SRYP to VIP: Bridging the Gap
SRYP to VIP
Bridging the Gap: Leading a Multigenerational Workforce
For the first time in history, five generations are working side by side, each bringing unique experiences, communication styles, and perspectives to the workplace. Organizations that embrace these differences are discovering new opportunities to strengthen collaboration, improve engagement, and build higher-performing teams.
Join Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals for an engaging panel discussion featuring leaders from multiple generations as they share practical strategies for leading diverse teams, strengthening workplace relationships, and creating cultures where employees at every stage of their careers can thrive.
Whether you're an emerging professional, people leader, or executive, you'll leave with valuable insights you can immediately apply within your own organization.
Meet Our Panel:
Hear from a diverse panel of business leaders representing multiple generations and areas of expertise, including executive leadership, human resources and organizational development, and emerging professionals. Together, they'll share real-world experiences, practical advice, and candid perspectives on leading today's multigenerational workforce.
Ashley M. Anderson, Associate Director, People & Talent, The Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University
- Ashley M. Anderson is Associate Director of People and Talent for Arizona State University’s Fulton Schools of Engineering, where she brings extensive experience in talent strategy, workforce development, and inclusive leadership. An MBA and SHRM-SCP credentialed HR professional, she is skilled at helping organizations engage, develop, and retain employees across generations. Her work emphasizes building inclusive cultures, strengthening communication, and creating leadership approaches that reflect differing workplace expectations and career stages. Ashley’s award-winning professional and civic leadership gives her a valuable perspective on how leaders can unite multigenerational teams around shared purpose, performance, and growth.
Chris Hodnett, Senior Principal Team Lead, Chick-fil-A, Inc.
- Chris Hodnett is Senior Principal Team Leader for Team Member Experience at Chick-fil-A, Inc., where he helps Operators build practical, locally relevant talent strategies. With more than 14 years of experience in training, learning design, employee engagement, and workforce development, he understands how to motivate people across generations. His leadership approach combines clear vision, transparency, positivity, accountability, and relationship-building. Drawing on agile principles and a coaching mindset, Chris helps leaders align diverse teams, adapt communication styles, strengthen engagement, and create workplace cultures where employees of every age can contribute, grow, and succeed.
Sarah Kearney, Executive Director, Blue Zones Project Scottsdale
- Sarah Kearney is Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, bringing more than 16 years of leadership experience in partner development, membership, community engagement, and program strategy. Her cross-sector work with Experience Scottsdale and numerous civic organizations has given her deep insight into how people of different ages, backgrounds, and career stages collaborate effectively. With an MBA and a communication degree, Sarah speaks to leading multigenerational teams through clear communication, shared purpose, inclusive engagement, and relationship-building. Her optimistic, community-centered approach helps leaders bridge perspectives, strengthen trust, and create environments where every generation can contribute and thrive.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the strengths and perspectives each generation brings to today's workforce.
- Learn strategies for communicating more effectively across generations.
- Discover how mentorship and reverse mentorship strengthen teams.
- Explore practical ways to build trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.
- Gain leadership techniques for attracting, engaging, and retaining talent across every career stage.
- Thursday, September 3, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- The Homestead Community Center, 18600 N 98th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
- Registration: SRYP Members: FREE, Non-Members: $20
Why You'll Want to Be There
The modern workplace is evolving faster than ever, and successful leaders understand that every generation has something valuable to contribute. This interactive discussion will provide fresh perspectives, actionable leadership strategies, and meaningful conversations designed to help you build stronger teams, improve communication, and create a workplace culture where everyone can succeed.
Make the Most of This Event
- Bring your workplace questions for the panel discussion.
- Network with fellow young professionals and business leaders before and after the program.
- Be ready to share your own experiences and learn from others.
- Follow up with the new connections you make to continue the conversation beyond the event.
Ideal Sponsor
This program is an excellent fit for organizations committed to leadership development, employee engagement, workforce development, and organizational culture, including:
- Human resources and staffing firms
- Financial institutions
- Professional service organizations
- Healthcare providers
- Technology companies
- Large employers investing in talent development
- Colleges, universities, and workforce partners
SRYP to VIP: Bridging the Gap
Event Sponsors
Host
Date and Time
Thursday Sep 3, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM MST
Contact Information
Grace Ostaff
480-355-2707
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