Alumni Spotlight: Catching up with Abby Bass

Alumni Spotlight: Catching up with Abby Bass

Aug 19, 2021 | All Alumni, Williamson Chamber Alumni

Abby-Bass-HeadshotYoung Leaders Council is honored to have trained over 2700 dynamic community leaders since 1985. Our remarkable alumni have taken the knowledge gained through the program and used their skills to make a lasting impact for the Middle Tennessee community. This month we are spotlighting Abby Bass, graduate of the YLC 2016 Williamson County Cohort. We recently caught up with Abby and asked her to share what she’s currently up to and reflect on her YLC experience.

What is your current role with Williamson, Inc. and what do you enjoy most about your work?

As Vice President of Events and Communications, I love creating meaningful events for the business community and finding business professionals with incredible leadership lessons to share. I am most energized when I get to create and collaborate on brand-new events like developing Williamson Forward, Leadership YP, Outlook Williamson and coming soon Leadership DEI to name a few.

As a 2016 graduate of the YLC Williamson County Cohort, how have you used the knowledge and connections gained through that experience to further your community leadership goals?

I understand and appreciate the important role that non-profits and volunteerism has in the community. I continue to serve Williamson County, outside of work, through Friends of Franklin Parks, 100 Women Who Care, Center Stage Society of TPAC, and PTO at Winstead Elementary.

What did you enjoy most about your time in the YLC program?

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship on the board of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC). As a board intern, I was able to see the inner workings of a large operation non-profit that serves the entire region through the visual arts. The experience was priceless! TPAC is a community asset that will have my continued support for all they do for middle Tennessee. Also, I attended the TPAC Gala 2018 as their silent auction chair, and that event is 10 out of 10 if you ever have a chance to attend. I highly recommend it!

What advice would you share with young professionals interested in participating in the YLC training program?

Be sure to select a non-profit that you are passionate about. That passion will allow you to leave board meetings energized. Also, get to know your classmates. Several of my classmates and I stay connected even now – five years later! It is an experience you won’t regret.

YLC and Williamson, Inc. have partnered since 2013 to host the Williamson County Cohort. Through this partnership, YLC has effectively trained over 180 young professionals that reside or work in the Williamson County area since its inception.  Matt Largen (President & CEO) and Cortni Beardsley (Communications & Events Manager) of Williamson, Inc. are also YLC alumni. Click here to learn more about the YLC training program or to apply for the Fall Williamson County Cohort.

That’s A Wrap – Thank you Class 73 & Williamson Class!

That’s A Wrap – Thank you Class 73 & Williamson Class!

Nov 27, 2019 | All Alumni, Nashville Alumni, Williamson Chamber Alumni

Our two incredible groups of Young Leaders finished their final classes last week – and with distinction, might we add! We serve the most impressive young professionals in the greater Nashville area, and count it a privilege to watch them thrive in the YLC programs and beyond!

Nashville Class 73 – Kick-Off Session

Williamson Class – Kick-Off Session

As they prepare to serve on nonprofit boards, our Young Leaders engaged in 28 hours of classroom experience, participated in mock board sessions, and visited other nonprofits serving Nashville. Financials, strategic planning, fundraising, diversity, legal responsibilities–you name it, they’ve learned it!

What is next for our Young Leaders? After 11 weeks of formative leadership sessions, they will embark on their own adventures as board interns with nearly 90 different nonprofits in our city where they will exercise and share the knowledge they have gained.

Thank you to our weekly nonprofit hosts, instructors, and Young Leaders for another remarkable year!

Three YLC/Williamson Chamber Alumni Receive Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards

Jul 28, 2019 | Nonprofit News, Williamson Chamber Alumni

Three YLC alumni were presented awards this past Wednesday night at Franklin Tomorrow’s 13th annual Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards. Presented at The Franklin Theatre, in partnership with Jackson National Life Insurance Company, two of the three awards given in the Volunteer Spirit category, honoring volunteers who are involved either in a variety of community activities or primarily in one organization as a significant volunteer, were for YLC alumni–Patrick Baggett (YLC/Williamson Chamber Class 2013), nominated by Franklin Noon Rotary and Carmen Stanek (YLC/Williamson Chamber Class 2017), nominated by Sydney Ball, for A Vintage Affair, Cards of Care and Young Leaders Council. Sydney Ball (YLC/Williamson Chamber Class 2016) of First Citizens National Bank was the recipient of the Corporate Individual Award for her work with the Next Gen Advisory Board of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, Lipscomb University, Youth Leadership Franklin and A Vintage Affair. Congratulations to Patrick, Carmen and Sydney for the great volunteer work you do in Williamson County!

Patrick Baggett

Carmen Stanek

Sydney Ball

YLC/Williamson Chamber Class 2019 Application Deadline Extended to July 20

YLC/Williamson Chamber Class 2019 Application Deadline Extended to July 20

Jul 15, 2019 | Nonprofit News, Williamson Chamber Alumni

Are you a young professional between the ages of 25-40, who lives, works or does business in Williamson County, and looking for an opportunity to take your community service to the next level? For the seventh consecutive year, YLC will be partnering with Williamson, Inc. to offer nonprofit board leadership training on 11 consecutive Thursdays, September 12-November 21 from 8-10:30am at Williamson Inc.’s office in Cool Springs. After learning crucial skills needed for today’s nonprofit leadership roles, graduates will serve a one-year internship on a self-selected local nonprofit board to put these newfound skills into action. Young professionals interested in applying should do so online here by JULY 20 to be eligible for the 2019 class. The participation fee is $550. Be a part of the premier organization for training nonprofit board leaders with more than 2,600 graduates making a difference since 1985. Will we see YOU pictured with the YLC/Williamson Chamber graduates later this year?

Graduates of YLC/Williamson Chamber Class 2017