By: Elexis Bates
After brainstorming, planning and organizing, a new Clay Center organization for young professionals has launched under the name LIFT. After securing the Workforce and Development grant from the Patterson Family Foundation, the group under Grow Clay County has moved forward to hosting events to inspire the community to grow local businesses. Lead event coordinator, Kathryn Doster-Tipsword, says the group is meant for anyone looking to find their place in the community.
“LIFT stands for Lead, Inspire, Foster, and Thrive,” Doster-Tipsword said. “We really want people to lead and inspire and we want everyone to help represent what this group stands for.”
Doster-Tipsword and Sophia Gallup, co-chair of LIFT, have worked hard to build activities that will provide young professionals with opportunities to network, grow their skill sets, and get involved in meaningful community initiatives.
A total of four main events are set to be hosted for the community to attend and these will take place throughout 2025. The first official kickoff event is set for early March near St. Patrick’s Day, where members of all ages are encouraged to participate.
“We really want to get the word out to people who aren’t sure what they want to be a part of and get them involved in our group to find where they belong,” Doster-Tipsword said.
The first two events to look forward to this year are classified as Networking and Fun events, hosted for local businesses and residents to connect in a relaxed atmosphere through social activities. Doster-Tipsword plans for one event to be geared toward younger community members with drinks available, and the second will be open to the community for families to bring their children.
“We welcome people who are young or young at heart who are interested in getting involved in the community,” Doster-Tipsword said.
These gatherings are meant to break down barriers between different generations, creating a space where the community can share ideas and explore future collaborations.
For the Professional Development event, Doster-Tipsword said there are plans to host guest speakers with the goal of empowering members to take on leadership roles within their workplaces and beyond. The fourth event, Community Engagement, encourages members to participate in service projects, such as helping newcomers move in and providing resources to ease their integration.
Membership dues are $30 per person or $15 for employees of Grow-associated businesses. Those interested in becoming part of LIFT can send their membership dues to Grow Clay County’s office at 517 Court St, Clay Center, KS 67432, and stay tuned for event updates as the year unfolds.
