On Thursday at 6 p.m., young professionals and community members celebrated community, leadership, and young professional development at the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals Annual Launch. Hosted at the Ralph Englestad Arena and open to the public, this gathering allowed individuals to make meaningful connections within their community while celebrating members. A highlight of the event was the presence and announcement from Josh Teigen, the North Dakota Department of Commerce Commissioner, who unveiled his bid for Lieutenant Governor on the very morning of the launch.  

Teigen offered the keynote address, blending humor with insights into leadership and community engagement. He emphasized the importance of community-level leadership, stating, “leadership at the community level is just as important as it is at the state level,” underscoring young professionals’ critical role in shaping the future.  

A highlight of the event was the debut of GGFYP’s new commercial, which displayed members’ commitment to professional growth and community involvement. Connor Ferguson, the Student Body Vice President at the University of North Dakota, shared his journey with the university chapter, UNDYP, illustrating the organization’s transformative impact on his personal and professional development. Ferguson went on to explain how easy it was to integrate within the greater community and why students can benefit through professional mentoring and job experiences.   

The event also spotlighted GGFYP’s commitment to community service, professional development, and engaging its members through social events.   

Danielle Piekarski, Community Involvement Chair, detailed GGFYP’s volunteer initiatives, including its recent partnership with Development Homes Inc. to host a bowling night for its clients, Valentine’s Day card writing for Edgewood Senior Living, and its up-and-coming Orange Bag event, where Young Professionals will drop off 1,000 bags in a neighborhood for a donation collection campaign.   

Gannon Karski, GGFYP’s Professional Development Chair, highlighted the organization’s success in hosting workshops and seminars designed to arm young professionals with the skills needed in today’s competitive job market. A notable feature is their mentorship program, which pairs local professionals, typically at the higher stages of leadership, with young professionals to share their experiences and learn from each other.   

Additionally, Mark Maliskey, Social Events Chair, made reflections on the value of creativity in professional advancement, adding depth to the evening’s discussions on growth and community involvement.   

Cory Geffre, Chief Nursing Officer at Altru Health, discussed the value of innovation and adaptability, urging young professionals to embrace change and provide fresh perspectives in their industries. His experience with young professionals has been through workforce development. While engaging with young professionals, he noticed the need for workplaces to embrace young professionals and encourage them to share their ideas, as it could be the framework for something more important.   

The awards ceremony was held for individuals and groups who contributed significantly to GGFYP and the wider Grand Forks community. Kristy Coleman, President of the UND Young Professionals and the 2024 Student Young Professional of the Year, was grateful for the recognition. “If you would have told me my freshman year of college that I’d be standing up here right now, I probably would have laughed,” Coleman said. She highlighted how GGFYP fostered her connection to the community, which she had not explored during her first two years of college.  

Paul Gordy was honored with the Distinguished Mentor Award for his advocacy and mentorship within GGFYP. Reflecting on the importance of mentoring the next generation, Gordy emphasized, “this award…is for all of the mentors, not just for me.”  

The Community Violence Intervention Center received the Grow Grand Award for creating an engaging workplace for young professionals. This recognition underscores local employers’ role in developing environments where young professionals can thrive.  

Additionally, Gee Abdulner was recognized as the Young Professional of the Year, celebrating his extensive volunteerism and dedication to GGFYP and the broader Grand Forks community. Abdulner’s heartfelt acceptance speech underscored the value of community involvement and mentorship in professional development.  

Matthew Ternus, President of the GGFYP Board of Directors, concluded the event with remarks that celebrated the past year’s achievements and the bright future for young professionals in Grand Forks. “There has never been a better time to be a young professional in the Greater Grand Forks area,” Ternus stated, encouraging continued engagement and proactive involvement in community and professional activities.  

The GGFYP Annual Launch celebrated the organization’s accomplishments. It reaffirmed young professionals’ vital role in driving economic vitality and enhancing community well-being in Grand Forks and the state of North Dakota. With a solid support system and a dynamic community of motivated individuals, GGFYP remains a key force in nurturing the region’s next generation of leaders and innovators. 

Davíd Moreno is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daví[email protected].