Young Professional Network
GPA establishes connections with Philadelphia’s leaders and organizations to promote the City’s World Heritage status and bring awareness to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). As a networking organization, GPA is constantly building relationships with younger leaders in Philadelphia who work towards improving the City and promoting GPA’s mission.
Within this global network, we strive to offer a range of events, programs, and financial perks to enhance members' professional and personal growth.
This group of young individuals are known as GPA’s Young Professional Network.
Exclusive benefits:
- Explore and enrich your awareness of cultural locations throughout the city through behind the scene experiences with our vast network of partners
- Discounted tickets to the World Heritage City Celebration & Globys Awards, as well as other GPA events
- Direct access to a distinguished network of experienced leaders and professionals in both Philadelphia and abroad
To sign up for the newsletter, please choose the "Community-based Programs and Events" area of interest.
The Young Professionals Network is committed to creating a vibrant and supportive community for its members. As a global city, Philadelphia is steadfast in its commitment to support and offer a wide range of opportunities to recent college graduates and young job seekers.
GPA serves as a hub for these resources, consistently posting content related to university job fair and networking events, uplifting local business leaders that serve as a positive example, and connecting Philadelphians to our network of World Heritage Cities and contacts abroad.
The network outlines a diverse array of events, programs, and financial perks designed to cater to the professional and personal interests of our members. We look forward to the continued growth and success of YP, making a positive impact on the lives of young professionals in our community.
Programs
Key Dates
International Day of Monuments and Sites - April 18th
International Day of Monuments and Sites is celebrated annually all over the world on April 18th as a way to honor heritage, diversity, community, and the environment.
A community has taken root within the network of the 67 NHLs, with Global Philadelphia there to organize events, tours, SDG partnerships, and educational opportunities in our Learn Philly Heritage program. IDMS is a day for all of these NHLs to come together and acculturate the Philadelphia community.
World Heritage Week - May 19th-25th
World Heritage Week is a celebration of the World Heritage City Designation of Philadelphia. The last Thursday of May is set as World Heritage Day by City Council.
Juneteenth - June 19th
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Texas. GPA partners with community organizations to organize volunteer activities, attend cultural events and festivals, and celebrate Black/African American heritage.
Independence Day - July 4th
Global Philadelphia participates in a variety of community events and festivals that take place during Independence Day celebrations across the city.
World Heritage City Celebration - Sept. 7th
GPA’s annual World Heritage City Celebration is a night to celebrate Philadelphia's WHC designation, revel in the year’s accomplishments, and honor an outstanding individual who has enriched the city and region.
City of Philadelphia Welcoming Week - Sept. 8th-17th
Welcoming Week honors the contributions of immigrant people and recognizes that our communities are stronger and more prosperous when we are welcoming. For over seven years, Philadelphia has shown its commitment to this national cause by coordinating events throughout the city.
Food Drive - Nov. 24th
GPA organizes an annual food drive during the Thanksgiving period with a local nonprofit or organization.
Globy Awards - Dec. 9th
The annual Globy Awards is an annual event that recognizes Philadelphians who make significant contributions to education, journalism, heritage, culture, commerce, and other areas.
Social networking events will be held in April, June,
and November. Join the YP newsletter for updates!
Past Events
World Heritage City Celebration Pre-Networking Event
Prior to the annual World Heritage City Celebration (WHCC), young professional co-chairs Toyin Ogunfolaju, Jacobs, and Samar Jha, AARP, hosted a pre-networking event at the Reading Terminal Market. They were assisted by GPA staff members Gary Wooten and Andrew Beers, along with a young professional board member and Director of Business Development at the Reading Terminal, Layla El-Tannir.
Ogunfolaju and Jha were asked to serve as young professional co-chairs for the 2022 WHCC, and they were tasked with promoting the young professional element of the celebration. Both Ogunfolaju and Jha cemented the idea of holding an event to engage with young professionals in Philadelphia.
This event featured WHCC programming, GPA resources, and a presentation on how to grow as a young professional.
World Heritage Week Young Professional Panel Discussion
As part of GPA’s World Heritage Week celebration, GPA hosted a diverse group of young professionals to talk about their career paths and how important it is to think globally.
The panel featured the following professionals:
- Layla El Tannir, Director of Business Development for Reading Terminal Market
- Laura Joy Stansbury, Audit Senior Manager at Deloitte
- Divy Agnihotri, Legal Consultant for GPA
- Akansha Chauhan, GPA’s Events Coordinator
- Jeremy Goodman, GPA’s Education Fellow
- Aaron Stoyack, Historic Commission Secretary for Upper Uwchlan Township
- Gary Wooten, GPA’s Program Coordinator
Reading Terminal Market & SDG Mural Tour
Members of the Young Professional Network at the Global Philadelphia Association got the opportunity to go to Reading Terminal Market and learn about its history, discover some fun facts, and taste delicious food with Layla El Tannir, Director of Business Development and GPA board member.
The 130-year old market, located in a building that belongs to the state of Pennsylvania, offers everything from fresh produce to prepared meals, baked goods, and even linens and other non-food products.
The Market is a hub where community and global cultures meet. Its importance as an NHL is due to both the food and historical relevance of the building, which has adapted to embody Philadelphia’s expanding international connections.
Reading Terminal Market & SDG Mural Tour
Following the both informative and tasty tour of the market, event attendees stepped out into center city for a walking tour of a handful of Sustainable Development Goal murals.
The tour encompassed three significant murals crafted by talented artists.
Barbara Smolen's compelling artwork depicting SDG #5 (Gender Equality) at Friends Select (17th & 1651, Benjamin Franklin Pkwy) will be one of the highlights.
Additionally, the tour featured SDG #6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) mural by Miriam Singer, displayed at the Academy of Natural Sciences on 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Finally, participants also saw Russell Craig's powerful mural portraying SDG #17 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) at 2042 Arch St.
As an innovative, global, growing city, Philadelphia has a place for everyone.