The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) announces the launch of the Up Next Summit, a first-time leadership event designed to empower, inspire, and connect the region’s rising professionals. This first-of-its-kind event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 16 at MGM Springfield.

September is a special month to highlight people skills and self-improvement, and for Angel, it carries an even deeper meaning as it is also his birthday month (make sure to wish him a Happy Day on September 18th). 

As the founder of The Rally Cry, Angel has dedicated himself to creating spaces where individuals can grow, connect, and thrive. Through his podcast, speaking engagements, and his conversation-starting game Enough Said, he continues to inspire his generation to embrace personal growth, strengthen communication, and unlock their potential.

Join me as I walk you through my path from an unlikely internship to a full-time position at the home of The Big E, where “it’s always showtime.” Stay tuned until the end when I let you know what I am looking forward to most at North America’s fourth largest fair this September!

There’s no shortage of impressive young professionals making a difference across Western Massachusetts, and Chris Martin is a standout among them. With a career that spans real estate, entrepreneurship, military service, and community leadership, Chris brings energy and intention to everything he does. Whether he's launching new ventures, supporting local organizations, or mentoring others along the way, his work reflects a deep commitment to growth, connection, and giving back.

With a foundation in strategy and a commitment to community, Dr. Kelvin Molina-Brantley developed a leadership strategy shaped by lived experience and driven by a belief that when systems are designed with purpose, they can deliver lasting impact.

Whenever people learn I was a foster parent for fifteen years, they inevitably have one of two responses. Either they say, “Oh, I could never do that,” or they sigh and long, “I’ve always wanted to do that, but it’s never been the right time.”

“Leading with kindness” can seem like empty rhetoric, but it is how I try to live my professional, personal, and political life. Everyone believes in the value of kindness, yet without intentionality, it can easily take a backseat to the pressures of ambition, deadlines, and competition.

Being introverted in professional spaces can be tough. Most jobs require some level of social interaction daily, from emails and messages to Zoom or face-to-face meetings.

Now, as we navigate the rapidly evolving business landscape of 2025, I'm thrilled to share insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we work and driving significant returns on investment (ROI) for businesses of all sizes.

My hand hovered over the keyboard. I knew I shouldn’t do it. I knew if I did this one thing, it would come with immense consequences I would feel for years.

A new venue, 52 Sumner, is coming to Springfield