YKP Connect: August Newsletter

July: a more calculated month. August: a get-it-done month!

Happy Monday! And Happy August! Wow where has the year gone? I hope July was exciting and productive! (as rainy as it has been 🌧️) Did you get it done? ✅

July, I think, was a chance. an inflection point. It’s the moment where summer transitions into fall and there’s renewed energy all around. School season starts soon so everyone’s moment to recharge get fully rejuvenated.

In the calm before the storm—literally as we are in hurricane season—you have an opportunity to get it done before the leaves turn brown. Soon after that, spooky things will begin to happen (Halloween), then you’ll be grateful for making it this far (Thanksgiving) and finally you’ll be in the most wonderful time of the year (Christmas). So, not to raise any alarms but, how far are your goals thus far?

PS. if you’re like me, you’ve started getting on those resolutions you set back in January, while trying to catch up with the rest. Either way, you’re doing great!

But, we’re excited to go into August! Here’s what we’ve got:

Race to Certification 2025: OCI | AI | Multicloud | Data

For my tech-focused folks, or any one interested, there’s a special program online!

Oracle university is offering you the opportunity to accelerate your learning journey with FREE digital training and certifications in AI, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Mutlicloud and Oracle Data Platform

Race to Certification 2025 through its four learning paths is offering certificates at associate and professional levels in each path. You also receive valuable insight to elevate your knowlegde in your selected path, plus a cool digital promotion kit once you complete each level.
(Hint: something that looks VERY SHINY on your resume!)

The program is running now through October 31st 2025. So, what are you waiting for? Remember, we’re getting it done this remainder of the year. so get certified TODAY! 

🌟The Young Professionals Spotlight Series—Lornex 🌟

Welcome back to the Young Professionals Spotlight Series — and this month our light shines on Lornex Rono.🌟

💡Career Focus
Lornex is a Refugee Services Case Manager at Catholic Services Fort Worth in Texas. Her work mainly focuses on giving back to the community and advocacy work. Her background is based on international affairs, law and human rights work.

She runs a non-profit; the Let Her Rise, an initiative based in Nakuru, Kenya that seeks to help young girls from vulnerable backgrounds.

Lornex is passionate about helping vulnerable groups specifically refugees and immigrants. Lornex has had quite a few accomplishments to her name: including being names as “The 40 Inspiring, Remarkable and Motivating Kenyan Women in the American Diaspora in Eyes of Kenyans,” and speaker at TEDx at Harvard Graduate school.

🤝 Lessons from the Field
In all her years working in international affairs and human rights advocacy work, Lornex finds high priority in building relationships and staying open to change.

She quickly realized how powerful it is to stay connected with people who inspire and challenge you. In fact, those connections and relationships, have been the source of many of the opportunities presented to her.

Furthermore, be flexible. Life in refugee resettlement is unpredictable, for both those being served, but for those serving, Lornex says. So, being able to adapt is essential, for life and for survival.

📣 Advice for Young Professionals
Lornex believes in keeping those connections stirring throughout your professional career and in her words of wisdom, she offers guidance that has worked for her throughout the years. Here’s how, in three succinct points:

1. Stay open and explore. Don’t be afraid to take on projects outside your comfort zone to discover what truly excites you.

2. Ask for help. A simple conversation can offer perspective and guidance. You never know what could happen

3. It’s okay to pivot. Your plan may not always be what you set out for at the start. It can flourish into something better. Be flexible.

   Learn more about Lornex’ journey and insights, by visiting our Spotlight page.

This is your moment! If you're a young professional looking to inspire others, share your journey, and highlight your impact. Learn more and apply to be featured!

What’s next?🤔

Stay engaged with upcoming YKP programs designed to support your personal and professional growth. Explore what’s ahead:

Volunteer with Us!🫵🏽

​Join our YKP Community Impact Days and make a difference!

Sign up here: Volunteer Sign Up

Food for Thought 🤔💭 Take a look at another Non-profit in the DMV

Meet the 6.25 movement. This is a movement based out of the DMV that is working to advocate for and create awareness for the rights of Kenyans and those living in the United States.

6.25 promotes civic education that centers on good governance, justice, economic prosperity and freedom while combating corruption and poor leadership.

The group has been active in Kenyan politics and have even taken part in events around the DMV challenging Kenyan politicians, for a better future.

Learn more about 6.25 by visiting their website.

Forward Together🫡

Well, thanks for making it this far! July was a calm, but calculated month. But, don’t forget to GET IT DONE this August!

We hope to continually be a part of the process, bringing you closer to a community of Young Professionals, like you and me!

Now you’re in the know! 😊
Thank you again for being part of the YKP community—we look forward to seeing you at future events! Stay tuned for more updates in our next newsletter.

The YKP Connect Team!

P.S ​Let’s keep the momentum going and connect with us! Follow YKP Connect on Instagram,  LinkedIn and now also TikTok for updates, opportunities, and future events.

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