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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
Gatton Park: From Bold Vision to Big Impact
September 23 | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. ​

Spend an afternoon networking and discovering Gatton Park, one of Lexington’s newest and most transformative public spaces. Attendees will hear from Ben Shaffar, Vice President for Advancement of Gatton Park Conservancy, Inc., about the vision behind the park and the impact it will have on our community, followed by an optional guided tour to experience the space firsthand.
Registration options include a free ticket or a $10 ticket that includes a complimentary drink ticket. Additional beverages and food will be available for purchase from Boxcar Café. Connect with fellow young professionals while learning more about the exciting future of Gatton Park.
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REGISTER
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REGISTER
YPC: Behind the Scenes at Keeneland
October 22 | 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. ​

Join Young Professionals Connect at Keeneland on for a behind-the-scenes look at preparations underway for the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
Attendees will enjoy coffee and breakfast treats while hearing from teams at Keeneland and the Breeders’ Cup about what it takes to host and showcase this internationally recognized event in Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World. Guests will also have the opportunity to view morning works from the Loge Boxes on the Track Apron.
​Connect & Serve: YPC at Ronald McDonald House 
October 27 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. ​
Join YPC for a meaningful afternoon at the Ronald McDonald House, where you'll tour the facility, learn about its mission of supporting families with critically ill children, and connect with fellow young professionals through hands-on service activities like writing encouragement letters and donor thank-you notes. Attendees will also learn about the "Lunches with Love" initiative and other ways to support the organization's mission. It's a unique opportunity to network while making a meaningful impact in our community.

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
    • Top Investors
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff Directory
    • Find Our Offices | Parking
    • NEWS
  • Do Business
    • Business Directory
    • Economic Development
    • Community & Small 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
    • Talent Attraction (lookatlex.com)
    • Young Professionals Connect (YPC)
    • Leadership Lexington >
      • Leadership Lexington Alumni Association
      • 2026-2027 Class Roster
    • Leadership Central Kentucky >
      • Class Roster 2026-2027
      • 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
    • FCPS Classroom Essentials Fund