About Us | Essie Ndem, CEO of Young Professionals Development & Miss Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), Inc. 2017

ABOUT YPD

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About YPD

Who We Are

Young Professionals Development (YPD) is an initiative devoted to helping the youth in developing countries maximize their success through joint endeavors in academics and mastering vocational skills/non-academic talents, resulting in well-rounded individuals who are more prepared to undertake the professional arena.

The goal is centered on early investment, ingraining leadership and professionalism skills in the youth to aid in their development.

Mission Statement

We believe the youth has the knowledge, wisdom, and work ethic to compete on an international level. What is missing? Opportunity.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of education and create opportunities for the youth to discover their talents and strategize the use of education and talent(s) into future career goals. One of the best ways to guarantee that students are attaining quality education is to ensure they have the proper necessities: books, supplies, and material goods. YPD provides students with school supplies, in addition to hosting academic competitions, which schools can use to evaluate student performances and assess academic curriculums.

Vocational skills are fundamental elements in the workplace. These skills can be acquired through hands-on experience and training. Competitions that utilize these skills will motivate the youth, creating triple threat competitors in the work field.

Biography

Essie Ndem is the CEO and founder of the Young Professionals Development Initiative (YPD). She is a final year law student at Mercer University School of Law with a legal interest in international business law. She is the 2017-2018 Miss Akwa Ibom USA. The pageant queen was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but relocated to Columbus, Georgia at the age of six. Ms. Ndem launched YPD after a ten-year absence from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. When she returned in 2014, she was astonished by the potential in the youth. She wanted to execute projects that would further opportunities for academic achievements. She began collaborating with school officials on educational activities and projects.

Her passion to launch YPD initiative was galvanized by her personal experiences in academics and the entertainment industry. During her undergraduate years, she signed to a modeling and talent agency where she ventured into showbiz. As a full-time university student, she was promoted to Director of Education for Barbizon USA, a company that teaches and mentors the youth in modeling, acting and personal development. Many of her students attained great successes, including enrollment into the Princeton journalism program, signing and relocating to a major modeling agency in Japan, and featuring in movies and cinemas. The transferable skills she acquired in both industries enriched her professional stance.

Now it is her mission to bring this innovative concept of utilizing all talents and skills to invoke professionalism in the youth across the globe. Essie Ndem is an advocate for youth development and a champion for change.