👉 Emerging Leaders’ Summit: Highlights, Photos + What Attendees Are Saying


A community for connection and exploration in Columbus

Our 12th Emerging Leaders' Summit was a big success!

Hi everyone,

In case you missed it -- or just want to relive it -- our Columbus Emerging Leaders’ Summit brought together nearly 200 emerging professionals, leaders, and changemakers for a full day of connection, insight, and energy last week.

From powerful storytelling to executive conversations and new connections made throughout the room, this year’s Summit was one of our most engaging yet.

📸 Relive the Summit:

Want to revisit the day or see what you missed?

Check out our full photo gallery from the Columbus Emerging Leaders’ Summit 2026: www.cypclub.com/photos

Feel free to download, tag, and share your favorites! Be sure to tag @CYP Club and use #CYPClub

🔥 A few highlights:

• Meaningful conversations during Executive Speed Networking
• Powerful, real-world insights from our Leadership in Real-Time Talks
• A strong sense of connection across industries and organizations
• A room full of people leaning in, showing up, & supporting one another

But don’t just take our word for it. Here are a few takeaways reflected in attendee feedback:

💬 What attendees are saying:

“The Executive Speed Networking session alone was worth it—so many meaningful conversations.”
“Leadership in Real-Time was powerful. Grateful to be in a room full of people who are genuinely invested in growth, community, and supporting one another.”
“Sometimes all it takes is one conversation to shift your perspective -- and I had several of those today.”
“Left feeling energized, inspired, and more connected to the Columbus community.”

And even better, here’s what attendees are sharing in their own words:

Alexis Woody
Andrea De La Rosa
Ankit Shah
Brenda Ochoa
Brian Davies
Brooklyn Brown
Caitlin Hughes
Chris Spurlock
Christian N. Johnson
Cyrus Richardson
Elizabeth Skovron
Gabriel Dent
Hannah McCorkle
Hannah Shafransky
Katherine Grogan
Keith Pickett Jr
Kenneth Williams Jr.
LaTasha Pannell
Laura Klarich
Liesl Drought
Lillian Morales
Melissa Murray
Rosie Leuby
Shane Slack
Simon'e Lightfoot-Williams
Sommer Green

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, spoke, volunteered, and supported this experience.

If you joined us, thank you for being part of it. If you missed it... we hope to see you at our next signature event.

More to come soon!

With appreciation,
Derek Grosso
CYP Club Founder & CEO



🚀 Crash Course Columbus 2026: Applications Now Open

New to Columbus or know someone who is? This is your moment.

Crash Course Columbus is our 3-month cohort experience (April–June) designed to help new residents and new hires quickly build meaningful connections, explore the city, and find their place here.

From a German Village food tour and Downtown bus experience to the Columbus Volunteer Festival, behind-the-scenes at OSU, and a Clippers game night, this is your fast track into Columbus.

Along the way, you’ll receive:
✔ A Crash Course Passport to guide your journey
CYPremium membership access
✔ A ticket to A Taste of Columbus 2026
✔ And a built-in network of fellow participants navigating the city alongside you

Apply now or share with someone who should be part of this experience!

Spots are limited, and this program fills quickly.


The CYP Club is a hub for careers, community, conversations and culture for young professionals across central Ohio. Learn more about our events, initiatives, athletics and impact at cypclub.com!

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