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When at a gala—complete with the formal attire, flowing drinks, and live music—you wouldn’t necessarily think of yoga pants and a mat. Yet, for the close to 400 attendees at the 9th Annual Affairs of State Gala, an hour of stress relief is just the item they are looking to bid on in the silent auction. Affairs of State, an annual black tie event by Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP), celebrates the previous year’s accomplishments and raises funds to support upcoming programming around the globe. Affairs of State was co-chaired by Torrey Shallcross and Anastasia Dellaccio.
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Affairs of State also launched YPFP’s new member exclusive phone app. The app was created in partnership with Tinder and Forbes Magazine to allow members to better engage each other and to serve as a platform to give members a voice to publish and be recognized. Members are key to YPFP’s mission and vision. Throughout the night, the common theme of opportunity and networking through YPFP was pervasive. By bringing together like minded individuals who all have a thirst for career development, increased exposure to certain policy issues, and hard skills training, YPFP creates an inviting environment in which genuine connections can be established, whether online or in person.
Jarrel “JP” Price, president of the organization since 2015, finds that the most valuable aspect of YPFP's international growth is its new ability to build common understanding. With increased collaboration, YPFP can leverage and multiply learning opportunities offered to its global community. Looking back on the past ten years, YPFP has created a vibrate foundation to provide the knowledge, skills, exposure, and relationships needed for both the organization and its members to be successful. The second decade can focus on growing its international presence and facilitating networking opportunities. Then, the seeds of trust for common understanding between growing leaders around the globe will be planted.
Since opening its first international branch in London, YPFP has expanded to over 80 branches and over 15,000 members. YPFP prides itself on primarily relying on volunteer staff to deliver professional programming to their members. In the last year, YPFP held nearly 450 events, with record breaking attendance. Expanding globally has allowed YPFP members from DC to Singapore to connect at local events, which provide a unique influence based on the location. While the location may differ, the passion for improving their ability to perform in the workplace stays constant. This success is due, at least in part, to YPFP’s unique position to facilitate innovation in foreign policy by connecting such a large group of millennials with the services and resources that they desire.
Through the tuxedos and ball gowns, Affairs of State gave us a glimpse into our generation’s key influencers. Sadly, we did not win the skydiving package.
Editor’s Note: Young Professionals in Foreign Policy is a Thought Partner in Diplomatic Courier’s World in 2050 Series.
Photo Credit: Tyler Mahal Photography.
The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
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Foreign Policy and Champagne
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October 26, 2016
When at a gala—complete with the formal attire, flowing drinks, and live music—you wouldn’t necessarily think of yoga pants and a mat. Yet, for the close to 400 attendees at the 9th Annual Affairs of State Gala, an hour of stress relief is just the item they are looking to bid on in the silent auction. Affairs of State, an annual black tie event by Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP), celebrates the previous year’s accomplishments and raises funds to support upcoming programming around the globe. Affairs of State was co-chaired by Torrey Shallcross and Anastasia Dellaccio.
[gallery ids="https://www.diplomaticourier.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MG_5412.jpg|,https://www.diplomaticourier.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MG_5188.jpg|,https://www.diplomaticourier.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MG_5476.jpg|"]
Affairs of State also launched YPFP’s new member exclusive phone app. The app was created in partnership with Tinder and Forbes Magazine to allow members to better engage each other and to serve as a platform to give members a voice to publish and be recognized. Members are key to YPFP’s mission and vision. Throughout the night, the common theme of opportunity and networking through YPFP was pervasive. By bringing together like minded individuals who all have a thirst for career development, increased exposure to certain policy issues, and hard skills training, YPFP creates an inviting environment in which genuine connections can be established, whether online or in person.
Jarrel “JP” Price, president of the organization since 2015, finds that the most valuable aspect of YPFP's international growth is its new ability to build common understanding. With increased collaboration, YPFP can leverage and multiply learning opportunities offered to its global community. Looking back on the past ten years, YPFP has created a vibrate foundation to provide the knowledge, skills, exposure, and relationships needed for both the organization and its members to be successful. The second decade can focus on growing its international presence and facilitating networking opportunities. Then, the seeds of trust for common understanding between growing leaders around the globe will be planted.
Since opening its first international branch in London, YPFP has expanded to over 80 branches and over 15,000 members. YPFP prides itself on primarily relying on volunteer staff to deliver professional programming to their members. In the last year, YPFP held nearly 450 events, with record breaking attendance. Expanding globally has allowed YPFP members from DC to Singapore to connect at local events, which provide a unique influence based on the location. While the location may differ, the passion for improving their ability to perform in the workplace stays constant. This success is due, at least in part, to YPFP’s unique position to facilitate innovation in foreign policy by connecting such a large group of millennials with the services and resources that they desire.
Through the tuxedos and ball gowns, Affairs of State gave us a glimpse into our generation’s key influencers. Sadly, we did not win the skydiving package.
Editor’s Note: Young Professionals in Foreign Policy is a Thought Partner in Diplomatic Courier’s World in 2050 Series.
Photo Credit: Tyler Mahal Photography.
The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
