Rochester Young Professionals celebrated the first anniversary of their relaunch by hosting a gala to honor the impact of local volunteers.
Rochester Young Professionals is a volunteer-led organization that connects and supports leaders in the Greater Rochester area through a variety of networking events. Since its relaunch in 2025, RYP has expanded to over 600 community members, 20 events and has supported over 30 local organizations, including Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, CURE Childhood Cancer and Trillium Health.
This year’s RYP Gala & Awards Ceremony was given a Y2K theme, celebrating the year 2000 and the start of a new millennium. “It was an era defined by optimism, creativity, and big ideas about what the future could be,” said Community & Professional Development Co-Chair Matt Zager.
The volunteer-led organization recognized four women for leadership and community impact
The gala was hosted at a local venue, Arbor Loft, located at 21 Lawrence St. Guests were dressed in their best Y2K attire to celebrate the organization and four women being awarded for their work in the community that aligns with RYP’s core values:
Meet the Awardees: Miranda Leo and Maggie Coleman
Full-time professional executive recruiter Miranda Leo always thought she was going to be an attorney. Before her studies, Leo took a break from law school plans, but her love for people inspired her to continue a career in consulting. Leo now spends her volunteer time helping organizations and other young professionals in Rochester.
“I’m still in shock because I look around this community, and I think one thing Rochester does really well is support our community. And I look at so many other people that I think are so well deserving of this award and honor,” said Leo.
Buffalo native Maggie Coleman is the founder of the local group ROC Girl Walks. The idea came to Coleman in 2024 as she was thinking of ways to build a community in a way that are free or most cost-effective for people of all economic statuses. This year, the group celebrates three years of walking together and building community.
“I think the community-building aspect has changed, where I thought it would be more of a walking club in the beginning. It’s become more like a friendship community; show up, and come and make a connection. That’s been the biggest thing,” said Coleman
RYP plans to host more networking and professional development events throughout 2026. Memberships are free for community member 18 and older.
Visit rochesteryp.org to learn more information.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester Young Professionals mark relaunch anniversary with volunteer awards
Reporting by Genae Shields, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
