Welcome our 2025 Chair and Vice Chair of the CYP Advisory Council, Jaimee Salone and Emily Ross! These two have been committed to fostering the young professionals community in our region and bring that dedication into the forefront of their leadership roles on the council. Read about their CYP journey and vision for 2025 below and make sure to say hello if you see them at our upcoming CYP events!
Jaimee Salone, Chair
What are your goals for CYP in 2025, and how can they benefit other young professionals?
As the 2025 Chair, one of my priorities is championing the voices of young professionals in pivotal business and civic conversations, focusing on critical issues like affordable housing, evolving workplace expectations, economic instability and job insecurity. Young professionals are at a transformative stage in their careers, and we can successfully navigate the balance between ambition, personal growth and community engagement.
Many of us are establishing our lives in this vibrant region—building careers, forging meaningful connections, and embracing Charleston’s distinctive lifestyle. As Chair, I am determined to position CYP as an indispensable ally for young professionals and a powerful force driving the region’s economic and cultural advancement. Together, we will continue to accelerate the growth of the region so young professionals can flourish, finding not just a place to work and live, but a community that empowers them to thrive and excel in their endeavors.
How has your involvement with CYP influenced your leadership style?
My involvement with the Chamber and CYP has shaped my leadership style. I have participated in Leadership Discovery and attended professional development workshops, learning from some of Charleston’s top business leaders and engaging with young professionals from diverse sectors and backgrounds. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the importance of inclusivity and embracing various perspectives.
Through these valuable interactions, I have expanded my understanding of effective leadership and solidified my commitment to creating environments where everyone feels heard, respected and empowered to contribute. Whether leading a team, working on a project, or representing CYP in significant discussions, I aim to approach each situation with a servant mindset, prioritizing collaboration, compassion and a genuine desire to uplift and empower others.
What are the most critical professional development needs among young professionals in the Charleston region?
The Charleston region stands out for its rich history, vibrant culture and booming economy, making it an attractive destination for young professionals from all backgrounds. As these dynamic leaders carve out their career paths and contribute meaningfully to the community, we must address their professional development needs. Today’s passionate and dedicated young professionals are leading a new wave of compassionate and purpose-driven leadership. We value workplaces that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, offer flexible work arrangements, support our desire for professional growth and admire company leadership that exemplifies empathy, integrity and purpose.
To effectively tackle the affordable housing crisis and ensure access to crucial career and professional development resources, CYP has established robust platforms and resources for networking, mentorship, and career advancement. These initiatives empower young professionals to connect with industry leaders and peers, making a significant and positive impact on the region.
How has CYP encouraged you to make a positive impact in the community?
CYP has been instrumental in encouraging me to positively impact our community by providing numerous opportunities for community involvement and volunteerism. Participating in activities like park sweeps with the South Carolina Aquarium, kayak clean-ups with On-Purpose Adventures and cooking at the Ronald McDonald House with fellow advisory council members make volunteering enjoyable and impactful. Also, I want to give a special shout-out to the Non-Profit Expo, where young professionals gain valuable insights directly from non-profits about their need for board positions, showcasing opportunities for meaningful involvement.
I already have a strong passion for community service and servant leadership, and I am incredibly blessed that Atlas Tech encourages Team Member involvement with non-profits. However, through CYP, I have developed a more profound commitment to fostering a sense of community and driving positive change, which motivates me to make a difference in Charleston. I encourage all YPs to engage in any opportunity to volunteer or get involved with your company’s community service initiatives. Getting involved fosters a greater sense of community and purpose, develops new skills, expands your network and makes an impact!
Emily Ross, Vice Chair
What are your goals for CYP in 2025 and how can they benefit other young professionals?
Charleston continues to attract a diverse, talented, and driven group of young professionals, and as the city grows, so does our network. My vision for CYP in 2025 is centered on connectivity. I aim to cultivate a community of empowered and determined individuals who embrace and support new talent arriving and emerging in Charleston.
As someone who calls Charleston home, I believe that the success of our community benefits everyone within it. My hope is for CYP to foster professional development, create meaningful connections that drive success, provide opportunities for growth and establish lifelong friendships. Together, we can build each other up and strengthen the future of Charleston’s professional landscape.
How has your involvement with CYP influenced your leadership style?
Through courses, events and workshops, CYP has provided me with invaluable exposure—exposure to experiences, diverse mindsets, inspiring mentors and exciting opportunities. This has not only helped me connect with mentors but also offered a safe space to practice and refine my skills, ultimately shaping my leadership style.
Being part of CYP has allowed me to bounce ideas off individuals who have faced similar challenges and gain insights that I can apply in real-life scenarios. The direct advice, encouragement and feedback from experienced professionals are truly priceless.
Exposure to strong, empowered individuals has been transformative, helping me adapt my leadership style to work effectively with different personalities and perspectives. This network has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, and I’m grateful for the lasting impact it has had on my journey.
What are the most important professional development needs you see among youngprofessionals in our region?
Every young professional in the Charleston area can benefit from opportunities to practice and hone their leadership abilities. By evaluating current practices and introducing new approaches in a safe and supportive environment, we can foster significant professional growth.
This growth not only benefits the individual young leader but also positively impacts every team they are a part of. Our goal is to empower young professionals to reflect on and refine the qualities that have driven their success so far, while encouraging them to embrace continuous improvement.
By investing in the development of young leaders, we’re shaping a stronger, more dynamic professional community—one that thrives on collaboration, innovation and growth.
How has CYP encouraged you to make a positive impact in the community?
The connections made through CYP provide a dynamic understanding of the many pieces that come together to make Charleston the charming and successful place where we live and work. Meeting professionals from diverse careers—some of which you might not have even known contribute to Charleston’s success—offers a newfound appreciation for our community and inspires a desire to give back and stay involved.
Being part of this network, alongside others who impact Charleston’s growth and success, fosters a strong sense of pride in our community. CYP also creates opportunities to give back in ways that are fun, inclusive and shared with friends—making it easier and more enjoyable to make a difference.
