by Tracie Cabler

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first four definitions of “community” are commonly characterized by one thing, a group of people. It’s what we most commonly think of hearing that word right, the people? Well, the reason I joined Urban League of Greater Atlanta – Young Professionals (YP) in 2018 is because it’s much more than just a community of people. It’s a community connected by a strong organization with a great purpose, The National Urban League. When I graduated from in 2016 with my Master of Architecture degree, it was the Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) that offered the most comprehensive home ownership program; which eventually led to me buying my first home. When I started my business in 2018, it was the Urban League that had a FREE small business accelerator program. I was introduced to many funding resources the City of Atlanta offers for entrepreneurs, made my first business plan, and received feedback on areas for improvement. When I first wanted to start giving back, it was the National Urban League that had the most historic and consistent track record of providing programs and opportunities to help others. After all the organization had done for me in my personal life, I wanted nothing more than to serve my community, and I decided to do that by serving with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta – Young Professionals.

Having been a member for two years now, the reasons I keep renewing continue to expand. At first, I really enjoyed connecting with other black young professionals. As an architect, and someone who consults in real estate on the side, there are many times where I can count the number of us in one room. So, being able to network with others who look like me, has been a huge positive outside of the workplace. Now, it’s not just that I get to fellowship with other professionals, but that I get to fellowship with friends. I have two best friends that I’ve met through service and at social events hosted by YP, and I’m forever grateful for their presence in my life. For the other close friends I’ve made, it’s not just that we get to engage socially, but mentally and creatively as well. Many have their own businesses or side hustles, and it’s been a pleasure getting to learn from others. While there are many co-working spaces that offer this same kind of community, I feel lucky to have found a portion of my tribe here in YP.

Another reason I keep renewing my membership, is all the opportunities for engagement and leadership. When I say engagement, I don’t just mean volunteering, but getting plugged into other networks and tribes. Atlanta is huge, and even after having been here so long now (seven years), it can still feel overwhelming with all the ways to get involved. By finding people I’m close with in YP, it’s actually helped filter out the unnecessary, and helped me focus on the groups that really fit me. For example, one of the people I’m closest with in Urban League of Greater Atlanta – Young Professionals is LaShana West, a mental health professional and career / creative coach on the side. Of the many things we have in common, we are both super passionate about marketing and branding. Knowing her, I’ve been able to connect with owners of co working spaces, marketing professionals, and others who are adding to my growing tribe of SOLID individuals.

As far as leadership goes, I’ve found YP to be a great way to not only practice being a leader, but explore what that even means in your own personal way. After serving on the Community Service and Social and Cultural Committees, I wanted to try and do even more, and was elected as Communications Chair last Spring. Having the opportunity to serve as Chair was an amazing experience in that the organization really allows you to grow into the type of leader YOU want to be, not just a mold that others may envision. I find we don’t often get that kind of opportunity working in corporate, so whether you’re looking to try something new, looking to give back, or just looking for your tribe, I wouldn’t hesitate to join the Urban League of Greater Atlanta – Young Professionals and dive right in.