Young Professionals
About the Program
The Greater Mankato Young Professionals program provides opportunities to make new connections and familiarize its members with the amenities available in Greater Mankato. The YPs are a vibrant group of 21 to 40-year-olds who love living and working in our community that have the opportunity to connect through engaging socials and professional development sessions!
- One social event per month
- One professional development event per month
- Access and exposure to mentoring opportunities and networks
- Networking lunches
- Opportunities to serve on committees.
Examples of Past Social Events:
- Wow!Zone
- Kayaking
- Minnesota State University Mankato Indoor Climbing Wall
- MoonDogs Baseball Game
- Snowshoeing & Wine tasting
- Progressive Dinner
- Minnesota State University Maverick Hockey Game
- and more!
Examples of Past Professional Development Events:
- Customer Service
- Values Assessment
- Working with Difficult People
- Asking for a Promotion
- Running an Effective Meeting
- Speed networking
- Business Tours
- and more!
Annual participation in the program is $380 for Greater Mankato Growth members, Engaged level or higher, and includes all activities and events. Annual dues will help cover the cost of venues, food and program materials needed.
Does Your Employer Have Credits? Copper through Diamond level members may also receive credits towards the program fee.
BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANTS
The program provides an opportunity to meet others and expand professional skills while focusing on learning, socializing and community engagement. Participants will have the chance to:
- Develop relationships with more than 150 fellow young professionals
- Expand business connections
- Enhance their leadership skills
- Increase engagement in the community
Have fun!
BENEFITS TO EMPLOYERS
- Be a part of the 110 businesses supporting the Young Professionals in our community
- Retain young leaders for your business and our community
- Provide education experiences
- Cost-effective development and retention strategy.
Thank you to our program sponsors
2026 Schedule
All events, programs, and sponsorship opportunities are subject to change.
January
Social:
Bingo (1/20)
Professional Development:
Career Roundtables & Communication panel (1/8)
February
Social:
Snow Tubing at Mt. Kato (2/6)
Professional Development:
Estate Planning (2/11)
March
Professional Development:
Opioid Crisis in Our Region (3/11)
Social:
Initials Game (3/23)
April
Professional Development:
Financial Literacy (4/30)
Social:
Pickleball (4/9)
May
Professional Development:
Team Building Skills (5/21)
Social:
Bowling & Laser Tag (5/7)
Spring Mentor Program:
(5/6)
June
Professional Development:
Generations & The Workplace (6/18)
Social:
MoonDogs Game (6/3)
July
Professional Development:
Social:
YP Night Out (7/23)
August
Professional Development:
Social:
September
October
Professional Development:
Social:
November
Professional Development:
Social:
December
Annual Meeting
Social:
Upcoming Events
Kaelyn rahe - mei total elevator solutions
Young Professional of the Year
2008-Present
Young Professional of the Year
2025 – Kaelyn Rahe
2024 – Francis Otaigbe
2023 – Murphy Grotewold
2022 – Macy Anderson
2021 – Nate Olsen
2020 – Laura Jans
2019 – Angela Guentzel
2018 – Jaci Sprague
2017 – Christopher Harstad
2016 – Brad Boettcher
2015 – Elizabeth Harstad
2014 – Kevin Velasquez
2013 – Matt Norland
2012 – Christi Wilking
2011 – Michael Jacobs
2010 – Nichole Schroder
2009 – Robyn James
2008 – Jenn Faust, Kate Loging
For more information please contact:
Jake Rinehart
Economic & Workforce Programs Specialist
Phone: 507-385-6655
Email: [email protected]
