![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fiualumni.com\/stay-connected\/alumni-news\/newsroom\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Screen-Shot-2020-08-15-at-1.54.31-PM-e1599140938212.png\")
Over the past year, former Student Government Association presidents Krista Schmidt \u201918 and Leo Cosio \u201918, along with a group of young alumni dedicated to their alma mater, have worked to establish YAN, the newest and largest of the FIU Alumni Association\u2019s Panther Networks.<\/p>\n
The network is a re-imagining of its predecessor, the former Young Alumni Council. Its launch was among the goals of FIU Alumni Association President Mike Hernandez \u201904, MPA \u201911 and the association\u2019s board of directors to increase alumni participation at FIU, which is one of the metrics measured by\u00a0U.S. News & World Report<\/em>\u00a0to rank universities.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Alumni Association isn\u2019t something that you refer to once in a while. Once you graduate, you have a lifelong relationship with the association,\u201d Hernandez said.<\/p>\n The YAN team\u2019s goal is to help alumni ranging from recent graduates to the age of 35 stay connected to FIU by offering events, workshops and other content tailored to the specific needs of this audience \u2013 all of which is now virtual, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n Though they hadn\u2019t initially envisioned their programming would be delivered fully online, they\u2019re proud of what their team has accomplished in the virtual realm so far \u2013 including GrowthCon, a virtual discussion with alumni who are Florida state legislators, a \u201cSlay and Squat\u201d workout session with alumna Maria Roman \u201916, an upcoming webinar on the path to law school featuring FIU Law alumni and current students, and a series of interactive chats on Instagram Live featuring alumni working in various industries called \u201cAsk A Young Alum.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere others felt limited by engaging an audience virtually, we saw the opportunity to set a new standard,\u201d said Cosio. \u201cGrowthCon brought together FIU alumni who are top leaders in their respective industries and our participants got to listen to them from the comfort of their home.\u201d<\/p>\n Schmidt says YAN is about more than just attending events \u2013 it\u2019s an opportunity to continue your personal and professional growth while continuing to build your relationship with FIU and fellow Panthers.<\/span>\u201cWhere others felt limited by engaging an audience virtually, we saw the opportunity to set a new standard,\u201d said Cosio. \u201cGrowthCon brought together FIU alumni who are top leaders in their respective industries and our participants got to listen to them from the comfort of their home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I think back at my time at FIU, I think of all the experiences I had that helped me grow into the person I am today. Being involved with the Young Alumni Network gives you that same opportunity, but at another level of connectivity,\u201d Schmidt said. \u201cThrough these events, you get to stay in touch with old friends, make new, long-lasting relationships, and learn how you can potentially give back to the Panther community. Our Young Alumni Network events are built with you in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n All alumni 35 and younger may participate in the events and activities hosted by the Young Alumni Network \u2013 just as all alumni automatically gain access to the programming and perks offered by the Alumni Association upon graduation. Alumni who are interested in receiving information about future events, Panther Perks and other initiatives need only\u00a0update their contact information with the Alumni Association<\/a>.<\/p>\n To learn more about FIU\u2019s other regional, affinity and special interest Panther Networks, visit\u00a0FIUalumni.com\/networking<\/a>.<\/p>\n Watch the sessions from this year\u2019s GrowthCon:<\/strong><\/p>\n Keynote Networking for Beginners How to Make Social Media Work for You The Value of Finding a Mentor Debt as a Double-Edged Sword Budgeting: Securing the Bag Plan for the Future: Balancing YOLO and Saving for a Rainy Day Emotional Intelligence: What It Is and How to Use It![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fiualumni.com\/stay-connected\/alumni-news\/newsroom\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Screen-Shot-2020-08-28-at-10.02.14-AM.png\")
\n<\/a>Brandon Launerts \u201916, producer, CBS News<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Brian Goldmeier, founder and president, BYG Strategies, Inc.
\nSaif Ishoof, vice president for Engagement, FIU<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Paola Iuspa-Abbott \u201900 , president, Top of Mind PR
\nCourtney Moberley, digital marketing leader and junior account executive, Top of Mind PR<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Kenasha Paul \u201910, president and CEO, Black Professionals Network
\nSara DuCuennois, assistant vice president for Alumni Relations, FIU<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Horacio Aguirre \u201913, investment specialist, J.P. Morgan\u2019s Private Bank<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Pablo Martinez \u201911, investment associate, ESJ Capital Partners<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Francisco Mantilla \u201907, financial advisor, Edward Jones<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Dr. Shanequa Fleming, founder and CEO of Culture Accelerators, Inc.<\/p>\n