Elena Glass
Glass said that ’ s definitely true . “ Going through this program helped Kyia and myself individually in our separate organizations , and also helped our organizations as a collective as we partnered together on events and utilizing our shared space .”
I think going through the
Young Professionals Program together , and also working on joint projects has forged a strong bond between our two organizations .
- Kyia Britts , Associate Director , Children ’ s Performing Arts
Among the projects they teamed up on , teaching their cohorts a choreographed dance routine over Zoom that was designed to get everyone out of their comfort zones . “ We had our cohorts read a couple scenes from a play , and we shared a few things about what it ’ s like to have a career in theater arts . I think everybody had a really good time ,” said Glass .
“ I think going through the Young Professionals Program together , and also working on joint projects has forged a strong bond between our two organizations . It has helped a lot with communication , and provided a point of contact for both of our organizations with someone they trusted , which I know has been invaluable ,” said Britts .
Since participating in the program , Glass has taken on more responsibility at Lakeshore Players Theater , and achieved several goals , including organizing and spearheading the
42 Northeast Metro Business theater ’ s accessibility programs .”
“ I honestly don ’ t know where I ’ d be without Nancy ,” said Britts . “ She has become someone I can call on any time I have any issues , or don ’ t know how to respond to people and to situations .”
Britts also credits Hoglund with giving her the confidence needed to secure two promotions in her time with Children ’ s Performing Arts . “ She really helped me establish my personal goals and career goals , and showed me how I can achieve these in a very timely manner .”
Mike Vowels
Another young professional who benefited from participating in the program in 2020 is Mike Vowels , 24 , who works for Fresh Paint Inc . in Hugo . He learned about the Young Professionals Program from his bosses , Larry Zack , owner of the company , and Julie Stanke , President of Business Development .
“ We started the program with in person meetings in January with everyone getting to know each other and getting to know Nancy . Then in the middle of March when COVID hit , we transitioned to virtual meetings on Zoom . There were speakers on Zoom , and meetings with Nancy on Zoom . She did a good job of making the program interactive and keeping us involved ,” said Vowels , who in addition to the meetings , participated in game nights , and a fundraising project for Solid Ground through the program .
Solid Ground is a White Bear Lakebased nonprofit that helps families break the cycle of homelessness and poverty . The program provides housing , programming that helps parents learn new skills , and offers social , emotional and academic support for children .
When he started his work with the Young Professionals program , Vowels was responsible for marketing and social media at Fresh Paint , Inc . He has since transitioned into a sales role with more responsibility .
“ Participating in the Young Professionals program has helped me become more of a leader . It has given me the confidence I needed to advance my career ,” said Vowels , who today works in the area of business development . In that role , his job is to bring in new clients , and make sure existing ones feel they have a good relationship with the company .
It ’ s not just about each year ’ s group . It ’ s about building this broader network . I continue to keep in touch with past participants .
- Nancy Hoglund , owner and president of Hoglund Coaching
There are 18 participants in the program for 2021 , which once again is being conducted online . “ What I ’ m seeing this year is that people are really determined to dig in , learn and keep moving forward ,” said Hoglund . “ I personally get inspired by the participants and they each mean a great deal to me . Last year , Kyia and Elena were committed to seeing me get out of my own comfort zone . In addition to their fabulous dance session , Kyia also got me into a D & D campaign .”
Once the danger of COVID has passed , Hoglund is planning to bring back all the program ’ s past participants to connect and network . “ It ’ s not just about each year ’ s group . It ’ s about building this broader network ,” said Hoglund . “ I continue to keep in touch with past participants .”
To learn more about the NMYP program , or register to participate , go to the website : vhedc . com / northeastmetro-young-professionals .