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CONNECT
A message from Networking Chair Luis Ruiz
"Networking is the glue that holds communities together. It is where we come together to share our vision, celebrate our successes, and plan for the future. The Networking Committee hopes to put together events that will bring in young professionals from all walks of life and industries, and put them in an environment that will help inspire them to work with other young leaders to building better communities by promoting philanthropy, volunteering, and personal integrity." |
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SERVE
A message from Volunteer Chair Robert Montoya
"Volunteering is the core mission of the YLS and through our activities we intend to bring together the needs of local non-profits with the volunteering of skills, abilities and time of El Paso young professionals. This partnership will enable us to build a stronger community by helping our non-profit partners achieve their missions and by enriching the lives of our members. People often say that there is nothing to do in El Paso; have you considered Volunteering?" |
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LEAD
A messge from Leadership Chair, Elizabeth Quinn
"The Leadership series of YLS events are organized in an effort to provide Young Leaders of El Paso with opportunities to recognize and develop strong leadership skills. We look forward to success by presenting our members with the following types of events: special guest speakers recognized in their industry for exemplary leadership talents, training workshops, open forum discussions, and other professional team building exercises. It is our goal to provide a variety of events so our guests can begin to recognize common underlying characteristics and skills of a strong, well-rounded, and successful leader."
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Featured El Paso Event:
Chalk the Block!
Public Art Street Festival
Sat. June 21st
WHAT:
A fun-filled, first time event to unfold right before your eyes as artists use chalk to create works of art on the sidewalks of downtown El Paso!
WHEN:
Saturday, June 21st
12 - 6 pm
WHO:
Chalk the Block will host fun events for people of all ages, including live chalk artists, a kidszone, an interactive chalk area, art vendors, face painting, live music and performances, great food & more!
WHERE:
Arts Festival Plaza
Off of Santa Fe St.
Next to El Paso Museum of Art
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Greetings!
Thanks for reading this first edition of our newsletter. Whether you're new to YLS or have been with us since the beginning, there's something interesting here for you. Please take a moment to hear from our leaders about where we've been and were we are headed as a Young Leaders Society. |
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Creation of YLS
 Generations of El Pasoans are already familiar with United Way of El Paso County, but now a new group of residents are getting to see the organization in a whole new light.
Young Leaders Society of United Way of El Paso was launched in February as a way to energize El Paso's young professionals and encourage them to play an active role in the success of their community, said Emily Martin, Community Initiatives Coordinator of the United Way of El Paso County.
But YLS is not unique to El Paso. United Way organizations around the country also have YLS chapters. Cities like Tucson, Austin, Chicago and Topeka started their own YLS chapters prior to El Paso, as did counties in such states as Michigan, Washington, New Mexico and Alabama.
"YLS is a national initiative with United Way of America and local United Ways are welcomed to start their own and are given a lot of flexibility," Martin said. "We wanted to focus ours on engagement and getting people involved who might not necessarily be involved with United Way."
Within months of launching, a steering committee was formed by recruiting some of the city's top young professionals. These members represent a variety of professions and backgrounds.
The steering committee has formed sub-committees to help diversify the experience for YLS members. They are:
Leadership: This sub-committee is in charge of organizing events that will connect YLS members with the region's top leaders, whether it be in business, the military, education or philanthropy. The subgroup will also work to develop leadership skills for members through a series of workshops that focus on skills training.
Volunteering: This sub-committee identifies valuable volunteering opportunities for members. Because there are already so many worthwhile organizations that need help, it was important for YLS to partner with these existing charities as opposed to creating competing volunteering opportunities.
Networking: This sub-committee is charged with organizing fun social events where members can get to know each other in a relaxed, classy atmosphere.
By alternating sub-committee events on a monthly basis, YLS members will receive a truly well-rounded experience.
Because YLS is still relatively new, there is room for growth and evolution, but Martin said the organization appears to be moving forward naturally.
"We've found our own way and what works for us," she said. "We found that the networking events are very popular. It's good from a business and personal standpoint. I think we're still behind the curve on volunteering, but we're still learning."
So what constitutes a YLS member? As of now, a member is anyone who attends any of the YLS-sponsored events. The organization is not a dues-collecting organization, so participation is what really counts, Martin said. But as the organization further develops, the definition of a "member" may evolve. |
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Events Recap
 Since officially launching in February, Young Leaders Society of United Way El Paso County has already made its mark in El Paso. Here's a quick look at some of the events that have taken place in El Paso in the past several months.
· The organization had its kick-off event Feb. 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn and more than 120 people attended, proving El Paso's young professionals are hungry for this type of organization.
· In March, YLS sponsored a wine tasting mixer at Star Canyon Winery, attracting about 70 people.
· In April, YLS organized a nonprofit board training at Curry Adkins. Participants went over a variety of topics -everything from the different roles of nonprofit groups to how to fundraise and market for your nonprofit organization.
· In May, YLS joined forces with the National Association of Letter Carriers, US Postal Service, United Way, and other entities, for the "Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive." Volunteers helped sort through food donations picked up by area postal service workers. In El Paso, over 73 tons of food was collected for families served by the Paso del Norte Food Bank.
· On June 1, YLS invited its members to either volunteer or participate in the Diabetes Awareness Walk at Ascarate Park. Also this month, YLS will gave members the opportunity to hear one of the Army's most dynamic figures - Col. Stephen Twitty, commander of the 4-1 Cavalry. About 40 people attended the dinner at the El Paso Country Club.
· For July, YLS members are planning a fun event designed for YLS members to know each other better. "Turbo Networking" will be July 16 at Ruli's International Kitchen, 318 N. Mesa in Downtown. In addition to meeting new and existing YLS members, the event will provide delicious finger foods and spirits.
· Already, the YLS sub-committees are busy planning future events, including a chalet at the upcoming Amigo Airsho in October.
Keep checking the YLS web site for more information, www.ylselpaso.org. |
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A Chat with Deb Zuloaga
 Interview with Deb Zuloaga, CEO of the United Way of El Paso County, parent organization of Young Leaders Society of El Paso.
By Luis Ruiz
LR: How long have you been with the United Way of El Paso?
DZ: I have been with the United Way and one of our member agencies for 14 years now. I started out as Campaign Director. I then left to be the CEO of Girl Scouts of the Rio Grande. I returned in 2002 as Associate CEO, and now I hold the position of CEO.
LR: Can you please share some of your fondest memories of service?
DZ: One of the reasons I loved being CEO of the Girl Scouts of the Rio Grande, was because of my passion in instilling leadership skills in young girls, especially Hispanic girls. I loved all of the direct involvement that I had in their lives.
When I left the United Way it was a very traditional fund raising organization. I had the opportunity to come back as United Ways around the country were making a transition from not only a fund raising organization, to a fund-raising organization that also strongly focused on community building. Our approach to community building is a holistic approach that includes making changes in the community through numerous efforts including youth engagement with teens and young professionals. I remember when we first began discussing beginning a young professional's organization; a local business leader said that one of the best legacies the United Way could make in this community is to instill in young processionals the importance of philanthropy and volunteering. We believe that everyone has the capacity to give a little bit, but it is important that everyone give to the level of their capacity to give.
LR: Did you expect this kind of success with the Young Leaders Society of El Paso?
DZ: Honestly, I did expect this level of success, only I was surprised that it happened so quickly. The most fulfilling thing about YLS is seeing the energy, the enthusiasm, commitment and the desire that Young Leaders have in really wanting to make a difference in the community. You hear so much of the El Paso brain drain, but YLS members have made a commitment to make a difference here in the community.
LR: Do you have any personal advice for YLS members?
DZ: I would advise YLS members to find issues and organizations that you are very passionate about-whether it's a health or human service agency, an animal rescue organization, the arts, or special events like Sun Bowl or Amigo Airsho. In order to best serve the organization, you will have to find something that you have a burning desire to be make a positive impact on. Also, I would say to YLS members that they should always value how they can make a difference and change the community.
LR: So you agree that it is important to teach these values at a young age?
DZ: Yes I do.
LR: It was so touching to see the Elizabeth Quinn's (Leadership Committee Chair) little boy yelling "We're saving the world" as we were participating in the can food drive a few weeks back. He really got it.
DZ: That reminds me of one of my favorite quotes. Margaret Mead once said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
LR: For my last question I would like to ask you to share with the reader your outlook for YLS.
DZ: YLS's success has had a lot to do with Emily Martin's decision to come to El Paso. We are very fortunate to have someone with her level of commitment to the organization and her passion to serve. YLS will be the young face of volunteering, giving and advocacy in El Paso. In order for us to continue to serve at our full potential, it is essential that you tell us what it is that you need in order to be effective.
LR: Thank you very much for your time and for all that you do for our community. |
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Spotlight: Networking
 Networking is a big component of the Young Leaders Society. As such, the committee devoted to organizing network events for the organization is made up of highly energized individuals with strong connections in the El Paso community. All of the members also have extensive experience in event planning.
Leading the Networking Committee is Luis Ruiz, who conducts research for the El Paso Regional Economic Development Corporation.
Other members of the Networking group are: Yolanda Petereit of Matrix Design Group, Inc.; Maribel Villalva of the El Paso Times; Sergio Enriquez of Sierra Providence Health Network; Paige Mandell of KVIA; and Shannon Osborne of UTEP.
"I feel very blessed to be working with a passionate and experienced group that I trust to help our vision reach unexpected levels of success," Ruiz said.
The group is currently finalizing the details for the July Networking event, titled "Turbo Networking." The event, scheduled for July 16 at Ruli's International Kitchen, 318 N. Mesa, will give participants the opportunity to get to know other YLS members in a fun and relaxed environment.
Other Networking events on the horizon include a one-day chalet at the Amigo Airsho in early October and a possible beer-tasting event in the summer or fall.
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Thanks for reading! We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events. Feel free to pass this email along to friends and colleagues that you think might be interested in YLS.
Many thanks to Maribel Villalva and Luis Ruiz for their writing contributions. |
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Sincerely,
Emily Martin & YLS Steering Committee
United Way of El Paso County |
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