On October 2, 2025, I had the opportunity to attend my very first Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) Redlands Chapter meetup that took place at the Esri headquarters in Redlands, California. It was an inspiring experience filled with learning, networking, and community! It was my very first time visiting Esri headquarters. The campus was beautiful. From the modern architecture and overall welcoming environment, made the perfect setting for an event focused on growth and connection.
Here is a picture of me at headquarters!
The event featured two incredible guest speakers: Marcus Seepersad and Raquel Perez, both Esri YPN Advisory Board Members, who shared valuable insights about professional growth, authenticity, and the power of mentorship.
Here is a picture of my point of view at the conference!
One of the most powerful reminders of the night came from Marcus Seepersad, who emphasized that real growth often comes from discomfort. He encouraged us not to be afraid of putting ourselves out there, because you never know who is watching or what opportunities may come from it. He also shared how YPN has played a role in making industries more inclusive by giving young professionals the exposure, resources, and confidence they need to connect and thrive. Hearing this was especially impactful for me, because stepping out of my comfort zone is exactly what led me to attend this event in the first place.
Raquel shared her own journey as a first-generation Latina, navigating higher education and finding her path. She highlighted the importance of advocating for yourself, being your authentic self, and speaking up, because nobody is perfect and we all bring value to the table. Hearing her story about her parents attending school in Mexico and how she had to navigate higher education and her career on her own was relatable for me. We share similar stories. I’ve always had to advocate for myself because I was a first-generation high school and college student as well!
Here is a picture of me at the University of Redlands from my graduation earlier this year!
As a first-generation college student, I never imagined I’d be sitting in rooms like this surrounded by leaders, professionals, and students who are passionate about growth and giving back. It reminded me how important it is to take chances, step into spaces that may feel uncomfortable at first, and believe that you belong at the table.
One of my favorite takeaways was how YPN encourages us to mentor the next generation while also developing ourselves. It’s about creating community, supporting one another, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
Beyond the speakers, the event was also a lot of fun! We had a networking session where I connected with fellow University of Redlands students, alumni, and even students from CBU. I also got to meet Nadine Hernandez, who first inspired me to become a YPN member through our connection on LinkedIn. It was great to meet her in person!
The event included free food, freebies, and even prize giveaways, which made the night even more enjoyable. It was such a great balance of professional development and fun, which left me feeling energized and motivated.
Here is a picture of my freebies- a pin, stickers, and a pen!
Walking away from this event, I feel grateful to be part of the YPN community. It gave me the chance to expand my network, learn from leaders, and be reminded that authenticity and courage go a long way in both career and life. This experience has motivated me to continue to step outside of my comfort zone, embrace new opportunities, and invest in both personal and professional growth.
I feel truly grateful to be part of the YPN community. I’m excited to continue my journey as a YPN member and look forward to future events! I know this is just the beginning of my journey, and I’m excited to continue my involvement with YPN, attend future events, and see how much more I can grow.
For anyone considering attending a YPN event in the future, I would absolutely encourage you to go! You will need to join the YPN Redlands Chapter so you can get updates on the next meetup. Whether you’re just starting your career journey or already working in your field, these events provide such a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. You never know who you’ll meet, what story will resonate with you, or what doors might open simply by showing up. Stepping into these spaces can feel intimidating at first, but the welcoming environment makes it easy to feel like you belong.
Thank you for taking the time to read my first ever blog about my first ever YPN chapter meet-up Esri experience! If you were looking for a sign to attend an Esri YPN chapter event, let this be your sign!
Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-perez/ if you have any questions.
