YPAL Celebrates Fall 2025 Emerging Leaders Program Graduates

by | Nov 13, 2025 | ELP | 0 comments

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

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 13, 2025) — The Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) proudly celebrates the graduation of its Fall 2025 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) cohort, a group of young professionals who have completed the seven-week leadership development experience designed to equip early-career leaders with the skills and confidence to make an impact.

Graduates gained a better understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion, workplace management skills, and personal leadership growth. Taught by local facilitator, Lenae Price, president and founder of Mindset Collaborative. The diversity, equity and inclusion session was led by Tammye Henderson, CEO and owner of Henderson & Payne Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Partners.

Through interactive sessions and peer collaboration, ELP empowered participants to strengthen their self-awareness and lead with authenticity and purpose.

“The Emerging Leaders Program empowers young professionals to see themselves as catalysts for growth, not just within their organizations, but across our entire city,” said Peyton Brock, Director of Leadership. “Each graduate leaves this program more self-aware, better equipped to collaborate, and ready to make a meaningful impact in Louisville.”

Each graduate emerged from the program with greater clarity about their strengths, values, and leadership approach, reflecting YPAL’s core focus on connection, growth, and community.

Graduating Fall 2025 cohort:

  • Allyson Smith Hughes, Civic Consultants Inc.
  • Ann Caldwell, Dean Dorton
  • Emalee Haynes, Baptist Health Louisville
  • Julia Keegan, Home of the Innocents
  • Maddy Glass, Calhoun Construction Services
  • Zack Wilt, Oldham County Emergency Management
  • Ben Benavidez, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
  • Brinda Nirmal, University of Louisville
  • Kwanita Allen, Kentucky Youth Advocates
  • Marcus Goodwin, Marcus J Goodwin Consulting, LLC
  • Vivek Nirmal, INTELACT
  • Alexander Hasty, Stored Value Solutions
  • Amy Mims, PNC
  • Ashby Eggers, Thumbprint Consulting
  • Jada Jackson, Republic Bank and Trust
  • Nyree Crawford, Stored Value Solutions
  • Pedro Sanchez-Villa, Thumbprint Consulting
  • Seyda Muratova, University of Louisville, College of Business

YPAL extends its gratitude to the Fall 2025 ELP sponsors: Republic Bank, Mindset Collaborative, and Henderson & Payne Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Partners.

Young professionals interested in joining YPAL’s community of more than 700 Emerging Leaders Program alumni can apply for the Spring 2026 cohort when applications open this winter 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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