25 Years of YP: ‘Career success is not always a straight line’

By Amber Dyer, Coordinator, Communications & Marketing

Average reading time: 2 minutes

To celebrate 25 years of Young Professionals (YP), presented by Fidelity Investments, the Dallas Regional Chamber is highlighting a series of alumni to explore their experiences in YP and the program’s impact on the Dallas Region.

In 2011, Matt Garcia, Principal of Cornerstone Government Affairs, discovered the YP program while seeking ways to engage civically in the region.

“The program provided [me] the opportunity to engage professionally with peers from various industries,” said Garcia. “There were plenty of great social events and a robust offering of volunteer opportunities.”

Beyond building connections, YP helped Garcia recognize and develop his leadership abilities.

“YP prepared me to serve on the various boards I have the privilege of serving today. During my tenure [as a YP board member], the Get on Board event was created, [which] connected many area non-profits seeking qualified candidates with our very talented YP cohort,” said Garcia.

The program also advanced his professional growth through a range of events and experiences. For Garcia, Austin Fly-In was the highlight of those experiences.

“[During Austin Fly-In, the YP cohort] was provided with the opportunity to lead on an issue in the Texas Capitol on behalf of the DRC, and each trip culminated with a great reception with area legislators, city leaders, and DRC members. I never thought that one day I would serve as SVP of Public Policy for the DRC and have the responsibility to do this entire program all over again.” said Garcia.

Through YP, Garcia learned that career success isn’t always linear.

“There are often many ups and downs that come with your career,” said Garcia. “And it is how you manage those which will test your character and long-term success.”

The relationships Garcia built through the program continue to influence his work today.

“I regularly take time to catch up with some of my closest peers and I have created a mini kitchen cabinet of former YP friends that I frequently will share ideas and thoughts with to seek expert feedback,” said Garcia. “It is so exciting to see many are now at executive level positions in their firms, business owners and one is even a Dallas ISD school board trustee!”

Garcia encourages others to join YP for the chance to cultivate meaningful connections with the next generation of leaders.

“While there are several young professional programs in the Dallas Region, there are none that bring together this many people and have so many alumni that stay engaged in the community. You get a true flavor of the power of the Dallas Region, and it is true pipeline of the future leaders of Dallas and a great preview of Leadership Dallas.”