Young Professionals Network Program

Ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and unlock an innovative mindset at this month’s program. Attendees will gain insight and learn new skills that will aid their personal and professional development in the community and in the workplace.

Panelists for this program will be:

Laura Brummett, Staff Writer, Triangle Business Journal
- Laura works for the Triangle Business Journal covering retail, restaurants, hotels, professional services and mergers & acquisitions. She joined the journal after working for 6AM City’s RALtoday, a local media startup. Laura is a 2021 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a dual degree from the Kenan-Flagler Business School and the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, as well as a minor in History. While in school, she worked for papers like the News & Observer, along with startup outlets American Inno and GrepBeat. Laura was also a member of UNC’s professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi.

Caleb Smith, Founder and CEO, Triangle Esports Academy
- Caleb Smith grew up in Durham, NC. His favorite activities were soccer and video games. With a lot of dedication and commitment towards his training, he was able to play soccer overseas in Germany after graduating high school. Caleb loved the youth sports model that helped develop him into a professional soccer player. Combining that passion with his passion for video games, he opened up the Triangle Esports Academy in Cary, NC. Triangle Esports Academy's core focus is on education in innovative tech industries and workforce development. Caleb has led Triangle Esports Academy to be engaged with the community through participating with K-12 schools, colleges, and nonprofits.

Harris Vaughan, Founding Partner, Eckel & Vaughan
- Harris has more than 20 years of communications experience. Intricate organization situations that require high-level effective communications strategies and hands-on client leadership are his specialty. An entrepreneur at heart, Harris has an intrinsic aptitude for understanding client goals.
- When the ravages of Hurricane Matthew struck North Carolina in 2016, the seeds of what would become The Sunday Supper were sown. In 2017 the Public Relations Society of America recognized Eckel & Vaughan, and the local agencies and volunteers with whom they collaborated, with The Silver Anvil for their community service. Harris and The Sunday Supper vision partners have ultimately created an event platform adaptable to any community in order to bring people together at one table to share a meal, celebrate commonalities, and raise funds for local charity.
- Harris balances career, service to community, and family life—while taking fun seriously for good measure as a certified whole hog barbecue judge. A native of Edenton, Harris, his wife, Ashley, and their three children call Raleigh, home.

Jason Widen, Founding Partner, Raleigh Founded
- Jason Widen is Co-Founder of Forward Impact whose mission is to unleash the impact potential of next generation entrepreneurial leaders. This work includes supporting community-based strategies to develop and scale high-impact entrepreneurs including Raleigh Founded, REVGEN, and Portfolio B. Jason brings an extensive background as an investor, developer, and entrepreneur to his current role as Founding Partner and CEO of Founded Communities, an award-winning entrepreneurial co-working space located in Downtown Raleigh. Raleigh Founded boasts 460 member companies and 1500 members including key partnerships with NC State and Campbell Law, to name a few.

At our September program, we are collecting new and gently read books for babies up to children 12 years old for WAKE Up and Read. All books collected will help build inclusive home libraries for children and families in Wake County. Thank you for being a literacy champion!

Questions?
For questions on content, call 919.664.7045 or email Jackie Huitt
For questions regarding logistics, please call 919.664.7033 or email Walker Hinerman
For questions about registration, email Iman Fullard

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Twitter: @RaleighChamber
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Young Professionals Network Program - September 2022