SHARE Charlotte YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUPS DIGITAL GUIDE SHARE Charlotte’s mission is to build a better Charlotte by EMPOWERING NONPROFITS AND HELPING PEOPLE INVEST IN THEIR COMMUNITIES in ways that matter most to them. Annually, we host the #YPMixerCLT event to bring together hundreds of Charlotte’s Young Professionals to connect with local nonprofits, explore
volunteer opportunities, and discover ways to give back. It’s also a chance to meet like-minded peers who are passionate about making a difference in our community. For Young Professionals, getting involved with nonprofits can be very rewarding both personally and professionally.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE KEY BENEFITS: 1. CAREER DEVELOPMENT & SKILL BUILDING •
Practical Experience: Nonprofits often welcome volunteers to take on responsibilities that might be harder to access early in a corporate career (e.g., project management, event planning, fundraising, or board participation).
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Transferable Skills: Skills such as leadership, communication, grant writing, and strategic planning translate directly into professional growth.
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Resume Differentiation: Employers often value nonprofit involvement as a sign of initiative, teamwork, and social responsibility.
2. NETWORKING & CONNECTIONS •
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Expanded Professional Circles: Nonprofits bring together people from diverse industries, opening doors to mentors, future employers, and collaborators. Access to Leadership: Young professionals may work directly with nonprofit executives, board members, or community leaders, creating high-value relationships.
3. NETWORKING & CONNECTIONS •
Meaningful Impact: Volunteering or serving with nonprofits allows young professionals to contribute to causes they care about.
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Balance & Wellbeing: Engaging in service can reduce burnout and increase a sense of purpose, complementing career ambitions with personal meaning.
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Civic Engagement: It fosters a sense of responsibility toward community and social issues.
4. LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIESS •
Early Leadership Roles: Nonprofits often provide opportunities for young professionals to serve on junior boards or committees, giving them early governance experience.
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Decision-Making Practice: Serving in these roles helps develop confidence in decisionmaking and strategic thinking.
5. VISIBILITY & REPUTATION •
Community Presence: Being active in nonprofits positions young professionals as engaged citizens who care about more than personal success.
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Personal Brand Building: It demonstrates values-driven leadership, which can boost credibility in both career and community.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY The American Cancer Society works to save lives through advocacy, research, support, and health equity, aiming to reduce cancer mortality 40% by 2035. YP GROUP:
GenNow Network CLT
CONTACT: Joyce Caron-Mercier, joyce.caronmercier@cancer.org
BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art inspires community through accessible programs, partnerships, and engaging modern art experiences, ensuring art is free and inclusive for all. YP GROUP: Modernists
CONTACT: Lauren Wallace, lauren.wallace@bechtler.org
BLUMENTHAL ARTS
Blumenthal Arts delivers world-class performances and inclusive programs, engaging diverse audiences, fostering youth creativity, and driving significant cultural and economic impact across the region. YP GROUP: Club Blume
CONTACT: Raegan Kirkpatrick, raegan.kirkpatrick@blumenthalarts.org
CAROLINA MIGRANT NETWORK We provide free legal representation and holistic support for detained or deportation-threatened migrants, striving for accessible immigration services across North Carolina and the region. YP GROUP:
Monarca Fellowship
CONTACT: Zamara Saldivar , zamara@carolinamigrantnetwork.org
CHARLOTTE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Charlotte Area Chamber supports businesses and community growth through networking, education, advocacy, resources, and engagement, fostering a vibrant, successful Charlotte economy. YP GROUP:
Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Committee
CONTACT: James Pugh, james.pugh@customink.com
CHARLOTTE REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE
The CLT Alliance drives regional economic growth by advocating for businesses, convening stakeholders, promoting investment, developing workforce talent, and fostering opportunity across Charlotte’s region. YP GROUP:
CLT Alliance Young Professionals
CONTACT: Laura Foor, lfoor@charlotteregion.com
CHARLOTTE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP CYPG unites Charlotte young professionals for career growth, networking, philanthropy, and industry collaboration, fostering personal development and a lasting community impact. YP GROUP:
Charlotte Young Professionals Group
CONTACT: Sophia Lang, sophia.lang417@gmail.com
CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION The CF Foundation leads the fight for a cystic fibrosis cure, funding life-changing treatments and engaging Charlotte volunteers through impactful events and programs. YP GROUP:
Tomorrow’s Leaders
CONTACT: Kathleen Finch, grohleder@cff.org
FOSTER VILLAGE CHARLOTTE
Foster Village Charlotte supports foster families with resources, advocacy, and care, ensuring safe, loving homes for children who’ve experienced trauma and neglect. YP GROUP:
Foster Village Charlotte Young Professionals
CONTACT: Meredith Barbee, meredith@fostervillagecharlotte.org
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE CHARLOTTE REGION
Habitat Charlotte Region builds and repairs homes, fostering stability and selfreliance, partnering with thousands of families to address Charlotte’s urgent affordable housing needs. YP GROUP:
Habitat for Humanity Young Professionals Group
CONTACT: Thy Duong, tduong@hypcharlotte.org
HOSPITALITY HOUSE OF CHARLOTTE Hospitality House of Charlotte offers affordable lodging and support near medical care, fostering community and easing access for patients and their caregivers. YP GROUP:
Hospitality House of Charlotte Young Professionals
CONTACT: Emily Muller, emuller@hhocharlotte.org
HUMANE SOCIETY OF CHARLOTTE The Humane Society of Charlotte promotes animal well-being through adoptions, veterinary care, and support programs, strengthening bonds between pets and the people who love them. YP GROUP: YAP
CONTACT: Josh Woodlief, jwoodlief@humanecharlotte.org
LIONS SERVICES Lions Services empowers people who are blind through employment and vocational training, manufacturing military apparel, and promoting economic independence in Charlotte and beyond. YP GROUP: PRIDE
CONTACT: Christen Hoover, christenh@lionsservices.org
METROLINA ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND Metrolina Association for the Blind empowers visually impaired individuals through vision rehabilitation services and accessible document production, promoting independence and supporting broader community needs. YP GROUP: Seekers
CONTACT: Erica Batten, ebatten@mabnc.org
MINT MUSEUM
The Mint Museum engages and inspires global audiences through art and design, promoting inclusivity, cultural understanding, and leadership in collecting, exhibiting, and sharing creativity. YP GROUP:
Young Affiliates Of The Mint
CONTACT: Marissa Peduto, youngaffiliatesexec@gmail.com
ROTARY CLUB OF CHARLOTTE The Rotary Club of Charlotte fosters service, ethical leadership, community engagement, and international goodwill, connecting members to make a meaningful local and global impact. YP GROUP:
Leadership Impact Group
CONTACT: Christine Cipriano, christine@charlotterotary.org
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING COMMUNITIES Supportive Housing Communities provides permanent supportive housing for disabled and vulnerable populations, fostering self-sufficiency, wellness, and stability while alleviating homelessness and human suffering. YP GROUP:
Young Professionals Board
CONTACT: Leslie Leitner, leslie@aplacetoliveagain.org
WOMEN’S IMPACT FUND The Women’s Impact Fund unites women in philanthropy, leveraging collective giving, education, and engagement to make high-impact grants and strengthen the Charlotte community. YP GROUP:
Women’s Impact Fund Young Professionals
CONTACT: Shannan Younger, syounger@womensimpactfund.org
SHARE Charlotte
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUPS DIGITAL GUIDE