Young GIS Professionals Encouraged to Apply to URISA's Vanguard Cabinet

URISA is pleased to announce the availability of the 2016 Vanguard Cabinet application. Applications are due by November 30, 2015.

The Vanguard Cabinet (VC) is a URISA initiative which debuted in 2011 to engage young GIS practitioners (35 and under), increase their numbers in the organization, and better understand the concerns facing these future leaders of the GIS community.  The Cabinet’s mission is to collaborate with URISA’s Board of Directors and Committees in creating and promoting programs and policies of benefit to young professionals. Comprised entirely of passionate young members selected from different geospatial disciplines, the Cabinet aims to position URISA as the center of opportunities for creative young professionals who are committed to improving URISA and the geospatial profession via innovation, collaboration, networking, and professional development.  

Ashley Hitt, GISP was part of the inaugural Vanguard Cabinet. After her VC term, she was elected to the URISA Board of Directors in 2013, and now serves as the URISA Board Secretary. She noted, "Being on the Vanguard Cabinet was so valuable for me. It allowed me the opportunity, especially as an introvert, to meet and work with people I might not have had the chance to otherwise. It really is the people involved with URISA that makes it such a great organization to be a part of, learning from those who have been around GIS for a number of years while also working with my new young professional network to address challenges that we face as well. The opportunities are endless with URISA, and the Vanguard Cabinet gave me the chance to see how I can contribute as a member of the organization."  

Clare Brown, GISP, advisor to the Vanguard Cabinet, notes, “Young professionals are not only increasing in number within URISA, but they are also leading and initiating important programs. From student outreach to  professional practice development, the VC is making its mark and being noticed. I encourage all young GIS professionals to learn more about the Vanguard Cabinet and apply to become a part of this great group of future leaders.”

Visit the Vanguard Cabinet web page for the 2016 application form (due by November 30) and additional information.