Consistent with the Young Professionals (YP) Committee mission to connect, develop, and empower young professionals in public works, the YP Summit aims to provide an engaging platform for young professionals within the dynamic realm of public works. Through insightful networking opportunities, enriching interactions with experienced leaders, and targeted skill-building sessions, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools essential to not only advance in their careers but to also lead the industry forward. In addition, the YP Summit will provide a space for young professionals to engage and connect with APWA leadership and YP leaders within the organization.
Why You Should Attend
The YP Summit seeks to empower the next generation of leaders and cultivate a strong sense of community among young professionals. As an attendee, you will be able to:
- Connect: Networking/connecting with peers and industry leaders will allow you to foster valuable relationships.
- Develop: Knowledge sharing will help you to gain insights and expertise from experienced professionals and YP leaders. You can develop practical skills and strategies for career advancement.
- Empower: As a young professional, you’ll be inspired by a sense of belonging within the public works community which will foster your personal and professional growth.
Key Takeaways
- Leave with meaningful connections to other young professionals and senior leaders.
- Acquire new skills and knowledge to help in career advancement and for public works projects.
- Be inspired by the connections, skills, and programing to feel confident as a young member of the public works community and to grow within the organization and industry.
Agenda
All times Eastern.
7:30–8:00 a.m.
Registration
8:00–9:00 a.m.
Networking Breakfast
9:00–9:30 a.m.
Welcome
9:30–10:00 a.m.
Opening Remarks
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Lewis G. Bender, PhD
This is an advanced communication workshop that teaches students to communicate on a new level. Students will learn to understand and use the subtle elements of communication, including body language, voice tone, and speech patterns. This program is particularly useful to individuals who conduct interviews, supervise people, or deal with conflicts.
Dr. Lewis Bender is Professor Emeritus at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Lew has researched and taught various courses related to management and supervision.
He is a specialist in helping teams and organizations to become more effective and efficient. His primary research focuses on organizational teams and the myriad factors and variables that impact team processes and effectiveness. He conducts seminars and workshops for leadership and operational teams across the U.S. and Canada.
Dr. Bender received his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia (1977), his Master’s degree from Wayne State University (1973), and his baccalaureate from Grand Valley State University (1971).
12:00–1:00 p.m.
Lunch Break
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Interactive Session: “Understanding Your Strategic Style!”
Speaker: Lewis G. Bender, PhD
This workshop focuses on a very important topic. YOU! We will explore key strategic styles that influence how you think, communicate, and lead. Special emphasis will be given to how your style interacts and impacts others on your team.
2:00–2:10 p.m.
Break
2:10–3:00 p.m.
“The Facets of Career Growth: Leveraging Them All to Achieve Your Goals”
Speaker: Shayla J. Nealy
Shayla J. Nealy has been a water industry leader in Georgia for over 22 years by developing and implementing policies, programs, and managing capital improvement projects that support the state’s water quality protection efforts. Nealy concluded her tenure as council member (twice mayor pro tem) in Union City, Georgia (2013-2021) in December 2021. During her successful two terms, she secured seven large Fortune 500 companies (8,000 new jobs), several million dollars in private investments, and acquired nearly $3.5 million in federal funding. Nealy’s leadership helped turn a vacant mall into Atlanta Metro Studios—one of the North America’s largest purpose-built television and film studio facilities—and repurposed an old elementary school into a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility, now known as The Union City Gathering Place.
She is a principal at Stantec, leading and developing strategy to meet the evolving business needs and drive results through relationships, client management protocols, and policy. She’s an Atlanta Business Chronicle 40 Under 40 recipient and one of Georgia’s Best and Brightest as a Georgia Trend 40 Under 40. She’s in the 2018 Class of Outstanding Atlanta and in the Most Influential category of multiple editions of Who’s Who in Black Atlanta.
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion: “Lessons Learned on Your Journey as a Young Professional to Get You to Where You Are Now”
Panelists include:
- Eric Dundee, ENV SP, PE, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District
- Cate Thompson, PE, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc
- Michael J. Carnevale, City of Winter Haven
- Steve Johnson, City of Des Moines
- Sean O’Dell, PE, Baxter & Woodman Consulting Engineers
4:00–4:15 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Registration
Come for the YP Summit, then stay for PWX!
This year’s YP Summit takes place before the kickoff of PWX 2024! This annual gathering of public works professionals is the largest of its kind, and something every up-and-coming leader should attend. As a young professional, you have the option to add-on a full registration for this phenomenal four-day event at a discounted rate. At PWX, you’ll be able to connect with and learn from more than 5,000 public works professionals from around the world.
Registration for the YP Summit is available through the PWX registration webpage. Whether you want to register for only the YP Summit or add a PWX registration, use the button below.
Justification Letter
Questions
Please email youngprofessionals@apwa.org.
