Kayla Conklin is a community leader who leads with her head and her heart.
Named one of 52 Most Influential Black Leaders by Madison 365, Kayla is a passionate leader who not only contributes to the well-being of the community through her professional work, but also civically as President of the Urban League of Greater Madison’s Young Professionals (ULGMYP) — a volunteer role she enthusiastically embraces to help young Black and Brown professionals find the safe space and authentic connections needed to thrive in the Madison community.
The Urban League Young Professionals is a volunteer auxiliary of community leaders ages 21-40 who work to empower communities and change lives through the Urban League Movement. Its members organize events and activities to ensure community members are educated, employed and empowered to live well and advance professionally.
In Madison, ULGMYP provides a “…multi-faceted offering of programs and opportunities, from civic involvement to social engagement,” ULGMYP President Conklin explains. As the volunteer arm of the Urban League, it is a welcoming and inclusive space where young Black professionals can meet, network and ‘be authentically themselves,” she explains.
Kayla is enthusiastic about the program and excited to share it with young professionals – especially in Madison. She knows first-hand about the importance of safe and supportive spaces to encourage personal growth and the importance of empowering individuals to help make change in the community.
A Commitment to Change
Kayla came to Madison in 2014 to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon graduating, she found herself a good professional opportunity, but realized she also needed to ‘find her people.’
She recalls: “I was freshly out of college and had a good position, but I did not have the network I needed at the time” to provide the support, connections and opportunities that can only come from a community like the Young Professionals program.
After four years on campus, her new work life provided a much deeper introduction to Madison and the needs of the Black community. As Crisis Case Manager for the nonprofit organization RISE, she got a close look at the chronic needs throughout Madison’s Black and Brown communities. It was there – in those first learning experiences – that she found her ‘true calling’: community-based work focusing on supporting Black and Brown people.
The work strengthened her resolve to find solutions. As she shared in the podcast Black Oxygen, Kayla was inspired by “…the belief that Madison’s small, but close-knit (Black and Brown) community can be an opportunity for change” and she committed to work to make it a more equitable city for our people. “That’s what drives me day in and day out to keep going,” she explains.
During the pandemic she applied that drive and conviction as a professional in the Financial Services sector; first at Park Bank, then at Summit Credit Union. She was attracted by the same feeling of community and belief in the power to impact and empower the Black community. It is a thread that weaves through all her endeavors.
So, it is not surprising that she stepped enthusiastically into the leadership role as President of the Urban League of Greater Madison Young Professionals.
Supporting the Movement
ULGM Young Professionals members support the Greater Madison Urban League affiliate and collectively organize events and activities to ensure community members are educated, employed, and empowered to live well and advance professionally.
In addition to community service and advocacy work, ULGMYP provides personal and professional development opportunities while creating a safe space to grow and build community. Its members can advocate for civil rights and civic engagement, increase their professional and personal networks, connect with mentors and like-minded young professionals in the area, and help each other succeed.
The Madison Chapter offers a variety of ways to be involved. Members are invited to participate in the RAMP (Retaining, Advancing, & Mentoring Young Professionals) program; support ULGM events like MLK Day of Service and the Economic Development & Diversity Summit and participate in a range of community and professional activities.
All members are strongly encouraged to join a YP Committee that best suits their talents or allows them to learn, grow and expand their skill sets.
Impressive Credentials
Madison’s ULGM Young Professionals group has been recognized nationally for its impressive community partnerships, community service, and dramatic growth in membership since 2020 (Kayla credits her ULGMYP predecessor Kurt Rose and the fantastic work he’s done). An award-winning Chapter, it has been cited by the National Urban League as a “Regional Chapter of Excellence.”
And it doesn’t end there. New this year is the development of a new ULGMYP Scholarship Program for Black students. The Chapter raised funds and secured donations throughout the year and offered scholarship awards to six local students so that they may pursue their higher education dreams.
And capping a busy year, ULGMYP’s Annual Gala — “Ebony and Elegance: An Icy Affair” – is an annual tradition that recognizes incredible young professionals in Greater Madison and celebrates the joys of Black excellence, community service, and being a part of this great Movement.
YP President Kayla Conklin adds: “For anyone who is looking for a sense of community, come join us!”
For details about Young Professionals programs and membership visit https://ulgmyp.clubexpress.com/
ULGM Young Professional Committees:
Advocacy Committee leads initiatives and activities related to public policy, highlighting key areas of service within the community and establishing positions on emerging public issues.
Community Service Committee develops and organizes service and volunteer opportunities for the chapter that address the economic, educational, cultural, and health needs of the Greater Madison community.
Fundraising Committee creates innovative and strategic fundraising goals and oversees all fundraising activities for the chapter.
Marketing and Communications Committee manage the image of the chapter in public media outlets and respond to all promotional and marketing needs of the chapter.
Membership Committee attracts, engages and retains new members, hosts new member orientation and enhances the member experience.
Personal and Professional Development Committee designs and offers programming to upskill and develop our members.
Social Cultural Committee coordinates social networking opportunities and culturally relevant events for members to attend, exclusively and publicly.
