Access Tallahassee: helping young professionals access opportunities in Tallahassee
In October of 2006, The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce launched the program, Access Tallahassee, in order to fulfill the need to reach out to young professionals in the Capital city. A member of the targeted generation herself, Dana Lashua functions as director of the program and keeps the cause close to her heart.
Dana, a Tallahassee native, is no stranger to the organization or community she serves. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing at Florida State University, she worked part time as a receptionist for the Chamber; in doing so, she got a feel for the variety of businesses in Tallahassee as well as the Chamber’s purpose within the community. Shortly after graduation, she accepted a position with the organization as a marketing assistant; realizing she preferred events to marketing, she decided to cross over, and became the director of Access Tallahassee after its launch.
Access Tallahassee targets young professionals, ages 21 to 40, and helps them network and grow both personally and professionally through a myriad of events and opportunities. The goal truly is to help members access all that Tallahassee has to offer. Dana finds that members most appreciate the access provided to new events and leaders with whom they can network. One such event is the annual Access to the Issues, which gives members a chance to speak with legislators across the state; the first event ever offered was called Speed Networking and it was sold out three months in a row because of members’ enthusiastic responses to meeting people of interest to them; Business Etiquette is another popular event. The program also includes an interactive website through which members can access a variety of personal and professional growth tools. Dana emphasizes that Access Tallahassee offers a multitude of useful networking opportunities, while maintaining a fun and exciting atmosphere for young professionals.
During her free time, Dana enjoys spending time with her friends and new husband. She likes the outdoors in general, but specifically loves boating, fishing, swimming, and all other water activities. Additionally, she enjoys reading.
In just three years, Access Tallahassee has proven its value. Dana attributes the program’s success and growth to the Chamber’s and community’s devotion to the cause. She looks forward to seeing Access Tallahassee reach the 500 membership mark and believes it has the potential to stand alone as an organization one day.
By: Lauren Novo, Staff Writer
Submitted by , The Egg Cafe & Eatery