Lincoln Chamber of Commerce | Lincoln Young Professionals Group

Lincoln Young Professionals
Your People. Your Purpose. Your Place.

Lincoln Young Professionals Group (LYPG) is a program of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 2006, LYPG was created to bring early-career professionals together while showcasing Lincoln as an incredible place to live, work and play. Grounded in four core pillars, LYPG's programming is designed to help young professionals connect, grow, and do the most (in the best way).

LYPG is your place to find your people - building personal and professional relationships that will last the next 20 years and beyond. It's your place to find your purpose - develop skills to grow your career, give back to our community, and find your voice on the issues that matter most.

Our Mission

Empowering Lincoln's young professionals through learning, networking, leadership, community involvement and impact

Our Vision

Young professionals will drive progress and build a dynamic, connected community where they can thrive and lead through professional growth and leadership opportunities

Find your people. Find your purpose. And most importantly, find your place.

Join LYPG Today

Meet the Team
Events
YP Week
Strategic Plan
Yappin' with YPs

Leadership Council

Derek Kay, Chair, LCOC Board Member
FNBO

Emma Kwapnioski, Vice Chair
University of Nebraska Foundation

Courtney Strayer, Past Chair
Bryan Health

Carrie Bartholomew
ALLO Fiber

Eric Bertrand, LCOC Policy Advisory Committee Member
West Gate Bank

Emilee Meints
Morrow Collision Center

Sydney Schoening
Immanuel

Susan Twiehaus
Security First Bank

Champions

Alex Ober
Leadership Resources

Avery Stege
Ameritas Wealth Advisors

Ben Smith
BinMaster

Brandon Robbins
DataVizion

Brooke Imm
Tenaska Marketing Ventures

Drew Hoffman
Lutz

Dylan MacKichan
Mutual of Omaha Investor Services

Emily Hancock
Union Bank & Trust

Holly Smith
CBUSA

Hunter Johnson
Nelnet

Jessica Medina
Northwestern Mutual

Jessie Hedrick
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster & Saunders Counties

Kayla Ostegard
Union Bank & Trust

Landon Friesen
AOI Corporation

Mason Ritnour
Engineering Technologies, Inc.

Nikki Bruns
Community Volunteer

Robert Bryant
Cada, Jewson & Bryant

Teresa Arneal
Jeffrey S. Raikes School

Thomas Machal
HBE LLP

Tut Kailech
NeighborWorks Lincoln

Apply to be a Champion

Current Events

YP Week

October 19-23, 2026

YP Week is an annual celebration of young professionals in Lincoln, bringing together emerging leaders and professionals from across the community for a week of connection, learning and professional development.

Throughout the week, you can attend events with engaging speakers and panels, explore unique local businesses and destinations, participate in hands-on experiences, and build meaningful connections with fellow young professionals. Our events are designed to encourage new perspectives, strengthen professional networks, and support both personal and career growth.

Most importantly, YP Week celebrates the talent, energy and contributions of young professionals who are helping shape the future of Lincoln.

One week. Nine events. Countless opportunities to connect, learn and grow.

YP Week 2026 will take place October 19–23. Explore the full lineup of events and register today!

YPGrows with Lincoln HR

September 22, 2026 | 8:00 - 9:30 AM
Assurity | 2000 Q St.

Join us for an engaging YPGrows session featuring members of LincolnHR, who will share expert insights on navigating today’s evolving job market. From understanding how the hiring process has changed to preparing for interviews, building a strong resume and leveraging tools like AI in your job search, this conversation will equip young professionals with practical strategies for career success.

Whether you’re actively exploring new opportunities or simply looking to stay prepared for the future, you’ll gain valuable perspectives on what employers are looking for and how to stand out in a competitive market.

Meet our LincolnHR Panel:

Amber Dingwell, Senior Total Reward Analyst, Hudl
Kelsey Blersch, HR Recruiter, Assurity
Nikki Essay, Human Resources Business Partner, PenLink
Katie Welp, Human Resources Director, Complete Children’s Health

Come ready to learn, ask questions, and leave with actionable tips to help you take the next step in your professional journey.

Register for YPGrows with Lincoln HR

Level Up with Doane

November 10, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Doane University Fred Brown Center, Room 302 | 303 N. 52nd St.

Work Reimagined: Work isn’t just changing — leadership, connection and success are being redefined at every level. Work Reimagined invites young professionals to rethink success in a world shaped by rapid change, new technologies and shifting expectations.

In 2026, YPG programs will explore how to lead with authenticity, build a meaningful, sustainable career and thrive in workplaces that value both innovation and well-being.

Signature Events

YPG Golf Tournament

Our annual June golf tournament brings members and nonmembers together for a full day on the course, no matter what your skill level is. Register as a foursome or sign up as an individual, and enjoy networking, friendly competition, and fun along the fairway.

Companies can also get in on the action with hole sponsorships and connect directly with players throughout the day.

YP Week

YP Week is our biggest, boldest week of the year. Held each October, it features up to nine events across five days, all centered around our four pillars: networking, professional development, philanthropy and public policy education.

It's a full year of YP programming packed into one high-energy week.

Young Lincoln Leader Award Past Winners

YP Year-End Celebration

Each December, we wrap up the year by celebrating our wins, reflecting on impact, and connecting with fellow YPs.

The Year-End Celebration is part recognition, part networking and the perfect way to close out the year together.

YP Week | October 19 - 23, 2026

Kickoff Lunch with Charlie Colon

Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Talon Room | 230 N. 12th Street

Hear from Charlie Colon, Owner and Operator of Chick-fil-A SouthPointe, as he shares his entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned along the way, and what it takes to build a thriving business and strong team. Start the week with great food and connections with fellow young professionals.

YP After Dark

Monday, October 19, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
TBD

Grab a drink and get the latest on Nebraska's financial landscape. Our State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg will share updates on several topics, including first-time homebuyer savings accounts, expanded education and workforce savings opportunities, and support for individuals with disabilities.

YP Grows

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 8:30 - 9:30 AM
TBD

What fills your bucket outside of work? Join a panel of local professionals as they share how community involvement, personal passions, volunteering, and lifelong learning have helped them find purpose, energy, and growth beyond their careers.

You'll leave with ideas, connections, and a personalized action plan to invest in yourself, your relationships, and your community.

YP Gives

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:30 PM
TBD

Not one, but TWO great ways to give back to the Lincoln community!

1:00-3:00 PM | BraveBe Child Advocacy Center
Learn about BraveBe's mission, tour the facility, and get hands-on with projects that help create a welcoming space for the people they serve.

3:00-4:30 PM | Linked2Literacy
Support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library through a fun, team-based fundraising challenge. Learn how the program brings books to local children, then help ensure more kids receive books each month.
No fundraising experience required. Linked2Literacy will provide training, scripts and everything you need to participate.

Face the Chamber

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Country Club of Lincoln | 3200 S. 24th Street

Hosted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, this event includes two reserved tables for Lincoln YPG members.

7th Annual Young Lincoln Leader Awards

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Wilderness Ridge Golf Club | 1800 Wilderness Woods Place

The biggest night of YP Week is here! Join us as we celebrate Lincoln’s brightest young professionals with awards in seven exciting categories. From nominees to winners, it’s a night full of recognition, energy, inspiration, and networking you won’t want to miss! Help us honor the leaders shaping our community's future.

Table for 10

Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Various Locations

Spend your lunch break with your peers and connect with other leaders in our community! This year’s Table for 10 will feature guests from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors!

More details coming soon!

Breakfast of Champions

Friday, October 23, 2026 | 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Morrow Collision Center | 2801 N. 83rd Street

Let’s celebrate as we run across the finish line of YP Week. Open to all, meet us at Morrow Collision for breakfast with other young professionals!

Thank you to our current Champions for all of your time during this week and the entire year! We celebrate you today and open the doors for everyone to join. At this event, everyone is a Champion in our eyes.