WILKES-BARRE — The local up-and-coming leaders are gathering for the yearly Young Professionals Conference on Wednesday, March 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wilkes-Barre’s THINK Center, 7 South Main St., Wilkes-Barre.
The full-day conference is focused on developing the region’s skilled young professionals, with speakers and panelists mainly coming from local businesses.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Fuel & Fulfill” and will showcase a group of excellent speakers from the area. From informative keynotes to interactive panel discussions, participants can look forward to a day packed with valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Participants will also have the chance to visit the “head-shot room,” where a professional photographer will be available to take polished head-shots for professional profiles and networking purposes.
The day will end with the keynote speaker session at 2:30 p.m. — Architecting Redemption: Positive Thinking in Negative Spaces — presented by Ryan Evans, Internal Communications Manager at SEKISUI KYDEX and a graduate of Northwestern University Graduate School of Communication. He has also received the Inspiration Award at the Chamber’s Regional 2023 Young Professionals Awards.
The keynote session is sponsored by UGI Utilities, Inc.
Evans, who is from Bear Creek Township in Luzerne County, grew up witnessing the impact of alcohol and substance abuse, and domestic abuse in the household.
During his younger years, Evans had to come to terms with his upbringing and the abuse he observed. He turned to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for his subsequent depression.
After graduating from James M. Coughlin High School in 2011, Evans continued on to Kutztown University, where he struggled with depression and substance abuse.
At the age of 21, Evans left college and joined the Navy in a final attempt to find direction in his life. He completed Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL, and continued with follow-up training at Center for Information Dominance Unit Corry Station in Pensacola, FL.
From 2015 to 2018, Evans served at Commander, Submarine Group 7 in Yokosuka, Japan, where he held various roles including Broadcast Communications Control Authority Chief of the Watch, Special Intelligence Communications Watchfloor Supervisor, and Information Warfare Specialist.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Evans came back home and enrolled at Luzerne County Community College, where he became active on campus and within the administration. He served as Student Representative to the Board of Directors and became involved with his peers and fellow veterans.
In 2021, Evans graduated with an Associates in Journalism & Media Writing and was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate for his contributions on campus and in the community, especially in raising awareness about veterans’ mental health issues.
Evans moved to Wilkes University to complete his bachelor’s degree and became a first-generation college graduate last May, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a focus in multimedia platforms.
During that time, Evans also served as a journalist for the Times Leader newspaper.
Before completing his bachelor's degree, Evans got into Northwestern University's Graduate School of Communication where he is actively working on his master's degree. His research focuses on ethical practices related to automation and artificial intelligence in strategic communications.
Evans was a featured speaker at the 2023 Wilkes University Founder’s Gala and a guest on Bill Corcoran’s On The Stacks podcast.
Evans' public speaking activities are centered on overcoming trauma, addictions, adversity, and the importance of a positive mental attitude. He also addresses combating impostor syndrome, anxiety, depression, and breaking stigmas surrounding mental health, with a focus on competing with oneself rather than others.
Evans is also part of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center’s “Dream Team,” which visits educational institutions to promote careers in manufacturing.
For more details or to sign up, please visit: https://business.wyomingvalleychamber.org/events/calendar, or contact Michaela at [email protected].
