For many professionals in their 20’s and 30’s, going into business for themselves or working their way up the corporate ladder can be daunting when their colleagues tend to be older, have more experience and a larger network of contacts.
Capital Alliance of Young Professionals (CAYP) helps young professionals of the Capital Region build their networks and prepare themselves to make successful career moves and decisions.
With regular networking and professional development events, CAYP strives to provide resources and outlets for its members and all young professionals of the Capital Region to achieve their career goals.
CAYP History
Capital Alliance of Young Professionals (also known as “CAYP”) was conceived to enrich the lives of young professionals living and working in the Capital Region. Maxine Barasch, a native of Albany, began plans for the group in May of 2007. That July, CAYP hosted its first event with over 40 young professionals in attendance! The organization bloomed from there, becoming incorporated in January of 2008.
Over the years, CAYP has contributed to the lives of young professionals by connecting them to one another through networking events, preparing them for career decisions through professional development programs, and getting them involved in the community through community service activities. CAYP has hosted speakers like Nick Preddice, CEO of The Affinity Group/MassMutual, and Bob Curley, Chairman of Citizen’s Bank. CAYP has hosted events all over the region from the Albany Institute of History and Art, the Schenectady Museum, the Hollywood Brown Derby, Aperitivo Bistro, and many more!
On July 16, 2010, CAYP hosted its 3-Year Anniversary Celebration at Angelo’s 677 Prime in Albany. The evening, designed as a networking cocktail party, celebrated both CAYP’s success and a “rite of passage” as the Board of Directors announce the appointment of its newly elected President, Theresa Petrone.
In addition to electing a new President, much of CAYP’s former volunteer leadership was voted onto the Executive Board which will oversee a larger Board of Directors recruited in the organization’s recent planning months based on their previous active involvement as CAYP members and professional achievement. These bright and driven individuals will lend their time and talent to plan events, further develop the CAYP website and social media presence, secure local sponsors, recruit members and member benefits, and continue to expand the organization’s overall presence in the Capital Region.
The Board of Directors will continue to host open meetings for its members interested in becoming involved in the planning and future of CAYP, a practice they believe has played a tremendous role in CAYP’s past success by capitalizing on its unique position as the area’s only independent volunteer based young professionals group.
Today, CAYP boasts a membership of over 900 – a huge feat for an organization run completely by volunteers. It is because of the ambition, drive and energy our involved young professionals bring to the board room that we can continue to put on first-class events for the benefit of our entire community.
As we continue into the future, CAYP will carry on in its efforts to make the Capital Region a better place to live, work and play for young professionals!
