By: Mikaela Zallen, Committee and Standards Administrator, CGA

Getting involved in a CGA technical committee opens the door to professional connections, opportunities to contribute and pathways to leadership. For someone new to CGA or early in their career, knowing where to begin can make all the difference.

That’s where Young & Emerging Professionals (YEP) Liaisons come in.

A YEP Liaison serves as a connector, mentor and advocate within a CGA technical committee, helping new and emerging professionals feel welcome and become active contributors. Whether answering a question, making an introduction or encouraging someone to take on a new responsibility, liaisons help members find their footing and build confidence.

Their work follows a simple guiding principle: Connect. Engage. Develop. Support.

YEP Liaisons put that principle into practice by:

• Welcoming new committee members and connecting them with colleagues.
• Serving as a trusted resource for questions and guidance.
• Building professional relationships and encouraging participation.
• Sharing opportunities for engagement, professional development and leadership.
• Identifying and encouraging future committee volunteers and leaders.

These connections benefit both members and the committees they serve. Emerging professionals gain guidance and opportunities to grow, while committees benefit from new perspectives, broader participation and a stronger pipeline of future leaders.

By helping members navigate CGA and find meaningful ways to contribute, YEP Liaisons support individual careers and strengthen the work of our technical committees for years to come.

Interested in learning more about the YEP Liaison program? Contact Mikaela Zallen at mzallen@cganet.com.