Join CULYP x COYBD(Central Ohio Young Black Democrats on Thursday may 7ths for our 3rd Annual Voter Registration Spades night. If you have been before, you know it get’s competitive and is a great time. Use the Google Form below to register for the event and submit your partner information.

Dinner with an Executive

Featuring Columbus Urban League Leadership

CULYP is excited to launch our inaugural Dinner with an Executive Series — a new quarterly initiative designed to connect young professionals ages 21–40 with influential leaders across Columbus through authentic conversation, leadership insight, and meaningful networking.

As we continue moving mission forward following our inaugural Legacy Gala, this series is one of the newest benefits of being a paid CULYP member and reflects our commitment to building innovative opportunities for professional growth during changing and challenging times.

For our first Dinner with an Executive, we are honored to welcome leadership from the Columbus Urban League as our inaugural hosts.

Event Details

• Date: APRIL 27th, 2026

• Time: 6pm-8pm

• Location: Huntington Empowerment Center

• Hosts: Stephanie Hightower, President & CEO and Kesha Garrett, Chief Operating Officer, Columbus Urban League

• Capacity: Limited to 20 attendees

• Registration: First Come, First Served

Pricing

• CULYP Members: Free

• Non-Members: $25

While this series is a benefit of paid CULYP membership, non-members are welcome to attend based on availability.

About the Series

Dinner with an Executive is a Professional & Personal Development Committee-led initiative designed to strengthen leadership development, professional exposure, and meaningful connections for young professionals.

Whether attendees are early in their careers, stepping into leadership, building a business, or looking to continue growing as established professionals, this series is designed to offer value across all stages of professional development.

Through intentionally intimate dinners, attendees gain access to executives who share:

• Leadership lessons and career journeys

• Decision-making insight

• Industry knowledge and professional advice

• Perspectives on community impact and service

• Real-world experiences navigating challenges and growth

Why Attend?

Attendees can expect:

• Meaningful networking with fellow professionals ages 21–40

• Executive storytelling and candid conversation

• Q&A opportunities

• Increased access to mentorship and professional visibility

• Stronger connections to Columbus leaders and industries

• Insight relevant to both rising and established professionals

The goal is to create a stronger pipeline between Columbus’ emerging and established young professionals and the leaders shaping our city.

Dinner Menu

Dinner will be catered by Cam’s Kitchen.

Entrée Options

• Herb Baked Chicken

• Braised Short Ribs

• Oven Roasted Salmon

• Chef’s Vegetarian Entrée - Ratatouille

  • Ratatouille is a classic French Provençal vegetable stew made from tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions, seasoned with garlic and herbs like thyme and basil, and cooked in olive oil.

Side Options

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Garlic Butter Rice Pilaf

Vegetables Options

• Steamed Broccoli

• Steamed Mixed Vegetables

Bread Options

• Dinner Rolls

• Cornbread Muffin

Interested in Hosting a Future Dinner?

CULYP is seeking executives, business owners, and organizations interested in sponsoring or hosting future Dinner with an Executive events.

Hosting a dinner is an opportunity to:

• Invest in the next generation of leaders

• Share your story and professional insights

• Increase visibility among Columbus young professionals

• Build relationships with emerging talent

• Support leadership development in our community

Interested in hosting or sponsoring a future dinner? Contact CULYP.prof-development@cul.org for more details.

Register Today!

Seats are limited and expected to fill quickly.

Reserve your seat today and join us for an evening of leadership, insight, and connection.

Join us for CULYP’s New Member Orientation on April 25 and discover what it truly means to be part of the Young Professionals movement. Open to both current members and the public, this event is your opportunity to meet our leadership team, learn about committees, explore membership benefits, and see how CULYP is creating impact locally and nationally.

At a Glance: The Legacy Gala Experience

An elevated evening curated for connection, celebration, and impact—bringing together young professionals, community leaders, and partners for one unforgettable night.

📍 The Boat House at Confluence Park
📅 April 11, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎩 Black Tie / Formal Attire | Red & Gold Theme with a Pop of Color

What Your Ticket Includes

VIP Cocktail Reception & Networking
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live DJ entertainment, and intentional networking with professionals and community leaders.

Legacy Storytelling Moments
Exclusive tribute video and live storytelling highlighting 10 years of service, leadership, and impact.

Dinner Experience
Dinner service accompanied by curated music and guided conversation prompts designed to spark connection.

Awards & Recognition Program
Celebrate community champions, partners, and emerging YP leaders.

Fundraising & Impact Moment
Be part of a live giving experience supporting the future of CULYP Programming, support of Young Professionals, &Change for Change Scholarship Fund.

After-Dinner Celebration
Dance, dessert bar, champagne toast, and continued networking to close out the night.

Ticket Options

Secure your seat for an unforgettable evening celebrating legacy, impact, and the future of CULYP. Ticket prices will increase as the event approaches.

Ticket sales end on Friday April 3rd.

General Admission
Member: $60
Non-Member: $70
Includes event entry and dinner.

VIP Admission
Member: $80
Non-Member: $90
Includes dinner, selected seating, early access, and two (2) drink tickets.

Table Experience
💫 $1,000 | Seats 8
Includes eight (8) VIP tickets, priority seating, and name recognition in the program booklet.

Join Columbus Urban League Young Professionals for our Pre-Gala Meet & Greet at Euphoria Patio and Pool Hall from 6:00–8:00 PM. This casual evening is a chance to connect, network, and celebrate ahead of the Legacy Gala weekend.

We will also be reopening GA and VIP ticket sales for one hour during the event for anyone looking to grab a last-minute ticket. Plus, attendees may have the opportunity to win free tickets to this weekend’s Gala. We hope to see you there as we kick off Gala weekend together.

Join us as we come together alongside some amazing community organizations for the Primary Candidate Forum on Sunday, March 29.

Hear from candidates and learn more about issues shaping our city ahead of the upcoming primary election.

We hope to see you there as we continue encouraging civic engagement across our community.

Join CULYP at Flavor91 for our Monthly Meet & Greet. Come enjoy amazing food and community connections.

Join the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals for an evening of confidence, connection, and career readiness at our Headshots & Happy Hour General Body Meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 PM at CoEd Columbus.

Attendees will have the opportunity to receive a professional headshot while networking with fellow young professionals in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Representatives from Dress for Success Columbus - Arica Morgan, Senior Director of Organizational Leadership & Workforce Innovation & Jennifer Moore, Inventory Manager - will lead an interactive conversation on interview and workplace attire, color theory, and practical styling tips to help you confidently present yourself in professional spaces.

We will also feature an entrepreneur guest speaker - Nimzay Garcia, Owner of Blessed Creations By Beba & HIGH STREET NUTRITION sharing insight on establishing a strong professional presence, strategic storytelling for building relationships, and practical tips for growing confidence and success in business.

Enjoy the happy hour portion of the evening with wine, beer, and seltzers available, along with non-alcoholic beverage options.

Registration Details
• Members: Free attendance, includes headshot + optional 2 drink tickets
• Non-Members: $10 for headshot + optional 2 drink tickets

Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, preparing for interviews, or refining your professional presence, this is a great opportunity to invest in yourself while connecting with peers in the YP community.

Join CULYP as we volunteer at the “Thrive to 5” Feminine & Infant Hygiene Drive and help provide essential items to families in need. Come serve, connect, and make an impact with us!

Join CULYP with Part 2 of the YP Civic Takeover Series, this time the YPs are taking over the County buIlding. General Body Members will have the opportunity to meet with their County Commissioners, advocate for policies they support, enjoy breakfast, and receive a guided introduction to County Government.

CULYP and DICK’S House of Sport is excited to host Golfing 101: Networking on the Green.

📅 Thursday, February 12th | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

📍 DICK’S House of Sport (1510 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240) What to Expect:

⛳️ Golf Simulator Sessions: Rotate through small groups of five for short rounds introducing the basics of golf. Learn why “business is done on the green” and how golf can open doors for professional opportunities.

🗣️ Networking & Mingling: While waiting for your turn, connect with fellow members using conversation cards and prompts designed to spark meaningful professional relationships.

🍽️ Light Bites: Enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout the evening.

To sign up for the Golf Simulator, please go to the link below.

The Annual Meet the League event is back. Join CULYP x CUL for an evening of truly being Rooted in Purpose, as we discuss what the Urban League means to the community and what both CUL and CULYP have to offer.

Join CULYP this Thursday for our first 2026 Meet & Greet at the Columbus Museum of Art! We’ll meet at 6:00 PM to explore the museum’s art collections and Black History exhibits together. Attendees who choose to purchase a ticket through CMA will also have the opportunity to enjoy a live jazz performance later in the evening. This is a relaxed opportunity to connect, engage with culture, and enjoy a night of art, music, and community.

Purchase a ticket to ‘A Tribe for Jazz proudly presents Devon Gates & Friends’