California Young Professional SIG
A multi-Chapter Special Interest Group
The California Young Professionals SIG is a collaborative community geared to younger (age 35 or less) learning and talent development professionals from the ATD Los Angeles, ATD Orange County, ATD Golden Gate, and ATD San Diego Chapters.
Our network offers resources geared towards young professionals that help them advance their career. From content and tools to activities and projects, we are here to engage with you to tackle today’s toughest industry challenges and to grow as L&D professionals.
*While this is a young professional’s SIG there is no age restrictions all are welcome
Why attend the California YP SIG
- Network with other young professionals in the learning and talent development field
- Be part of a community
- Engage in learning events
- Develop professional skills and build your personal brand
- Grow industry knowledge & expertise
Schedule for 2022
Meeting Time: 2nd Thursday* of each chosen month (6pm – 8pm) *except December End of Year Celebrations
- September 8, 2022
- December 6, 2022 – End-of-year Celebration 6 – 7 pm
Dates for 2023
- March 9
- June 8
- September 7
- December 5, 2023 – End of year Celebration
All meetings are virtual.
For additional information, please contact us at youngprofessionals@tdgoldengate.org
Meet the CYP Team
Michelle Yang (she/her), ATD-LA YP Coordinator
youngprofessionals@atdla.org
Michelle is a talent development professional with over 5 years of experience in higher education. She spent the early parts of her career helping to develop college students into their best selves. Michelle now works in the tech industry as a Talent Development Specialist at DISQO, where she supports various People Ops functions such as onboarding, training, and team development.
Michelle earned an M.A. in Educational Studies from The Ohio State University and a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton.
A fun fact about her is that she didn’t learn how to ride a bike until she was in college! As a SoCal Young Professionals SIG leader, she is excited to create inclusive spaces in which young professionals can connect, learn, and thrive together.
Nairee Bedikian (she/her), ATD-LA YP Coordinator
youngprofessionals@atdla.org
Nairee is a learning and talent development professional and storyteller at heart. Similar to her ATD Young Professionals peers, she has years of experience in corporate and higher education industries. She currently works at The Walt Disney Company supporting learning, inclusion, and talent development. Her passion is to drive high-value impactful programs alongside unique engagement opportunities for employees at all levels in an organization.
She received her M.A. in Organizational Psychology from Alliant International University – Los Angeles and her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge.
Nairee’s fun fact is that her dogs are the reason she was offered two of her recent roles. She is so excited to be involved in the SoCal Young Professionals SIG and to provide learning and connection opportunities with fellow peers in this career field.
Jessica Del Rosario Dent (she/her), ATD-OC YP Coordinator
youngprofessionals@atdoc.org
Jessica is a learning and talent development professional with experience in both corporate and higher education. She currently works in the computer hardware industry as a Learning Experience Designer. Her attention to detail shines during the entire learning development process and believes in creating a cohesive learning experience from start to finish.
She earned her M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology from California State University, Fullerton, and her B.A. in Business Management from Azusa Pacific University. A fun fact about Jessica is that she loves hot yoga! She’s so excited to be part of ATD-California Young Professionals SIG because her passion is rooted in the development of others – especially those early in their careers.
Sivu Suppiah (she/her), ATD-SD YP Coordinator
youngprofessionals@atdsd.org
Sivu is a learning and talent development professional with a passion for igniting her team members’ fullest potential. She currently works in the healthcare industry at Oak Street Health in their Talent Development & Analytics team. Sivu was previously a HRBP and a Human Capital Consultant before finding her passion in Talent Development.
She received her M.S. in Learning & Organizational Change from Northwestern University, and her B.S. in Human & Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University. She also holds a SHRM-SCP certification.
A fun fact about Sivu is that she loves to travel! She has so far been to 31 countries. Additionally, she just moved from Chicago to San Diego a few months ago and is excited to be part of the SoCal Young Professionals SIG to meet with likeminded individuals!
Most nights you can find her walking along the north county coast enjoying a stunning sunset.
Professional Development Points
The Golden Gate Chapter has been pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute to offer educational programs that can be used towards initial eligibility and recertification of the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials. Every .5 hour of learning is equal to .5 points. Click here for more information about our chapter’s preapproval.