We are delighted to introduce Youmun Alhou, this year’s Young Professionals (YP) Chair. Youmun has been active with YP since the group was formed 3+ years ago, participating in a variety of CSA activities and events – from restoring the Seventh-day Adventist Church social hall to pristine condition after two Empty Bowls soup supper shifts and scrubbing CSA vans from a week’s worth of food transport from local grocery partners to helping spread the word about CSA at tabling events at the Farmers Market and Thursday Night Live in downtown Mountain View. Most recently, Youmun was instrumental in helping the YP group transition its signature wine tasting event, Empty Glasses, from a vineyard to virtual event in August, raising over  $9,000 for CSA programs and services in the process.

We recently chatted with Youmun to learn more about her background, interests and plans for YP’s continuing evolution this year.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born in Florida and moved to the Bay Area when I was 6. After graduating from Santa Clara High School, I attended UCLA where I majored in International Development Studies with a minor in Civic Engagement. I had dreams of becoming an attorney so I started part-time at an East Bay immigration law firm. From there, I landed a job in the legal department at Google where I connected with Julia Karr who – along with two CSA Board members – created and launched CSA’s Young Professionals group. Two years ago, I started at Facebook, and am currently a Program Manager within the Global Operations organization. I am applying my professional skill set as we move forward with positioning the group as a solid base for volunteer and leadership development at CSA, as well as fundraising.

What spurred your interest in getting involved with CSA’s Young Professionals group?

I am really fortunate that I have grown up around people who are purpose-driven; my family has always been involved with civic and community causes. Giving back is part of my background and heritage as a Syrian American and I believe in doing what I can to help alleviate the suffering of immigrants and those who are hungry and/or homeless. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside CSA volunteers and staff who are supporting these populations and am blown away by the caliber of people who are committing their time, energy and treasure to this cause. They are truly inspirational.

What would you like to look back upon a year from now and see what YP has accomplished?

Great question. I think it’s important to get people with the energy and talent to invest in the community as well as their careers. I would really love to see YP serve as a bridge for people in my age group to make a difference in their community while building their leadership skills. There is so much to learn from the CSA staff and board, and I am so looking forward to YP tapping into their energy, experience and commitment to the cause.