YUP - Young Ulster Professionals
The NextGen Award was born from a simple but powerful idea: to spotlight the rising talent shaping Ulster County’s future. Created through the Young Ulster Professionals (YUP) and supported by the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the award honors individuals under 40 who are not just excelling in their fields but going above and beyond for their communities. These are the leaders, creators, innovators, and changemakers who often work behind the scenes but deserve to be front and center.
This year’s 12 inaugural winners represent the heart of what this award stands for—resilience, integrity, service, and bold forward-thinking. The number 12 was intentionally chosen as a tribute to our home, Kingston’s 12401 zip code, anchoring this award in local pride and identity. Their stories are proof that leadership doesn’t always come with a title, and impact doesn’t need permission. Join us as we celebrate these remarkable individuals at the NextGen Awards Ceremony on Friday, September 12th, from 6–9 PM at Frank Guido's Little Italy in Kingston. The evening will bring together community members, business leaders, and supporters for a night of inspiration, connection, and celebration.
Friday, September 12, 2025
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Frank Guido's Little Italy
14 Thomas Street, Kingston, NY
Tickets $55/pp
Sponsors
Mission Statement:
Develop and connect young professionals in Ulster County to create business, community, and individual success with the support of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Vision:
A networking and educational organization to develop and expand professional connections, cultivate and educate emerging business leaders, and to provide volunteer opportunities to build leadership skills and to enhance the surrounding community. We are made up of young professionals certain to enrich and promote growth in Ulster County.
Meet Up With YUP
Along with sponsored chamber mixers we also have casual Meet Up's around Ulster County to relax and be social.
Professional Development
YUP periodically offers seminars and events to help encourage entrepreneurship and career advancement.
Young Ulster Professionals (YUP) Advisory Committee
The Ulster Young Professional’s Leadership Committee is made of a team of professionals and entrepreneurs that live and work in Ulster County. They are responsible for setting strategic goals and organizing Y.U.P. committees and initiatives.
Alejandro Duran-Sanchez - Chairman – Volna Unalign
Jesse Uttendorfer - Immediate Past Chair - Marshall & Sterling Insurance
Abby Prowant - Secretary - SUNY Ulster
Ralph Barton - Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union
Bradley Hack - Rondout Savings Bank
Keegan Howland - Volna Unalign
Erik Johnansen - Trustco Bank
Shane O'Neill - Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union
Mallika Rao - SUNY New Paltz
Caleb Russell - Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union
If you’d like more information about the Young Professional group, please contact us at: youngulsterpros@gmail.com.
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