Latest Contributions by RaquelPerez

Celebrating 10 Years of Esri YPN at Esri UC 2025 Come and celebrate the 10th anniversary of Esri Young Professionals Network at Esri User Conference 2025! We have curated a program to serve you and the broad audience of members in the network. Whether you are an educator, student, veteran, new to GIS, mid-career transition, mentor or seasoned professional we are so excited to host you in our sessions, see you at the booth in the expo, and wind down with you at the Wednesday evening YPN social. We have some new activities like a coffee partner walk before plenary on Monday and a veteran meetup in the booth on Tuesday. See attached agenda. ... View more

Come and celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Esri Young Professionals Network at Esri User Conference 2025! We have curated a program to serve you and the broad audience of members in the network. Whether you are an educator, veteran, new to GIS, mid-career transition, or seasoned professional we are so excited to host you in our sessions, see you at the booth in expo, and wind down at the Wednesday evening YPN social.  ... View more

Esri Young Professionals Network invites you to attend our activities and sessions. We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Federal GIS Conference. To help you gain the maximum benefit from this event, we have highlighted a few resources among the hundreds of different activities, workshops, and opportunities available. Feel free to reach out to ypn@esri.com if you have any comments or questions. ... View more

We’ve carefully curated a YPN program for the Federal GIS Conference designed specifically for emerging GIS professionals. Our goal is to provide a platform where newcomers to the field, and even seasoned pros can connect with industry leaders, gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, and build the skills necessary to excel in their careers. With tailored sessions, networking opportunities at our career fair and social, we hope to empower the next generation of GIS experts to learn, collaborate, and grow in the fast-evolving world of geospatial technology. We hope to see you there! Feel free to share this within your networks. ... View more

As we usher in 2025, it is a time to reflect on the incredible journey of the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN), which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Over the past decade, YPN has grown into a vibrant community of enthusiastic, motivated young professionals working in geospatial technology and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). This milestone not only marks the success of a program but also celebrates the transformative impact of fostering a network dedicated to innovation, professional growth, and meaningful connections.   A Vision for the Future of GIS The Esri Young Professionals Network was founded with a clear goal in mind: to provide a platform for emerging GIS professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from one another. By offering a space for the next generation of GIS leaders to come together, the YPN has created opportunities that go far beyond the classroom and the boardroom.   Since its inception, Esri has championed the idea that a thriving GIS community requires a continuous exchange of ideas between seasoned professionals and newcomers. The YPN has been pivotal in making that vision a reality, giving young professionals the tools, support, and networks they need to excel in their careers.   Empowering Young Professionals At its core, YPN is all about empowerment. It has provided a pathway for young professionals to explore new career opportunities, develop essential skills, and shape the future of GIS. Through mentorship programs, events, and networking opportunities, YPN has helped its members grow both professionally and personally.   One of the most impactful aspects of the YPN is its ability to create mentorship connections between seasoned professionals and newcomers to the GIS field. These mentorship opportunities have provided guidance, wisdom, and advice for individuals just starting out in the field, helping to accelerate their careers and connect them with like-minded professionals.   Fostering Innovation The GIS landscape is constantly evolving, and YPN has been at the forefront of this change by encouraging innovation. Over the past 10 years, the network has hosted meetups, sessions, and workshops all aimed at solving real-world challenges using geospatial technologies. By fostering an environment that encourages creativity and problem-solving, YPN has inspired countless young professionals to push the boundaries of what is possible within GIS.   One of the standout features of YPN is its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The network has been intentional about bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that innovation comes from a variety of perspectives. This approach has helped produce fresh ideas, groundbreaking solutions, and a more collaborative and dynamic GIS community.   Building a Global Community What started as a small network has now become a global movement. YPN has expanded beyond the boundaries of the United States to include young professionals from all over the world, making it a truly international community. The digital transformation of the past decade has made it easier than ever to connect and collaborate across borders. Whether it is through virtual meetups or international conferences, YPN has made it possible for young GIS professionals to learn from peers and mentors around the globe.   As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, it is inspiring to see how the YPN has become a global resource for young professionals in the GIS field. The network’s reach continues to grow, and it is exciting to think about the future possibilities of how members can support and uplift one another in the coming years.   Looking Ahead: The Next Decade As YPN celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is important to look forward to what is next. The next decade will undoubtedly bring new challenges, but it will also present new opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. With continued advancements in technology, the role of GIS professionals is more critical than ever before in tackling issues like climate change, urban planning, disaster management, and social equity.   Esri’s commitment to the YPN remains strong, and with it, the opportunities for young professionals will continue to flourish. As the world of GIS evolves, YPN will be there every step of the way to empower the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators.   Join the Celebration! If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to get involved in the Esri Young Professionals Network. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, YPN offers an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, expand your skills, and grow your career.   As we celebrate a decade of success, let us look ahead to the next 10 years of collaboration, innovation, and transformation. To learn more about the YPN and how you can be a part of this incredible community, visit www.esri.com/ypn. Here is to another 10 years of empowering the next generation of GIS professionals! -------------------------------------------------------------------- About Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) The Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) is a community of young professionals in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), helping them to develop, network, and engage with like-minded individuals. The network offers resources, events, and mentorship opportunities to help young professionals excel in their careers and make an impact in the world of GIS. ... View more

Esri YPN is a community for all to learn, connect, and develop leadership skills to further careers in GIS. Whether you are brand new to the GIS industry or a seasoned GIS professional, there is a place for you in our community of nearly 20,000 members. Connect with the advisory board, industry experts, and other like-minded peers to connect, gain experience, and develop leadership skills to further advance your career. ... View more

Connect with leading experts working to sustain the world’s biodiversity and find the balance with humanity’s needs on our changing planet. Chat with the Esri Conservation team to explore innovative solutions for protected area management, conserving the places that matter most, new tools for community conservation programs, and connecting landscapes to advance biodiversity resilience.  ... View more

Have you ever wondered whether you should seek a mentor, what is their purpose, or why mentorship matters?  EDGE Geospatial has recently published a beginner's guide so you can understand the impact a mentor relationship can have on your personal and professional growth.  Access the guide here to and follow EDGE Geospatial on LinkedIn! Key Takeaways🗝 Purpose of an EDGE Mentor EDGE mentors are advisors; they are champions of growth, dedicated to fostering the success and fulfillment of those they mentor.  Why Mentorship Matters Unlocking Potential: Mentors provide guidance, support, and accountability, empowering you to achieve your goals and reach new heights in your career. Building Connections: Mentorship fosters meaningful connections and networks, opening doors to new opportunities and perspectives. Driving Positive Change: By empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, mentorship plays a vital role in creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all. The 3 C's of Effective Mentorship Clarity: Define clear objectives and expectations for your mentorship journey, ensuring alignment with your goals and aspirations. Communication: Foster open and transparent communication with your mentor, building trust and fostering meaningful connections. Commitment: Embrace mentorship as a mutual commitment between mentors and mentees, investing time and resources in your growth and development. Discovering Your Potential: Tips for EDGE Fellows Believe in Yourself: Have confidence in your ability to make a difference. You bring unique talents and perspectives to the table, and your contributions are invaluable to our community. Be Authentic: Authenticity is key to building meaningful relationships. Be honest, open, and passionate about helping others, and you'll inspire trust and connection. Listen with Empathy: A great mentor is someone who listens with empathy and understanding. Practice active listening and strive to empathize with the experiences and challenges of others. EDGE Mentors Keith Andre Searles As the visionary  behind EDGE, Keith is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the geospatial industry, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to succeed.  Earle Isibue With a wealth of experience in GIS and education, Earle is passionate about nurturing the next generation of geospatial professionals. ... View more

Esri YPN is a community for all to learn, connect, and develop leadership skills to further careers in GIS. Whether you are brand new to the GIS industry or a seasoned GIS professional, there is a place for you in our community of nearly 20,000 members. Connect with the advisory board, industry experts, and other like-minded peers to connect, gain experience, and develop leadership skills to further advance your career. ... View more

Connect with leading experts working to sustain the world’s biodiversity and find the balance with humanity’s needs on our changing planet. Chat with the Esri Conservation team to explore innovative solutions for protected area management, conserving the places that matter most, new tools for community conservation programs, and connecting landscapes to advance biodiversity resilience. ... View more

Climate change impacts us globally—what happens in one location happens everywhere. From declining air quality to rising sea levels, diminishing biodiversity, and shifting populations, these environmental crises come in many forms. But through our individual and collective actions, we can create sustainable solutions that make a positive impact on the world. Think of GIS as the geospatial nervous system of the planet one that can help guide an effort such as climate resilience. ... View more

Connect with leading experts working to sustain the world’s biodiversity and find the balance with humanity’s needs on our changing planet. Chat with the Esri Conservation team to explore innovative solutions for protected area management, conserving the places that matter most, new tools for community conservation programs, and connecting landscapes to advance biodiversity resilience.  ... View more

For the first time in three years, the Esri User Conference will be back in-person. The Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) team is beyond excited for the chance to catch up with young pros who we have met in the past. We are also eager to meet and welcome new young professionals to our community. This year has been one of significant growth for Esri YPN and we are thrilled to announce that our new website will go live on July 1, 2022, and will be a one-stop resource-filled site tailored for the best user experience. Filled with resources on certification, mentorship, professional development, training, and more! View the new website here >> The website will also highlight “Faces of YPN” a series that showcases amazing young pros that are part of our community and are paving the way for the next generation. YPN Booth Locations Sunday - Thursday, July 10-14 | SDCC, Grand Lobby Tuesday - Thursday, July 12-14 | SDCC, Expo Showcase Hall C Be sure to stop by our two booths so you can meet the YPN team, and we can walk you through all that the website has to offer and our program for the week!  The Grand Lobby booth will be open from Sunday at noon until Thursday at noon. The Expo Showcase booth will be open from Tuesday at 9:00 am through Thursday at 4:00 pm. YPN Welcome Social Sunday, July 10 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Marriott, Coronado Terrace To kick off your UC experience come to the YPN Welcome Social on Sunday to enjoy bayside breezes while networking. There will be 7 fireside chats that you can join. A YPN fireside chat is a personal and interactive discussion involving a subject matter expert (SME) from industry, a department, a program, or a topic. Young pros will gain insights and awareness from the discussion and have the ability to ask questions. We will have the following fireside chats:   ArcGIS StoryMaps  Conservation & Environment  GIS in Education  Internship & Recruitment  Mentorship  Student Assistantship  Sustainability Taskforce YPN Sessions We have thoughtfully curated two sessions for you to attend, connect with peers, and learn from subject matter experts.  YPN: Cultivating Curiosity for Career Success Tuesday, July 12 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | SDCC - Room 15 B Landing a good job requires demonstrating you have the knowledge and skills needed to do the work. But that just gets you hired. Succeeding in your career requires demonstrating you don’t know everything and are eager to learn. Curiosity helps you remain open to new ideas, meet new people, and to find new opportunities to contribute to your organization. Join a discussion with young professionals who embrace curiosity and a growth mindset to get practical tips for cultivating curiosity in your career. YPN Presents: Finding Your Career Path Wednesday, July 14 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | SDCC - Room 32 A/B Are you searching for a job that’s perfect for you? Want to make your current work more meaningful? Come join us for a conversation on navigating your personal development, growing your character, and finding your unique path. Together, we’ll challenge the standard approach to job-hunting and seek a better formula for meaningful work. YPN Evening Social Wednesday, July 14 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Level 4, Sapphire Terrace Join over 1,000+ of your closest friends to enjoy a DJ spinning records, tasty delectable appetizers, and refreshing drinks. This social is meant to be purely a networking event. Finish off the evening with a photo of Jack Dangermond as he circles the pool, shakes hands, and is happy to meet and greet with young pros.  Key Takeaways:  Have a Plan. Come up with a clear goal(s) for what you want to get out of the conference. Esri UC is full of activities, sessions, and more where there may be lots to do, many to talk to and even more to learn. Create your agenda online.  Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying too hard or doing too much.  Participate and Speak Up. To make the most of your conference experience sure to participate. Ask questions in sessions, share comments in workshops, and introduce yourself at socials. You are there to learn and share so don’t be shy.  Network. Meet new people every day! Whether it’s a fellow young pro, an industry subject matter expert (SME) in the industry showcase, someone at your lunch table, a presenter at a session, or someone in line with you.  You never know who you will meet and how it can develop into a career lead or lifelong connection. We look forward to seeing you at Esri UC! Connect with us! Twitter @EsriYPN LinkedIn Groups Esri Young Professionals Network ... View more