The future of Lincoln’s business community is bright, as reflected in this year’s YP Week, which took place in October. Hosted by the Lincoln Young Professionals Group (LincolnYPG.com), a program of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (LCOC.com) , YP Week 2025 united more than 450 emerging leaders for nine engaging events focused on connection, collaboration and learning. From an inspiring kickoff luncheon featuring Sarah Collins of Collins Collective and a lively YP After Dark event with State Senator Jason Prokop, to a Table for 10 luncheon linking young professionals with members of the Lincoln Chamber Board, and a YPGives volunteer opportunity with Community Action Partnership, this year’s lineup once again showcased why Lincoln remains an incredible place for young professionals to build rewarding careers.
A standout moment of the week was the annual Young Lincoln Leader Awards, which celebrates outstanding young professionals who are making a meaningful impact in Lincoln. This year’s dynamic award recipients exemplify the talent, passion and leadership that drive our city forward. I am thrilled to announce this year’s Young Lincoln Leader Award recipients:
Young Professional of the Year: Jonathan Rubio
Emerging Leader of the Year: John Jasonowicz
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Coltin Phipps
Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year: Myeisha Essex
Young Citizen of the Year: Elizabeth Engman
Diversity and Inclusive Excellence: Brittney Hodges-Bolkovac
Next Generation Workplace: FNBO
As Lincoln continues to grow and evolve, it is more important than ever to invest in the young professionals who foster creativity and fuel progress within the business landscape of our community. Providing opportunities for professional development, leadership experience and community engagement helps ensure that Lincoln remains a place where young professionals want to live, work and play.
Building on this commitment, the Lincoln Young Professionals Group Leadership Council is unveiling a new strategic plan for 2026 and beyond. Designed to support program’s strong foundation, the plan aims at elevating the YPG experience for both new and existing members, while continuing to advance the organization’s mission of empowering Lincoln’s young professionals through learning, networking, leadership, community involvement and impact.
I encourage all Lincoln business leaders to provide opportunities for emerging leaders within your organizations to get connected with the Lincoln Young Professionals Group. Supporting your employees’ involvement in YPG not only helps them grow personally and professionally, it also strengthens your business and our community as a whole. Through YPG, members gain valuable leadership experience, expand their professional networks and develop a deeper sense of connection to Lincoln. By investing in the next generation of leaders, you are helping ensure that Lincoln continues to thrive as a city where talent is nurtured, innovation flourishes and collaboration drives success.
To learn more, visit (LincolnYPG.com).