YKP Connect: November Newsletter

A tribute to the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, Fmr. Prime Minister of Kenya and Visionary Political Maverick.

We join our fellow Kenyans in mourning the passing of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga CGH — a son of the soil, a voice of the people, and a tireless champion of democracy. Born in Maseno to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila inherited not just a name but a legacy of resistance, reform, and relentless pursuit of justice. For over four decades, he stood at the heart of Kenya’s political evolution — from the fight for multiparty democracy to the crafting of the 2010 Constitution.

Though he never held the presidency, Raila’s influence transcended titles. As Prime Minister (2008–2013), opposition leader, and statesman, he shaped policy, challenged power, and inspired generations. His nickname “Agwambo” — the mysterious one — captured his enigmatic ability to shift political tides while remaining rooted in the people’s struggles.

Raila was more than a politician. He was a symbol of possibility. He endured detention, defeat, and defamation, yet remained undeterred. His final project — a book on Pan-Africanism — reflected his lifelong belief that Kenya’s destiny was tied to the continent’s liberation and unity.

To his supporters, he was “Baba.” To his rivals, a formidable force. To Kenya, a mirror — reflecting our hopes, our frustrations, and our fight for a more just society.

As we lock in to finish this year strong, let us carry forward his spirit: bold, unbowed, and deeply committed to the common good. Raila Odinga may be gone, but his legacy lives in every Kenyan who dares to dream, dissent, and demand better— which we all must yearn to do, now more than ever.

Raila died while receiving treatment in India. He was 80 years old.

Rest in power, Baba. Your journey lit the path. We walk it now. 🇰🇪✊🏽

The YKP Connect Team

Nothing Beats a Now-or-Never November !

Happy November! I can’t believe we’re edging closer and closer to 2026! I hope October was overflowing with open-hearted optimism and autumnal awe! 🍁🍁

So far, time ⏰ has moved back and the temperatures will drop even further🥶 but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t going to be locked-in! The year’s not over, but the window is closing.

November is our collective call to lock in, lean in, and lift each other up. Whether you’re a local artist prepping your final showcase, a neighbor organizing a food drive, or a reader with a goal still waiting to be crossed off, this is the moment to move. The Great Lock-in isn’t about retreat — it’s about rallying. It’s about choosing purpose over procrastination and community over chaos.

Here in the DMV— and beyond—we’re seeing people double down: finishing projects, showing up for causes, and making space for what matters. So let’s lock in together. Let’s make these last weeks count — for ourselves, for our neighborhoods, and for the stories we want to carry into the new year.

So grab your favorite hoodie, silence the noise, and let’s get to work. Because nothing beats a now-or-never November — and you’re exactly where you need to be!

Let’s get into it!

YKP Connect’s Tech Center: AWS Certified Generative AI Developer - Professional

AWS has announced a new course to its portfolio, the Generative AI Developer – Professional certification.

This new certification validates a developer's ability to effectively integrate foundation models (FMs) into applications and business workflows. This program is best suited for software developers and AI engineers who want to showcase expertise in building production-ready AI solutions using FMs, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures, and vector databases.

If this sounds like you, registration for the beta exam opens on November 18, 2025. And get this, beta participants who pass the exam will receive a special Early Adopter badge.

To help you get ready for the test, the Exam Prep Plan for this certification will also be available on November 18, 2025, on AWS Skill Builder, including practice assessments, hands-on practice through AWS SimuLearn, and lessons covering each exam domain.

Additionally, the existing AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty certification is being retired, with the last day to take the exam being March 31, 2026. The new Generative AI Developer certification is part of the expanded AI/ML portfolio.

Visit AWS Website to learn more about this incredible resource

Locking In Through Uncertainty: Resources for Federal Workers

As the shutdown stretches on, thousands of federal employees across the DMV are facing layoffs, furloughs, and financial strain. But this community doesn’t stand still — and it doesn’t stand alone. Here are key resources to help you or someone you know lock in support, stability, and solidarity during this critical time.

Financial Relief

1. FEEA (Federal Employees Education and Assistance Fund): Offers no-interest loans up to $2,000, emergency grants, and layoff guidance. Visit feea.org for details.

2. Local Credit Unions: Institutions like Navy Federal, PenFed, and SECU Maryland are offering emergency loans, payment deferrals, and financial counseling for furloughed workers.

🥘 Food & Essentials

1. Capital Area & Maryland Food Banks: Expanded access for federal employees — no questions asked.

2. Shutdown Assistance Map: Find local businesses offering free meals, discounts, and services. Explore the map.

🏠 Housing & Legal Protection

1. Federal Employee Civil Relief Act: Proposed legislation to protect against eviction, foreclosure, and loan default during the shutdown.

2. Unemployment Benefits: Apply through your state based on your last duty station. State-by-state guide.

🤝 Community Support

DC-Area Businesses: From free meals to museum passes, local businesses are stepping up with real-time support. Share these offers and support those who support you.

🌍Support for Immigrants

1. African Communities Together (ACT): Free immigration legal services, job referrals, and multilingual support. Visit ACT

2. Immigrant & Refugee Outreach Center (IROC): DMV-based programs to help newcomers navigate life in the U.S., including housing, employment, and legal aid. Explore IROC

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

🎗November Spotlight: Health & Healing

As we’re pushing on in the year, I would like to bring your attention to important resources that are available regarding our overall health.

This month, we honor two critical health awareness campaigns — National Diabetes Awareness Month and National Lung Cancer Awareness Month — by sharing tools that empower our community to take charge of their health, support loved ones, and advocate for equity in care. Here are some resources to help you get involved.

For diabetes, find clinics offering free or low-cost blood sugar testing — a vital step in early detection and management. Visit diabetes.org for more information on diabetes testing, prevention and treatment.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., but early detection and education save lives. lungevity.org is your go-to resource on how to recognize early signs, prevention and treatment options for lung cancer.

Together, let’s make sure we and our loved ones remain aware of staying healthy. Prevention is better than cure!

Forward Together🫡

Well, thanks for making it this far! 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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