involved with, thank you for growing with me.
Written by Roxie Deer