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Local High School Students Learn from YPF Mentors about Careers

On Tuesday April 19th, the Young Professionals of Fond du Lac (YPF) hosted a new event titled Young Leaders Breakfast. Modeled after the popular YPF program Breakfast with Champions, which gathers area business executives for roundtable discussion with young professionals, the Young Leaders Breakfast grouped local high school students with influential young professionals actively working in careers of the students’ interests. 

More than 60 high schoolers from 8 schools around the greater Fond du Lac area attended the breakfast. The 20 local young professionals who served as mentors represented a wide variety of careers available locally: from manufacturing, engineering, and construction to health care, agriculture, and small business ownership. 

“A lot of us in YPF have a desire to invest in the next generation,” said YPF volunteer Liz Wustrack, who spearheaded the planning of the event. “We want high school graduates to know that there are high performing young people in great careers right here in our community. We hope they can learn from our experiences.” 

The event kicked off with an address from local leader Ben Giles of the Fond du Lac County Historical Society, who described his personal journey through college, various jobs, and local elected office. Then students had the opportunity to converse with the young professionals through two sessions of roundtable discussions. 

“[Our students] came back so excited and glad that they attended,” said Tari Costello, FFA Advisory for Waupun Area High School. “Thank you for providing this opportunity for our students!”

 The Young Leaders Breakfast was produced in partnership with the Sophia Transformative Partners’ Youth Leadership program, and led by event organizers Liz Wustrack of Destination Lake Winnebago Region and Kyle Jefferson of Advocate Aurora Health. It was made possible by sponsorship from Excel Engineering, Wells Vehicle Manufacturing, Mercury Marine, Baker Cheese, and Advocate Aurora Health.

Large group at tables for presentation