Young Professionals of Blair County

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​Young Professionals of Blair County organizes yearlong activities geared toward the development of young professionals in Blair County. 

Mission: Provide young professionals a community in which to grow professionally, personally, and civically.

Vision: Support the transformation of Blair County.

Values: Leadership * Inclusion * Relationships * Community * Development * Fun
 
Visit the Young Professionals of Blair County Facebook page. 

* *Young Professionals of Blair County defines a young professional as anyone ages 18-40. 

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​Young Professionals of Blair County Spotlight

   
​   Mariah Turiano

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​​1. Work title & place of employment
Staff Accountant, Okonak, Dean, & Lechner, PC

2. Why did you join the Young Professionals of Blair County?
Without a doubt, networking. When you surround yourself with brilliant & inspiring people it adds value to your life. Having this opportunity with a widely diverse, creative and intelligent group of people means the world to me. Additionally, knowing every young professional is focused on the advancement of Blair County, makes me proud to be a part of the evolution already taking place. 
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3. As a Young Professional, what has been the most valuable part of getting involved with the Young Professionals of Blair County?
As valuable as technology is when it comes to our personal and professional lives, ultimately the most impactful resource one can have (regardless of where you are at in your professional journey) are relationships. I cannot tell you how many great people I've had the opportunity to connect with outside of my daily activities as a direct result of the Young Professionals of Blair County, which has been beneficial in both my professional and personal life. We are incredibly privileged to have such a robust Chamber presence in our community, where they offer meaningful networking events in addition to workshops, seminars, and other content that challenges you to stretch and grow as a professional.

4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I try and spend as much time with family as possible, it’s something that’s very important to me; family. Aside from that I really love spending time at the beach, anything fitness or sports related (especially tennis), camping, and traveling to meet up with friends. If I can put together any combination of those things when I’m not working, I’m a happy girl.

5. What is your favorite thing about Blair County?
I was born and raised in Hollidaysburg. It is a nice small town with lots of potential for growth which it has seen the last couple years. Downtown Altoona has shown considerable growth and new businesses have been popping up left and right. It is large enough to make you feel important, yet small enough to not have you get lost. I would like to see more for the younger generation be done, so there is more to do and more families want to come into Blair County. 

6. Where is your favorite place to eat in Blair County?
Without a question, Bill Sell’s Bold is my favorite restaurant. However, I love to visit to DelGrosso’s Amusement Park in the summer and enjoy a dish of Murf’s Famous Potato Salad. 

7. Name one thing you want to accomplish in your career:
I hope to continue to grow at the firm and become a seasoned professional in the accounting field. We have a team of experienced CPAs that I look to for support and guidance. I plan to further educate myself in my current field by attaining my CPA license. 

8. What is your favorite quote?
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  –Maya Angelou

   
​   Kirsten Stratton

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​​1. Work title & place of employment
Owner/Interior Designer, KMS Interior Design & Home Staging

2. Why did you join the Young Professionals of Blair County?
I joined the YPOBC to make connections not only with the Chamber but with other Professionals in Blair County. 
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3. As a Young Professional, what has been the most valuable part of getting involved with the Young Professionals of Blair County?
The most valuable part for me has been two things. One, I have made some great connections with people in Blair County. Two, by attending events, I have been exposed to some places in Blair County I have never gone to before. 

4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to spend time with my family and to workout at Point of Fitness in Duncansville!

5. What is your favorite thing about Blair County?
I have lived in Blair County most of my life. I love the variety of things it has to offer and its hometown feel.

6. If there is one thing other members should know about you, what would it be?
Family is the most important aspect of life! 

7. Where is your favorite place to eat in Blair County?
Marzoni’s 

8. Name one thing you want to accomplish in your career:
I would like to get my certification for my business to become a Women Owned Business. 

9. What is your favorite quote?
God placed the best things in life on the other side of fear!
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