What is a YAC?
The Young AFCEAns (also fondly known as YACs) is our 40 and under set of of young professionals who are trying to have an impact in our Aberdeen Chapter. Nick Lattanzi and Alyssa Ranson who are leading our YACS, has stirred up our local population of YACs and is energized and waiting to hear from you! Not only do they network with fellow professionals from other companies, they also make an impact in the local community. The YACs work with local schools by judging Science Fairs and mentoring students.

What does AFCEA offer to a young professional?
AFCEA was established to provide "an ethical forum in which government and industry leaders and decision-makers can meet to exchange ideas and concepts, discuss current problems and solutions and identify future requirements in the technical disciplines of communications, electronics, intelligence and information systems. The AFCEA forum encourages and enhances open dialogue essential to national and international cooperation and security".

Where does all this dialog happen?
This dialog happens at ALL AFCEA-sponsored events. All AFCEA events are attended by leaders in Government and industry. In addition, most AFCEA events have invited speakers which provide insight to the focus of the highest levels of Government. These distinguished speakers, attendees and special guests provide you the knowledge to do your job with a better understanding of the "big picture."

This type of knowledge-base can help you do your job better and more in line with the focus of the organizations you serve. You will be more valuable in your current job, and, by making contact with industry and government leaders, you'll know where to turn when you need information about particular topics.

As a young communications and electronics professional, participation in AFCEA events should be viewed as a critical investment in your professional future. Remember that the leaders of today have many years of experience in this industry. They have an understanding of the big picture and what's changing in that big picture. They need to know the direction of change -- not only where it's headed, but where it's been.

The Young AFCEANs are a great way for young professionals to give back to their community, grow professionally and enhance careers. If you are under 40 and would like to join this YAC attack, please contact Nick Lattanzi
at 410-612-5814 or Jeff Murter, our Aberdeen Chapter President at afcea_aberdeen@saic.com (443) 402-9097.