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In 2008, MAYPA joined forces with Mobile Bay Young Professionals, LLC (MBYP). The collaboration was the result of fusing common initiatives between two of Mobile's most active young professional organizations. Why two organizations? The story follows... In 2007, Chris Barraza, Founder and Project Manager of MBYP, wrote about her desire to see Mobile thrive: "Bound to this beautiful bay by family, friends and work, my husband and I decided we were committed to seeing this place grow. Over the last 10 years, we have witnessed the exodus of far too many talented and educated young people in search of more opportunity that are investing their lives and skills in other places. This "brain drain" as it has been dubbed has left our area in a, dare I say it, state of perpetual potential. We think it's time to reverse that trend..." It's time indeed. And Barraza has already seen success as MBYP has facilitated young professional networking activity through the coordination of monthly events with special guest speakers, organizing volunteer activities, and spurring community involvement. MBYP spearheads our social networking and volunteerism initiatives. Fast-forward later that year. Tim Parker, a graduate of Auburn University and Mobile native, decided to return to his bay-area roots to develop his career. In a time when Mobile was experiencing a surge of economic development, Parker still noticed that there existed a disconnect between local, qualified candidates and professional job opportunities. There needed to be a resource that specifically targets young professionals and facilitates career-placement within the city... all while utilizing the communication methods of younger generations. A few months later, MAYPA was born. As one would imagine, Barraza and Parker soon learned of each other's initiatives, and the obvious was decided... to combine both organizations' efforts in order to provide a premier resource for Young Professional networking in Mobile. To get involved with both organizations, we welcome you to sign up for YPPass, our joint-membership level. For more information, please click here. Stay up-to-date with our networking and volunteer activities, check our news page often. |
