Good deeds are big part of networking group

By Lakeshia Artis | Inside Business 

It started as the simple dream of seven young black professionals who wanted to develop an organization that would help individuals excel in their careers.

The Coalition of Young Black Professionals Foundation was founded in Hampton Roads in 2001 to provide the "opportunity to network in a professional, civic and social atmosphere."

"The original objective was to provide networking tools for young African Americans," said George Spencer, founder and CEO. "We also wanted them to embrace their civic responsibilities as young professionals by donating their time to charitable works."

Spencer, who's also the CEO of Spencer Group Online, an interactive digital media agency, said the group used grassroots efforts in the early stages to market the foundation. It used the social site BlackPlanet.com, an online community similar to MySpace, and e-mail databases.

"I created a profile and told people about the organization," Spencer said. "That's initially how we got the word out. Pretty soon we had a meeting room of 60 to 70 people."

The foundation, which has 150 active members locally, meets once a month. To join, members must be gainfully employed and have a strong interest in civic activities. There is no fee to join.

"Since we are a membership- driven organization, it's imperative that we find out what the members want," Spencer said. "We are very adamant about member participation and them being the voice of CYPBF.

"Just like church," he said. "We don't want people to come in and sit in the pews. We want members to be active because that is the only way we will grow as an organization."

Since joining seven years ago, LaToya Gilbert, an instructional designer for Amerigroup Corp. and an executive board member of the foundation, is one of many voices that help promote the foundation.

"I got involved with the foundation's community activities," Gilbert said. "I ended up working with the people and got a good feel for what they were doing with the community."

CYPBF's civic activities include Feed-A-Family, Give-A-Gift, and national walks for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and March of Dimes.

"We go out in the community and provide Thanksgiving dinners and dry goods for families in need," Gilbert said of the Feed-A-Family program. "The program started with two families, and now we provide food for more than 40 families."

CYPBF, which also has a chapter in Charlotte, N.C., hosts the annual Ray Willis Scholarship Banquet, which awards scholarships to Norfolk State and Hampton University students.

The foundation has two key social affairs: ONYX, held during homecoming weekend at NSU, and Insomnia, during Fourth of July weekend along with its Professional Symposium forum. The forum provides tips and tools for career advancement.

"We use these events to raise scholarship money, and funds for the Feed-A-Family and Give-A-Gift programs," said Curt Anderson, executive director of CYPBF. "The symposium has 15 to 20 young executives speak before a group of young black professionals and their guests about obtaining the keys to their success."

CYBPF members have the opportunity to meet colleagues and promote their businesses.

"I've met a lot of great people in a lot of different industries," Gilbert said. "It's been a huge networking opportunity, and in addition, I have done a lot of community service activities.

"As professionals, we didn't get here by ourselves," she said. "Someone helped us, and now it's our turn to do the same."nib