By Chris Pan

On August 11, 2024, YES hosted a vibrant kick-off meeting at the Verona Villa in Frisco, Texas, which featured a variety of presentations, speeches, and networking opportunities. This event effectively laid the foundation for a successful year ahead, highlighting YES’s dedication to engagement, service, leadership, and making a meaningful impact.

After all YES members, special guests, and visitors were checked in with live music provided by YES Orchestra, the Kick-Off meeting was initiated with a brief introduction from former presidents Kevin Su and Jeannette Yang. They recalled their past memories and experience before passing the baton to our ‘24- ‘25 chapter president, Sally Wang. Sally, along with the executive team, delivered a comprehensive presentation that outlined the core mission of YES, such as Career,  Champion, Communication, and Community. Following the presentation, several VIPs were introduced, and they delivered inspiring speeches that resonated deeply with the attendees.

Texas State Representative Matt Shaheen spoke about the uniqueness of each individual, emphasizing that we all possess distinct opportunities and skills. He recognized our potential to contribute to the greatness and community of Texas. When Frisco ISD Board Trustees Gopal Ponangi and Mark Hill took the stage, they illustrated how entrepreneurship drives progress and how it can inspire the creation of environments that cultivate and build the future. Chief of Police Darren Stevens followed with a discussion on the importance of an entrepreneurial spirit, expressing his enthusiasm for the growth of YES. His speech was followed by USCC President Weiwen Xie, who highlighted the exceptional mentors available to YES members, emphasizing the commitment of each one to developing future leaders. Next, Ivy Sun, Vice President of USCCC and Chair of the YES Advisory Board, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the USCCC, partner organizations, friends, and everyone who contributed to the success of YES. She took the opportunity to encourage young people with an entrepreneurial mindset to join YES and take full advantage of the myriad opportunities it offers. The keynote speaker, Tammy Meinershagen, Deputy Mayor of Frisco, then took the stage and emphasized the importance of five key skills for success: problem-solving, effective communication, stepping out of one's comfort zone, loving and giving, and elevating others. Ultimately, these powerful speeches declared YES’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders through learning from society's leading figures.

As the meeting advanced, a video presentation spotlighted the International Leadership Foundation's (ILF) Youth Leadership Academy. Following the video, several of our own members who attended the academy as interns shared how the experience had profoundly enhanced their leadership abilities, offering them the chance to engage in capstone projects and gain invaluable insights. In Youth Entrepreneur Society’s efforts to foster more communication and team connection, the meeting ended with an introduction of the ‘24 - ‘25 leadership team and icebreakers that encouraged both officers and general members alike to socialize.

In conclusion, the YES Kick-Off meeting was a highly impactful event that fulfilled its aims to motivate the youth, encourage leadership, and build a vibrant community spirit. With much gratitude and appreciation going to the YES PTA and venue planners, YES will offer a concrete foundation for supporting future leaders in the exciting year ahead.