19 Young Professional Join YPAL’s Spring 2026 ELP Cohort

by | Mar 12, 2026 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Media Contact: Grace Huneck; Admin@ypal.org

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 12, 2026) –  Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) has kicked off its Spring 2026 Emerging Leadership Program, sponsored by Republic Bank, welcoming a new group of early-career professionals into an intensive, seven-week leadership experience focused on growth, connection, and fundamental leadership skills.

The Emerging Leadership Program (ELP), equips participants with practical leadership tools while encouraging self-awareness and inclusive decision-making. Through facilitated discussions, interactive sessions and peer collaboration, the program addresses real-world challenges young professionals face both in the workplace and in the community.

“Since 2013, YPAL’s Emerging Leaders Program has offered young professionals a proven, accessible pathway to leadership growth,” said Sam Draut, president of YPAL. “ELP delivers high-quality, practical leadership development that’s intentionally designed to be affordable, inclusive and grounded in the real experiences of our community.”

Grounded in YPAL’s core values, the program emphasizes personal strengths, leadership styles and values-driven leadership. Participants complete the experience with a clearer understanding of how their personalities and perspectives influence their effectiveness as leaders.

Participants in the Spring 2026 program include:

  • Sydney Beaven, Go Social
  • Jon Bryant, Catholic Charities of Louisville
  • Ryan Cardwell, W.M. Kelley
  • Ryan Carlin, Ferreri Miller, PLLC
  • Mac Cook, Stored Value Solutions
  • Isaac Karikari, Kentucky Court of Justice / Civic Renaissance
  • Madi Crickmer
  • Olivia Estright, Louisville Business First
  • Courtney Hall, Cedar Lake
  • Drake Kawa, Deloitte
  • Akhila Kumar, Leadership Louisville Center
  • Praveen Suresh, Thumbprint Consulting
  • Brandon Rose, East and Westbrook Construction
  • Jordan Schmidt, New River Strategies
  • Julia Vogt, Stored Value Solutions
  • Rebecca Vogt, Kentucky Department for Public Health
  • Jade Watkins, Republic Bank
  • Jillian Wise, Greater Louisville Inc.
  • Henry Xu, Humana

“These individuals were selected because they bring curiosity, commitment and a strong sense of community,” said Peyton Brock, YPAL’s director of leadership. “In just a few weeks, participants form powerful connections and experience significant growth, thanks in large part to our expert facilitators and supportive learning environment.”

The program is co-facilitated by Lenae Price, president and founder, and Jessica De La Rosa, facilitator and coach, both of Mindset Collaborative. The diversity, equity, and inclusion session is facilitated by Tammye Henderson, CEO and owner of Henderson & Payne Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Partners.

Thank you to our Spring 2026 ELP sponsors: Republic Bank, Mindset Collaborative, and Henderson & Payne Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Partners.

Young professionals can join a community of over 700 graduates by applying for the Fall 2026 cohort which will open this summer at YPAL.org.

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About the Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL)
Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) exists to connect, engage, and develop young professionals across Greater Louisville. With a growing membership representing a wide range of industries and backgrounds, YPAL provides meaningful opportunities for leadership development, community involvement, and professional networking. YPAL has served as the leading voice for the next generation shaping Louisville’s future since 1999. Learn more at ypal.org.

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