How It All Started...YPA was started by four local professionals who were tired of hearing people say there was nothing to do in this town with no way to network and meet new people. In 2007, Megan Seese Livingston, Jill Skowron Gontkovic, Helene Gleason and Adia Dobbins decided to form a young professionals organization and within a few months the Young Professionals of the Alleghenies was formed and functional. Over the years, YPA has worked hard to not only provide social and networking opportunities but to also give young professionals a voice in the future of our region. YPA was a driving force in the 2020 Regional Vision, a research-based study that reached out to thousands or local residents and former local residents. Among other things, the report concluded that jobs alone are not enough to keep YPs in the area -- quality of life amenities are critical, too -- but attracting former residents back to the community will produce significant economic gains for the region. While pointing out the significant challenges that the region faces in terms of jobs and educational opportunities, the report also found that the city is as good as or better than comparable communities in Vitality, Around Town and Cost of Living -- strengths on which we can build. YPA has also been a key influence in mobilizing community volunteers. The organization has supported more than 30 different local and national charitable causes through events and donations. The continued demand for YPA volunteers lead to the collaboration with Lift Johnstown to create a volunteer registry site for all community volunteers, which has now transitioned to Get Connected (a site managed by Lift Johnstown and The United Way of the Laurel Highlands). YPA always has been, and continues to be, a true catalyst for change in our community. | FAQs About YPAWhat is a Helping Hour? How long is a paid membership? I am interested in a Board of Directors position within the organization. What should I do? I'd like to update my YPA Profile. How do I notify YPA with this information? *Automated Renewal Disclaimer |
First Friday Helping Hours (FFHH)The First Friday of every month we get together for a casual happy hour and a great cause. Each time we choose a different charity or activity to support with donations. Be sure to check our calendar and join us! |
2019 FFHHsEach month we choose a different organization and lend a helping hand by collecting donations to further their causes. We announce the current month's charity along with our First Friday Helping hour and attendees bring their donations along. So far in 2019, we've collected
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Jackets for January 2018 Offer An IdeaWe're always looking for causes to support in the future. If you would like to submit an idea for us to consider, please contact us. |
Meet Our Board
YPA is governed by a board of volunteer members. The board strategically drives the mission of the organization. This leadership position requires community involvement, attendance at monthly board meetings and YPA events, and the desire to grow professionally. Serving on a non-profit board such as YPA is an integral step for many previous and current board members to establishing themselves as a community leader.
President - Travis S. LodolinskiOwner/Marketing Specialist Born in Johnstown, PA and transplated back into the area from Baltimore, MD. Travis is the Owner and Marketing Coach at Traventures Media http:trav.media founded in 2017. As the new President of the Young Professionals, Travis is driven to improve the quality of life of those in the area through commerce development. In his spare time, you can catch him on his podcast http:LevelUp.buzz or teaching group classess at Vibe Fitness in Elton. Feel free to say hi to Travis, as he is always happy to meet new people.
Treasurer - Al ClockerOriginally from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Al moved to Johnstown in 2016. He attended Wilkes University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He is currently employed as a Supervisor at Wessel & Company. Al has passed the CPA exam, and is currently pursuing a Master of Professional Accounting degree from The Pennsylvania State University. He is currently serving as the treasurer for the YPA. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and dogs, playing sports, and spending time outside.
Olivia BragdonSince 2006, Olivia Bragdon has been working in the destination marketing industry as Communications & Group Tour Coordinator for the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Olivia works to attain media coverage, group tour travel and a social media presence for area tourism efforts. She attended the University of Pittsburgh where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Olivia has been a part of YPA since their inception and currently serves on the Social Committee. She also serves on the boards of Cambria & Somerset County’s Outstanding Young Woman Scholarship Program and the Sandyvale Wine Experience. In addition, Olivia works as an advocate for infertility and miscarriage awareness.
| Vice President - Alexis FreoniAlexis was born and raised in Johnstown, PA. After living in Ohio for five years, she relocated back to her hometown.She graduated from Geneva College with her Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources. Alexis is also very actively involved with the Conemaugh Township Fire department and ALS Western chapter. Alexis is an avid Pittsburgh fans, except for baseball, she is a Cincinanti Reds fan. In her spare time, Alexis enjoys cleaning, working on diy projects, spending time with family and friends, watching sports, attempting to work out, cooking, and watching movies. Alexis enjoys meeting new people and helping out in any way she can. For that reason, she has joined YPA to promote her community and meet new people.
Natalie KauffmanNatalie Kauffman was born and raised in Johnstown. After living in the Baltimore and Annapolis Area for 5 years she recently relocated home to shift her career into the nonprofit sector. She had previously had a successful 16 year career in cosmetics retail management and is now the current Coordinator for the Cambria County Backpack Project which supplies weekend meals to children facing food insecurity. Natalie joined the YPA 7 years ago and loves to connect with other YPA members through volunteering. Her biggest hobbies include golfing, riding motorcycles and refinishing antique furniture.
Ethan StewartFounder/814 Worx Originally from the Northern Virginia area, Ethan moved to Johnstown PA 3 years ago. Coming into town to work at Centennial Financial Group LLC he had every intention of coming in, getting his licensing, then going somewhere else. However he stayed because he saw the Immense potential this area has, specifically for creating and entrepreneurship. Following his passion he works with business owners through financial planning, investment and also by founding the first co-working space in town, 814 Worx, to help prove that business can be started here in town. Using this platform he is heavily involved in helping the entrepreneurship scene evolve and grow. Either through financial planning, workshops, or just sitting down to talk about business, he is passionate in helping someone with an idea and a drive to build their business. Giving back is important to him, so he is involved in the community through Richland Rotary club, the JAHA board, and the YPA for 2 years now. He is a shark at UPJ helping young entrepreneurs to develop their business and supports Vision 2025 and various initiatives in the area. When not working on business, he tries to find time to enjoy the outdoors through hiking and camping. He also enjoys working with his hands, woodworking, getting good food, cooking, and enjoying a good book. Although he will always go talk business ideas over a drink anytime he can.
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