Testimonials

Everyone's experience here at the YPA is slightly different than the next, but our common goal remains the same. The YPA brings young professionals throughout the CSRA and Augusta, GA, together in an effort to have an impact on our community while having fun interacting with like-minded individuals determined to make our community what we know it can be. Below, you will find few stories from past and current members of the YPA. If you would like to add your story to our list, please email it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

When a small group of us set out to create YPA we had a very clear vision of what we wanted the organization to be. We wanted it to be a group that would bring like minded individuals together to make a positive impact on the community and provide an outlet for all walks of life to connect in a fun way. I'm so happy to see that years later YPA has continued that mission and grown into what it is. Through YPA I've made great friends and buisness connections I wouldn't have made without my involvement there. I'm so proud to be a part of that and look forward to seeing the continued growth."

- Elizabeth Smith, AFLAC, Sales Associate

I moved to Augusta over three years ago, and had never set foot in Augusta before then. I had just started a new job, and at the time, one of my co-workers was the Membership chair for YPA, and she soon convinced me to give it a try. I really enjoyed meeting the people with this group. Suddenly, I didn't feel so alone in a new town. There were others like me, young professionals, who had the same ambition- and many of them transplants in Augusta. I would recommend Young Professionals of Augusta to anyone who is interested in not only cultivating new relationships, but professional development and giving back to their community. "

- Katie Wells, Augusta Entertainment Complex, Director of Marketing

I became involved with YPA a couple of years after its formation in 2007. It was evident back then that this incredible group of young energetic people could definitely make a positive impact on our community and I was excited to be a part of it. Not only is YPA focused on philanthropy, the networking and social atmosphere adds all the more to the experience. The professional development is like nothing I have experienced being a young person in the insurance industry. I can’t see any reason why someone from ages 21 to 40 wouldn’t see a benefit from their membership as long as they stay involved."

- David Bagwell, Bagwell Insurance, Vice President

A few years ago, I found myself in an unfamiliar place (Augusta, GA) having no friends, no family, and wasn't quite sure how to go about meeting new people who shared the same goals and ambitions. I found the YPA, attended a few meetings, and began getting involved. I went from having no friends or family to having a close group of both friends and family that soon filled the void. I've built so many personal and business relationships that have helped not just me but also my business succeed here in Augusta. I'm very proud to say I'm an active member of the Young Professionals of Augusta."

- Wes Dollar, Golf Login

I initially heard about YPA from a friend who asked me to check out a new group in town for young adults. I was intrigued. After my first meeting, I knew this was a group I needed to belong to. Throughout the 5 years I have been a member, YPA has yet to disappoint. Each month YPA offers dynamic speakers and ways for me to get involved in the community and socially, it is the whole package! YPA is a place to grow, make friends and business connections, and make an impact where I live.

- Whitney Shepard, SRP, Marketing Specialist