YKP Connect: December Newsletter

✨🎄A special Christmas message from YKP Connect’s Leadership !🎄✨

Hello YKP Connect Community,

As we enter the final month of the year, it’s a natural time for reflection looking back on the highs and lows we’ve experienced both personally and professionally. What remains constant through it all is the strength of our community and the shared commitment to our mission.

At YKP Connect, our goal is to address the unique challenges faced by young professionals across the global diaspora by providing education, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for community engagement. We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth and empowering young professionals to overcome barriers and thrive in their careers and communities.

This year, the YKP Connect Team is especially thankful for the privilege of serving this incredible community. Together, we have hosted impactful events designed to support growth, build connections, and uplift one another.

To our entire YKP community, thank you for consistently showing up and showing out. Your presence is what makes YKP Connect possible.
To our partners and sponsors, your support enables us to bring our programs and events to life.
To our volunteers, your willingness to lend a hand in any way you can is deeply appreciated.
And to our YKP Connect Team, our Board, Directors, Ambassadors, and Advisors thank you for your dedication, leadership, and passion.

As we enter the Christmas season and the broader festive period, I encourage each of you to take time to reflect on the meaningful moments and accomplishments of the past year. On behalf of the entire YKP Connect Team, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a very Happy New Year.

There is so much more to come and we can’t wait to share it with you. Stay connected!

Warm regards,
Amon T.

Delivering in December: Dedication & Drive

As the year draws to a close, December invites us to pause, reflect, and—true to our theme—lock in what matters most. The Great Lock-In isn’t about shutting doors; it’s about securing our commitments, our creativity, and our community spirit so they carry us into the new year with strength and clarity.

This season, we celebrate the dedication that defined 2025, the discoveries that shaped us, and the direction we’re determined to take together. December is our moment to lock in gratitude for what we’ve achieved, lock in focus for what lies ahead, and lock in the joy of being part of something bigger than ourselves.

And as winter settles in, we’re reminded that lock-ins aren’t just about staying in place; they’re about staying together. December is where we gather our energy, protect our progress, and prepare to unlock new possibilities in 2026.

Lock in the light, the lessons, and the legacy; December defines our direction.

Let’s get into it!

ICYMI—Year in Review: 2025

The YKP Connect Young Professionals Mixer- March

We started off the year strong! Thank you all for joining us at the Young Professionals Networking Mixer on the first day of March.🥳✨ 

​For those who missed it, here are the highlights.

The YKP Connect X KiSA Professional Development Series- April

Then we Partnered with our Partners over at Kenyans In Stem Association for an impactful workshop in April. Attendees gained valuable insights in strategic career planning and effective goal-setting techniques.

The YKP Connect X KiSA Professional Development Series- May

Then Coach Tressa Manns made her second appearance at YKP! She brought her incredible knowledge and skillset to lead a LinkedIn Mastery Workshop! Manns imparted powerful tips and tricks to leverage your LinkedIn Profile to connect with industry leaders and maximize on networks.

The YKP Connect’s Teachers Donation Drive- November

Finally, we're thrilled to announce the Teachers’ Donation Drive was a major success! We received incredible support and positive responses from our community—whether through donations or turnout!

On behalf of the leadership and the larger YKP Connect Community, we would like to acknowledge all who have supported the organization of this donation drive and to the community members who continue to contribute, participate and share in this effort— our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. Thank you for making a difference!

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

🎗December Spotlight: Health & Healing

December begins with World AIDS Day on December 1, a reminder that health is something we must lock in together. It is a time to honor those living with HIV, remember those we’ve lost, and recommit ourselves to prevention, education, and support.

HIV is both preventable and treatable, and early testing combined with consistent care makes all the difference. Thanks to advances in treatment, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives, but stigma remains one of the greatest barriers. Awareness, compassion, and solidarity are powerful tools in breaking that barrier.

For those who want to learn more or share resources, the CDC’s HIV Basics offers clear information on prevention, testing, and treatment, while UNAIDS provides global updates and advocacy tools. In the U.S., HIV.gov highlights programs, services, and community stories that show the impact of care and connection.

This December, as part of The Great Lock-In, we can lock in awareness and lock out stigma. Whether through education, advocacy, or simply sharing resources, we strengthen our community and build a future rooted in compassion and care.

Forward Together🫡

Well, thanks for making it this far and for continually supporting us throughout 2025! 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.

We wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa and a Happy New Year!

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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