Join Valley Young Professionals for VYP Elevate, an energizing half-day Professional Development Summit on Tuesday, June 16 designed to inspire, connect, and elevate the next generation of leaders in our community. 

Hosted at Grand Canyon University, this dynamic event brings together young professionals from across industries for a morning of meaningful networking and impactful learning. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take the next step, you’ll gain valuable insights, practical tools, and fresh perspectives to help you grow with confidence.   

Attendees will enjoy ample time to build authentic connections, a keynote presentation from an inspiring leader, and the opportunity to participate in two engaging breakout sessions covering a variety of professional development topics from career growth and leadership to communication, negotiation, and beyond. 

Come ready to learn, connect, and invest in your future.  We can’t wait to see you there! 

Event Details: 

8:30 AM – Check-In & Networking 

9:00 AM – Welcome, Program Preview & Icebreaker 

9:30 AM – Breakout Session #1 (choose your track)

10:25 AM – Breakout Session #2 (choose your track) 

11:20 AM – Keynote: Executive Presence with Stacy Derstine, VP of External Affairs, APS 

12:00 PM – Program Concludes 

Questions?  Contact Carly Kastner at ckastner@phoenixchamber.com 

KEYNOTE 

Executive Presence (11:20 AM Keynote) 

Stacy Derstine, Vice President of External Affairs, APS | Chair, Greater Phoenix Chamber Board of Directors 

Session Description: 
Executive presence is more than how you show up…it’s how you communicate, lead, and inspire confidence in every interaction. In this keynote session, Stacy Derstine will share insights from her extensive leadership career on what it truly means to lead with presence and authenticity. Attendees will gain practical strategies to strengthen their communication, build credibility, and confidently navigate high-impact moments in their careers. 

About Stacy: 
Stacy Derstine is Vice President of External Affairs for Arizona Public Service (APS), Arizona’s largest electric utility serving 1.4 million homes and businesses across the state. In this role, she leads the company’s public affairs strategy, economic development efforts, community engagement, and corporate giving, including the APS Foundation. 

With more than 30 years at APS, Stacy has held a variety of leadership roles spanning customer service, regulatory affairs, and corporate strategy. She previously served as Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, where she led statewide customer operations, marketing, and program development, and has also overseen regulatory policy, pricing, and compliance initiatives across multiple states. 

A dedicated community leader, Stacy currently serves as Chair of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Board of Directors and is actively involved with several organizations, including the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, Arizona Science Center, and Downtown Phoenix Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program. 

BREAKOUT SESSIONS 

Career GPS: Navigate Toward Work That Fits You (9:30 AM) 

Aysha Bell, Executive Director of Career Services, Grand Canyon University 

Session Description: 
Finding the right career path isn’t always a straight line. In this interactive session, Aysha Bell will guide participants through a practical framework for identifying their strengths, clarifying their goals, and aligning their work with what truly fits. Whether you're just starting out or reassessing your next move, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to navigate your career with greater clarity and confidence. 

About Aysha:
Aysha Bell, MA, is the Executive Director of Career Services at Grand Canyon University, where she leads the strategy, development, and execution of programs that support student career readiness and post-graduate success. Since joining GCU in 2012, she has held a variety of leadership roles focused on career development, student engagement, and workforce preparation. 

With a background spanning social services, talent acquisition, government, and higher education, Aysha brings a well-rounded and practical perspective to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Indiana State University and a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and is also a certified life coach. Passionate about helping others grow, Aysha is deeply committed to supporting individuals in their career, personal, and leadership journeys. 

The Art of Influence (9:30 AM) 

Shawn Snyder, Founder & Principal Facilitator, Looking Forward Consulting 

Session Description: 
In today’s workplace, influence is one of the most powerful tools for driving results, especially when you don’t have formal authority. In this engaging session, Shawn Snyder will explore how to build trust, strengthen relationships, and effectively influence others through authenticity, self-awareness, and intentional communication. Participants will learn practical strategies to navigate workplace dynamics, adapt to different personality styles, and turn ideas into action, without relying on positional power. 

About Shawn: 
Shawn Snyder is the Founder and Principal Facilitator of Looking Forward Consulting and an organizational development expert with more than 25 years of experience in leadership development, executive coaching, and change management. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies and public sector organizations to lead large-scale initiatives that improve performance, engagement, and retention. 

A dynamic and engaging speaker, Shawn has traveled globally to equip leaders with practical tools for success. Known for his high-energy, interactive style, he brings humor and insight to every session—leaving participants feeling both empowered and inspired. His clients include organizations such as Pfizer, Deloitte, the State of Arizona, the U.S. Department of Defense, and Amway. Shawn holds multiple certifications, including Corporate Coach, Prosci ADKAR Change Management, Korn Ferry Leadership Architect, and LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator. 

The Art of Negotiation: Advocate with Confidence (10:25 AM) 

Dana Drew Shaw, JD, Vice President of Government Relations, Grand Canyon University 

Session Description: 
Advocating for yourself in the workplace is about more than just salary; it’s about clearly communicating your value, setting professional boundaries, and navigating important conversations with confidence. In this session, Dana Drew Shaw will share practical strategies to help you approach negotiations with clarity and purpose, whether you're discussing compensation, responsibilities, or career growth opportunities. Attendees will walk away with tools to strengthen their voice, build confidence, and advocate for what they need to succeed. 

About Dana: 
Dana Drew Shaw is the Vice President for Government Relations at Grand Canyon University, where she leads strategic initiatives and builds relationships with federal, state, and local policymakers. With more than 20 years of experience spanning higher education, law, and public policy, she brings a wealth of expertise in leadership, advocacy, and strategic communication. 

Dana began her legal career at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, representing higher education institutions, and has since held roles as a faculty member at Belmont University, adjunct professor at Northwestern University, and elected school board member. She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo, where she was a published member of the Law Review. Passionate about professional development, Dana is dedicated to helping individuals confidently navigate their careers and leadership journeys. 

Think Like a Pro: Developing Mental Strength for Peak Performance (10:25 AM) 

Zach Brandon, Performance & Leadership Coach, AZ Diamondbacks 

Session Description: 
Peak performance isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about thinking differently. In this session, Zach Brandon shares insights from world-class athletes to help you develop a resilient, high-performing mindset without sacrificing well-being. You’ll walk away with practical tools to manage pressure, stay focused, and perform at your best; day in and day out. 

About Zach: 
Zach Brandon is a nationally recognized Performance and Leadership Coach who partners with sport coaches and high-performing leaders to help them win more and live better. With over a decade of experience in elite sport, he has become a trusted advisor to professional athletes, coaches, executives, and organizations seeking to maximize performance and build sustainable cultures of excellence. 

Zach is also the creator of the Winning With Words newsletter and host of the Win More, Live Better podcast, where he shares insights on leadership, mindset, and performance.