What is the Future Leaders Conference/what is the purpose of this 2nd annual event?
Tell us more about Graci Harkema, the keynoter for that conference?
Who are you trying to reach/engage with?
Can you tell me about the breakout sessions – what was the thought process behind working with these presenters?
HYP also shared a release about their upcoming conference:
Young professionals organization to host series of presentations from local powerhouses on February 15.
HOLLAND, Mich. Jan. 2024 – Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals (HYP), a Lakeshore-based nonprofit organization, welcomes Graci Harkema, international diversity, equity, and inclusion speaker, and best-selling author, as the keynote speaker of their second-annual Future Leaders Conference on February 15 from 11:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. at the Holland Civic Center.Through adversity and divine intervention, Graci Harkema leverages her experiences to teach followers the true value of authenticity and entering spaces exactly as you are. At the 2024 Future Leaders Conference, Harkema will speak about her time growing up as an adoptee from the Congo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, tracing her professional path and claiming her own story while encouraging others to do the same.“Having Graci Harkema as this year’s keynote speaker is a big deal to us,” said Gavin Steenwyk, president of Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals. “It’s easy to feel like we need to change ourselves to fit into certain professional roles, and Graci’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and authenticity speaks to the purpose of the Future Leaders Conference – creating a space for people of all backgrounds to share their stories and distinct career paths.”More than 150 guests are expected to attend the day-long event, where guests will learn from local powerhouses about combining impact and passion with profession through a series of panel discussions and presentations.“Breakout session” speakers include Johnny Rodriguez, the executive director of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP); Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage; Keith Van Beek, city manager of Holland; Tracy Bolo, executive director of Lakeshore Non-Profit Alliance; and a panel of Disher professionals, including Rebekah Bakker, Hannah Rumsey, Casey McKellar, Brett Lowe, and Ben Zuiderveen.“Each speaker offers a different career path and perspective, meaning every guest will leave having learned something new about themselves, their profession, or their hometown,” added Steenwyk.Lunch and a happy hour will be provided. The agenda for the event is as follows: 11:30 a.m. – Morning Networking and Coffee12:00 p.m. – Lunch12:15 p.m. – HYP Welcome and Notes from HYP of the Year1:00 p.m. – Breakout Session 11:45 p.m. – Break2:00 p.m. – Breakout Session 22:45 p.m. – Break3:00 p.m. – Keynote Talk by Graci Harkema4:00 p.m. – Happy HourThis event is open to the public. For more information on how you can join in on this day of collaboration, visit https://www.behyp.org/events/2024/2/15/2024-hyp-future-leaders-conference.Holland/Zeeland Young ProfessionalsAs the first young professional organization in West Michigan, Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals (HYP) exists to connect and develop young professionals to lead and impact their community. Leveraging its involved board of directors and expanding committees, HYP hosts collaborative events and volunteer opportunities that further the Lakeshore’s deep-rooted professional network. Learn more at https://www.behyp.org/.
