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Young Professionals Connect

Young Professionals Connect (YPC) is a year-round leadership development program for early-career emerging professionals in the Greater Lexington area. YPC offers flexible, affordable programming designed to help emerging leaders build foundational leadership skills, grow professionally, and form meaningful connections—without the time commitment of a traditional cohort-based program.

Through monthly professional development, community education, and networking opportunities, YPC supports talent retention and workforce development by engaging rising leaders and connecting them to Greater Lexington's people, organizations, and civic systems.
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Join our list - receive event information

Upcoming YPC Events:

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register
Fuel Your Leadership Journey with Valvoline
​May 26 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. ​

Join YP Connect for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience at Valvoline Headquarters, where innovation, growth, and people-first leadership come to life. This dynamic event will offer insight into Valvoline’s “Happy to Help” culture, their Internship Program, and Employee Resource Groups, along with a live leadership panel featuring Valvoline leaders sharing real-world experiences and practical strategies for success. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, you’ll leave inspired, connected, and equipped to grow.
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REGISTER
Move & Connect with The YMCA
June 23 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Join us for an energizing afternoon at the North Lexington Family YMCA, where movement meets connection. Kick off the afternoon with an optional guided tour of the Y, followed by a brief overview of the YMCA’s impact in our community. Then, choose your experience and get moving! Whether you’re learning the basics of pickleball, challenging yourself in an indoor cycling class, or finding balance in a yoga session.
Yoga and Cycling have limited capacity and will be filled based on the order of registration. Early registration is strongly encouraged to secure your spot!
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REGISTER
Navigating the Transition to Leadership
July 28 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. ​

Stepping into a leadership role comes with new challenges and new opportunities. Join us for a session where you'll explore the fundamentals of effective leadership, learn how to define and communicate your personal leadership brand, and gain practical tools to confidently move from being a team member to leading your peers. 
Presented by People Pinnacle, a leadership development and talent strategy firm, this session will equip you with actionable insights you can apply right away. 
A special thank you to our official host and sponsor, Guide Realty, for opening their space and supporting YPC. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is YPC for?
Young Professionals Connect (YPC) is designed for early-career and emerging professionals in the Greater Lexington area who are looking to grow their leadership skills, expand their network, and get more connected to the community.
Why join YPC?
YPC offers flexible, year-round opportunities to build leadership skills, gain insight into the region, and form meaningful professional connections. Whether you're new to the area or looking to get more engaged, YPC helps you grow personally and professionally—on your schedule.
Is there a cost to participate?
YPC is free to join—all you have to do is sign up to receive event emails. While most events are free, some may have a small fee to cover materials, meals, or special experiences.
Join our list - receive event information
How do I register and where are events held?
Once you’re signed up for YPC emails, you can register for events as they’re announced. Events are held at various locations throughout Greater Lexington, offering opportunities to explore the community while you connect and learn.
How can I learn about upcoming events?
​The best way to stay informed is by joining the YPC email list. You’ll receive regular updates on upcoming events, opportunities, and ways to get involved.
Can I bring a friend to the event with me?
​Yes! YPC welcomes new faces. Many events are open to guests, and bringing a friend is a great way to introduce others to the program. We encourage all attendees to sign up for the email list to stay connected.
Who are YPC's leaders and how can I contact them?
Young Professionals Connect is a program produced and managed by Commerce Lexington. If you are interested in getting involved or have questions about the program, contact Commerce Lexington Director of Leadership Development, Tyra Harbut at [email protected]. 

PRESENTED BY:
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GOLD SPONSORS:
Community Trust logo
CCU logo
LG&E KU logo
SILVER SPONSORS:
Blue & Co logo
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PROFESSIONAL
​DEVELOPMENT SPONSOR:
Executrain logo
MEDIA SPONSOR:
Mahan Multimedia
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Contact us:

Tyra Harbut, Commerce Lexington
​Director, Leadership Development
[email protected]
​859.226.1610
Copyright © 2026 Commerce Lexington Inc., all rights reserved.
COMMERCE LEXINGTON® and the Commerce Lexington logo are registered trademarks of Commerce Lexington.
330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507
Phone: (859) 254-4447
  • About
    • Message from the Board Chair
    • President's Message
    • Top Investors
    • Board of Directors
    • Racial Equity Pledge
    • Staff Directory
    • Find Our Offices | Parking
    • NEWS
  • Do Business
    • Business Directory
    • Economic Development
    • Minority Business Development >
      • Minority Business Directory
      • Procurement Opportunities
    • Resources >
      • Start a Business
      • Relocate a Business
      • Funding & Financing
      • Publications
  • Live & Work
    • Relocation Guide
    • Job Board
    • Getting Around
    • Demographics
    • Cost of Living
    • Lexington History
    • Lexington Rankings
    • Education >
      • Public Education
      • Private Education
    • Health Care
  • Talent
    • Young Professionals Connect (YPC)
    • Leadership Lexington >
      • Leadership Lexington Alumni Association
      • Projects 2025-26
      • 2025-2026 Class Roster
    • Leadership Central Kentucky >
      • Class Roster 2025-2026
      • LCK Alumni
  • Advocacy
    • About Public Policy
    • Candidate Training
    • Regional Plan
    • Your Government >
      • Local
      • State
      • Federal
    • Policy Statements & Key Issues
  • Membership
    • Become a Member
    • Member Benefits
    • Member Discounts
    • Peer Programming >
      • Business Owners Advisory Boards (BOAB)
      • Peer Groups
    • Member News
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Ambassador Program
    • JOIN
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Submit an Event
    • ACG Forum
    • An Evening With Commerce Lexington
    • International Trip
    • Leadership Visit >
      • Past Trips >
        • Madison 2025
        • Salt Lake City 2024
        • Grand Rapids 2023
        • Tampa-St. Pete 2022
        • Austin 2021
        • Raleigh 2019
      • Impact
    • Regional Summit >
      • Regional Summit Agenda
    • Washington Fly-In
    • Salute to Small Business >
      • Past Award Winners
  • FOUNDATION