Esri YPN Presents Faces of YPN
What we do now affects the future, and changemakers are as important now, as ever before.
The Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) launched a new articles series called Faces of YPN. This series is focused on providing insight and advice to young professionals that are entering geospatial technology careers, from the points of view of those who have lived or are currently growing through different stages in their careers.
In this series, members from Esri’s YPN team interview working professionals who are young in their geospatial careers from various sectors and environments to learn about:
- How they use geographic information system (GIS) technology in their career
- What they love about GIS
- How they got their start in GIS
- Advice for other young professionals
Meet the Current Faces of YPN
Kendall Price - GIS analyst and URISA Vanguard Cabinet Committee Member
Kendal Price is a GIS analyst at Truckee Meadows Water Authority and provides advice to other young pros on skills and resources to consider in choosing a college and searching for a GIS career. She shares her journey from majoring in environmental management to serving on URISA Vanguard Cabinet’s outreach and mentorship committees.
Drileyo Gilbert - Wildlife Biologist, Uganda Wildlife Research & Training Institute
Drileyo Gilbert is a wildlife biologist for the Uganda Wildlife Research & Training Institute. He provides advice to young professionals and discusses the importance of GIS in wildlife conservation efforts. He explains how he uses GIS for species research and shares current projects he's working on.
YoLani Martin - Geospatial Analyst and Humanitarian Advocate
YoLani Martin is a geospatial analyst for Dewberry Engineering and shares her journey in using GIS for humanitarian initiatives and in her career as a geospatial analyst. She shares what she loves about GIS and shares how impactful experience of having a mentor.
Amanda Hagan - Senior GIS Specialist and Local Community Mapper
Amanda Hagan is a senior GIS specialist for the Delaware County Office of Sustainability. She uses her GIS skills to assist the public, local government, and other agencies such as the chamber of commerce, tourism bureau, and many more to support the local community. She provides advice to young pros and explains her career path from majoring in geography to being a senior GIS specialist and how she helps her local community through mapping and analysis.
Michael Cousins - Leader and Mentor in GIS Offers Real-World Advice to Young Pros
Michael Cousins is a GIS Practice Leader with OHM Advisors and shares his career experiences. He provides advice on how to grow your network and advocate for your work.
Zach Jaffe - GIS Coordinator Shares Advice on Career Growth & Building a GIS Division
Zach Jaffe is a GIS coordinator and shares his expertise while giving advice to other young professionals on the value in growing their network.
Gabrielle Abraham - GIS Research Associate Uses GIS to Safeguard Her Community
Gabrielle Abraham, a GIS research associate at Mona GeoInformatics Institute in Jamaica, describes her start in GIS, discusses current projects, and provides her best advice to professionals starting in GIS careers.
Sid Pandey - Get Involved, Find a Mentor, Be Your Own Leader, Own Your Career—Advice from a Geospati...
Sid Pandey, URISA VC chair and sr. geospatial technology manager, advises on how to take stock of yourself, find mentorship and own your career.
Ethan Fenelon - Transferring GIS Skills from College to Career
Ethan Fenelon, geospatial engineering lead at Millennium Geospatial, describes how he grew his GIS skills and shares advice & resources.
Interested in becoming the next face of YPN?
If you would like to share the story of your GIS journey and offer advice to young pros, let us know!
The process is simple. Email ypn@esri.com and tell us your name, title, organization, what you love about GIS and advice for young professionals.