With the Cinco Annual Meeting and Anniversary Celebration just one week away, we asked the candidates what challenges they see that are facing the YPN. Browse through each “Meet the Vice President Candidates” post made throughout the last few weeks to learn what strengths each individual could bring to YPN, then be sure to RSVP by May 3rd to our biggest event of the year where YOU get to help elect our new leadership. Learn below how the candidates hope to move the YPN forward.
Carla Bodensteiner
What is the biggest challenge facing YPN and what will you do to overcome that?
While the network has done many great things and has done a great job growing to its current size in the last ten years, I think one of its biggest challenges is the network’s perceived involvement in the communities of Bismarck-Mandan. I believe we have a lot of good programs and activities for members within the network but I think we could do a better job being involved within the community. Beyond our non-profit partner of the year (absolutely love that we do this), I believe we could reach beyond that and help serve the community in many more facets. The community has been growing and changing rapidly the past 5 years and I would like to see the network being part of these changes and involved in the decisions of what the community’s plan is for the future. I would hope to work to overcome this challenge by setting up a group within the network who would keep the network informed on what is happening in the city either through the Downtowners Association or attending city/chamber meetings.
As a candidate, is there anything else you would like to add?
I believe the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network is a great asset to this community and I have loved being a part of it. I would embrace the opportunity to serve as Vice President of the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network and helping it along with it’s next ten years.
Stacey Thomas
What is the biggest challenge facing YPN and what will you do to overcome that?
After serving as Entrepreneur Team co-lead and participating in the monthly Leadership Team meetings, what I have found to be a common challenge for the network is getting more members actively involved. This has been a
challenge for several years and each year the network continues to make progress. I feel increasing the number of active members is an ongoing concern which needs to be addressed yearly with fresh ideas and new possibilities. By getting members actively involved, it opens the door for them to learn more about the network and the opportunities that exist for leadership development, community service and networking. The network needs to engage and retain the great talent we have within our membership. Retention and engagement ideas need to be brainstormed at all levels: from team meetings, leadership team and the bi-annual strategic planning. If elected, I would also seek advice on this issue from past YPN presidents, former leadership team members, current members and from other young professional networks around the state. By working together as a team, we will be able to discover what our members want and find ways to add more value thus getting more active members. The more active members the YPN has, the more relationships will be built, the more networking will be done and each member will be able to grow as leaders. The
YPN has grown tremendously in ten years and if we tap into the talent of our members the network will have endless potential.
As a candidate, is there anything else you would like to add?
I am extremely honored to have this opportunity to run for Vice President of the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network, and serve the network and its members. I feel that my participation on the Entrepreneur Team and Leadership Team has given me the background experience and skills to prepare me for the role of Vice President. The network is an outstanding organization that has done so much for members and our community over the past decade. I am committed to serving others and making a positive difference in the network and the community. I look forward to seeing you all at Cinco!
Josi Jenson 
What is the biggest challenge facing YPN and what will you do to overcome that?
As a new member to YPN, I had expectations when joining. First off, it was important that I met people in the community…and I DID. The social events were well attended, and it still fascinates me that every time I participate in another event, I meet new people!
As a new business owner/developer, I was looking forward to educational seminars or events that would transform me personally and professionally. We have a large number of successful professionals in this community that we could learn a lot from. Obviously everyone joins the YP network for different reasons, but who doesn’t need some inspiration and drive to be successful?! Having someone who has already made the mistakes and is willing to share them with you, so you don’t make the same ones, would be extremely helpful for us young peeps. We can be a few steps ahead of the game if we already know what NOT to do.
We also have a lot of families in the Network, and I have noticed we have very few family events. It would be great to have everyone involved, and there should be events where a lot of kids and families feel comfortable at. Especially with the summer coming up, we should have more events that focus on the YP members and their kids.
As a candidate, is there anything else you would like to add?
I have always wanted to be an active member in the community that I call my home. Now that I have established Bismarck as my HOME, I have the energy and responsibility to serve it and help it become the best it can be, not only for us, but for the generations to come. Obviously I can’t be in this network forever, (it’s an age thing), but I would love to serve it while I can. My present life would be a lot different if I was not active in the YP. To be honest, 90% of my friends here in Bismarck came through this group and I could not be more grateful. This is an amazing organization and let’s keep it striving forward!