Young professionals are finding new ways to connect—and stay—in one of the Capital Region’s fastest-growing parishes.
Young Ascension Professionals, a networking and development initiative launched through the Ascension Chamber of Commerce, is gaining traction as a hub for early-career professionals seeking connection, career growth and community engagement.
The founder of the organization, Ascension Parish Chamber chair elect and Hancock Whitney Bank Vice President Brian Henderson, says the idea emerged as Ascension Parish experienced rapid population and economic growth, bringing an influx of new residents and businesses.
“There were talented young professionals across Ascension Parish, but there was not a dedicated space for them to connect, build relationships, and engage outside of their day-to-day work,” Henderson says. “Young Ascension Professionals was designed to create a smaller, more casual environment where those initial connections can happen more naturally.”
Launched in June 2023 with no initial funding, the organization has grown quickly. Today, it engages more than 700 young professionals through its email network, with monthly events regularly drawing about 50 attendees and larger gatherings exceeding 100.
That growth has been fueled in part by support from the business community. A 2026 fundraising campaign raised more than $40,000, allowing the group to continue offering free programming to members.
Programming is designed to be approachable. Monthly socials—hosted at local businesses—pair networking with speakers focused on personal and professional development. The group also hosts events such as a Homebuyers Expo, regional “YP Connects” collaborations and community-driven gatherings.
Henderson says the goal is to create a less intimidating entry point into networking.
As Ascension continues to grow, Henderson views young professionals as critical to the parish’s long-term economic trajectory. He says retaining talent hinges on helping individuals feel connected beyond their workplace.
“When young professionals feel connected to the community and see opportunities for growth, they are much more likely to invest their time and energy locally,” he says.
The organization plans to expand its offerings with more structured leadership and professional development programming, including multi-day seminars.
Some of the challenges that young professionals face in the area include difficulty connecting outside their immediate workplace and the fact that traditional networking environments are often intimidating, according to Henderson.
Young Ascension Professionals helps address that by creating a more comfortable starting point,” he says. “Our events are intentionally smaller and more casual, which makes it easier for people to have real conversations and build relationships over time. Once those connections are made, people tend to feel more confident stepping into larger events and getting more involved across the parish.”
Success is measured less by attendance and more by engagement—whether members are building relationships, advancing in their careers and becoming more involved in the community, according to Henderson.
“The relationships being built now are not just helpful in the moment,” he says. “They can have a lasting impact on someone’s career, their business, and how they stay connected within the community over time.”
