Meet Our Board: Samantha Savoie, Marketing Chair
Samantha Savoie, Marketing Chair of YPS of Greater Springfield.
Young Professional Society (YPS) of Greater Springfield serves fresh faces in the workforce all over the region, but today’s edition of Meet Our Board brings us into the heart of our city; we are proud to introduce Samantha Savoie, our Marketing Chair.
Savoie is a resident of Springfield, Mass., and serves as marketing and creative director for the city’s Business Improvement District (SBID). In her role, she leads marketing, branding and creative strategy for Downtown Springfield by promoting local businesses, building community pride and driving foot traffic through campaigns, events, partnerships and digital storytelling. She oversees the organization’s social media, web design, content creation, sponsorship relations and communications.
Savoie’s role aligns excellently with her educational background; in 2017, she graduated from Westfield State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and marketing. Her other relevant experience includes five years with Ondrick Natural Earth of Chicopee, Mass., where she was a marketing and sales associate.
“I first heard about YPS in college at a career fair,” Savoie said. “I remember learning about the group and how it helps young professionals build connections, grow their careers and get involved in Greater Springfield.”
At her first Third Thursday event at Cima in Wilbraham, Mass., Savoie formed lasting friendships with Tyler Hadley, Aiden McDonald and others that have grown through the two years she has been involved since.
“[My fast friendships] instantly showed me how welcoming and intentional YPS is,” Savoie explained. “I didn’t feel like I had to ‘break into’ a room—people genuinely wanted to connect, include me and help me build my own relationships.”
Savoie is now the marketing chair on the Executive Board, and she’s vocal about how much she loves Third Thursday events.
She continued, “The casual social events, like Third Thursdays, make it easy to meet people naturally, have real conversations and leave me feeling energized instead of exhausted after a long day. YPS is one of the best ways to meet motivated people in your region, grow your circle and find opportunities that you didn’t know existed, both vocationally and socially.
“Don’t overthink it. Just show up. Introduce yourself to one person then another. These events are designed to be welcoming, and everyone remembers what it’s like to be new.”
Savoie is the very same person outside of the group as she is at YPS events. In her free time, she enjoys hosting friends; jamming to all your favorite female pop sensations; catching rays under the sun, sprawled on the sand; and hanging out with her beloved dog.
Her favorite career advice is, “You don’t get what you don’t ask for.”
“It resonated with me because it’s a reminder that growth doesn’t happen by staying quiet of waiting for the ‘perfect time,’” said Savoie. “Whether it’s asking for an opportunity, a raise, a seat at the table, support or guidance, advocating for yourself is critical. I’ve learned that most people are willing to help, but they can’t read your mind. That advice pushed me to be more confident, to speak up and to go after what I want instead of hoping it will happen.”
In accordance with her motto, Savoie encourages you to give our group a try and ask away—shake hands, ask for names, request business cards and informational interviews and forge the very same lasting friendships she has experienced with YPS of Greater Springfield.
Your next opportunity is right around the corner! Head to our Events page to see what’s next.
Samantha Savoie smiles with Michelle Grout of the Springfield Business Improvement District, Chiara Sinagaglia of Springfield Symphony Hall, Judy Matte of the Spirit of Springfield and other reputable local movers and shakers. They are joined by Boomer, mascot of the Springfield Thunderbirds and Santa and Mrs. Claus.