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Working at Cornell

Young Professionals CNG

Welcome!

Who we are:

The CNG for young professionals. This diverse group seeks to connect, educate, engage, and inspire young professionals in a culture of social consciousness, leadership development, and volunteerism that will benefit Tompkins County. This group is geared towards staff who are in the early stages of their career or transitioning into higher education. The average age of participants is under 40 but all ages are welcome.

 

  • Mission

    • Raise the awareness of issues faced by the young professionals at Cornell
    • Provide a forum for young professionals and their supporters to discuss topics of interest and concern
    • Support workforce recruitment and retention of young professionals for Cornell using the G.E.A.R model

     

    Give –sponsor an annual community service event relevant to the CNGs interests

    • members will be given an opportunity to enact useful change and impact a relevant cause within the local community

    Engage –provide networking opportunities with established leaders for YPs

    • by arranging social meet and greets with senior staff leaders

    Achieve –provide career development opportunities and resources

    • by presenting professional development knowledge and information, such as: management training videos, educational engagements, & keynote speakers, etc.

    Recruit –support the R&R of YPs for Cornell’s staff workforce

    • also actively encourage fellow staff professionals to join the CNG

     

  • Meet The Board

    Ten Van Winkle

    Ten Van Winkle: Chairperson

    I’m Ten Van Winkle (she/they), current Chairperson for the Young Professionals CNG. I joined the Cornell workforce in 2021 and came on board with the YPCNG in early 2022. As a team member at Mann Library, I assist students, staff, faculty, and the community with getting access to the library’s myriad resources. The CNG has been a great way to connect with people across the university, and my goal is to provide other young professionals with the sense of stability and belonging that the CNG has provided me. Connect with me via email at xvanwinkle@cornell.edu!

     

    jayla greene and her dog

    Jayla Wilk: Co-Vice Chairperson

    Hi! My name is Jayla Wilk (she/her/hers) and I am currently serving as the Vice Chairperson for the Young Professionals Colleague Network Group. I have been at Cornell since July 2017 working in academic advising, most recently as the Director of Advising for the Environment & Sustainability (E&S) major. In addition to my role on campus supporting undergrad students in E&S, I am excited to be involved with creating a space for young professionals to develop and connect with folks across campus but also be heard at Cornell. Feel free to contact me at jng65@cornell.edu.

     

    Amy Li

    Hi, I’m Amy Li (she/they)! I am a Digital Content Producer at the ILR School. I grew up in Ithaca and attended Cornell University as an undergraduate (Class of 2014), before moving to Atlanta for graduate school. After completing an English Ph.D. in science fiction, I moved back to Ithaca in 2021 to work as an External Relations Specialist (social media and media relations) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, before transitioning to ILR in Sept. 2024. As a YPCNG member-at-large, I’d like to help people make connections both career-wise and socially, and I am excited about contributing to a safe space for discussion amongst young professionals with diverse experiences and aspirations. You can reach me at: amy.s.li@cornell.edu

     

    Asha Jain

    Asha Jain

    Hi! I'm Asha Jain (she/her/hers), member-at-large FOR the YPCNG executive board. I currently work in CALS as a Lab Manager and Research Technician in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. I have been part of the Cornell community since 2014 when I joined the Genomics Core facility of the Institute of Biotechnology in Cornell’s Research Division. I am excited to be part of a broader community of young professionals in the university and bring a unique experience as someone who has navigated the challenges of advancement and opportunity in technical fields. I enjoy travel, food, and board games in my spare time and look forward to connecting! You can reach me at amj77@cornell.edu.

     

    Divine Sebuharara portrait

    Divine A. Sebuharara, Member-at-Large

    Hi there! My name is Divine Sebuharara (she/her). I’m a member at large of the YPCNG executive board. I am currently serving as an Assistant Director of Inclusive Academic Advising in CALS.  I started in June of 2025 after working at SUNY Binghamton for about 7 years, but fun fact, I actually worked at Cornell from 2013–2018 as well! Upon rejoining Cornell, I decided to join the YPCNG executive board to connect with others who are passionate about helping young professionals feel welcome, connected and supported. I am excited to meet new people and help create experiences that allow people to feel seen and have some fun along the way! Feel free to reach out to me at mas597@cornell.edu🙂

     

    Nicholas Maggard portrait

    Nicholas Maggard, Member-at-Large

    Hi all! My name is Nicholas Maggard (he/him) and I’m thrilled to be a member-at-large of the YPCNG Executive Board! I joined eCornell after completing my undergraduate degree here at Cornell in Bowers CIS. I come from a background of advocating for the needs of students, and bringing people together, through the shared governance bodies, and I look forward to using those same skills to serve young professionals at Cornell! Feel free to connect with me at nicholas.maggard@cornell.edu.

     

    Maggie Jones portrait

    Maggie Jones: Member-at-Large

    Hi, I’m Maggie Jones (she/her), and I’m excited to serve as a Member‑at‑Large for the Young Professionals Network. I grew up in the central New York area and attended Cornell as an undergraduate (Class of 2019). I currently serve as the Administrative Coordinator for Cornell Dining, and I’m passionate about building community, strengthening peer connections, and supporting opportunities that help emerging leaders grow both personally and professionally.

    I’m also currently pursuing my Master’s in Industrial and Labor Relations through the Employee Degree Program, which has deepened my interest in workplace culture, communication, and effective organizational practices.

    Outside of work and school, I enjoy staying active and spending time with my energetic Border Collie–Blue Heeler mix, Freddie. I also love knitting, hiking around the Ithaca area, and playing the occasional video game. Connect with me via email or Teams at mij24@cornell.edu

     

  • Resources

    Finance

    Student Loan Resources:

    • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF): The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your federal Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. Cornell is a qualifying employer.

    First Time Home Buyer Resources:

     

    *If there are resources that you would like to see added here or topics that should be covered, please reach out to Autumn Moser at amm579@cornell.edu

  • Professional Development

    Career Development Resources

    • Career Management Toolkit: This is a helpful toolkit to assist in planning and managing your career development. Check each step for ideas and resources that can help you take charge of your career and maximize your potential.
    • The Career Navigator: The Career Navigator shows career paths and generic position information. For employment opportunities at Cornell

    Education

    • Part-Time Study: Eligibility and benefit information for taking Cornell courses tuition-free as you work.
      • Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter courses are all eligible for this benefit
    • Employee Degree Program: Earn an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree as you work.
    • School for Continuing Education: Information on registration for employees

    Leadership

    • Turning Point: Turning Point is a 5 day leadership program offered through Cornell HR
    • CU Learn: CU Learn is a tool for the Cornell workforce and students which provides access to both online and classroom-based non-credit training programs. We recommend the Leadership @Cornell courses!

    Salary Negotiation/Promotions Resources

    • How to Ask for a Promotion: This is always a difficult conversation, here are some tips!
    • AAUW Work Smart: Online program to learn to successfully advocate for yourself in salary negotiation or promotion conversations.

    Networking Resources

    • Top Networking Strategies for Young Professionals: Networking as a young professional is important but not something we always think about especially if you are not job searching. Here are some top networking strategies to keep in mind as you network throughout your career.
    • Networking during Coronavirus: Networking can be difficult in a normal situation, drop a pandemic on top of that and it gets even harder! Here is advice on networking during this unique time.

  • Wellbeing

    • 7 Dimensions of Wellbeing Resources Guide: Explore resources available to the Cornell community that support all the dimensions of your wellbeing. Includes detailed information about the benefits, programs, and services that support your wellbeing at Cornell
    • Fitness Benefit: If you are the Cornell Plan for Healthy Living, get a free membership to Cornell Recreation Wellness Membership or get $15 off monthly membership fees at local fitness providers
    • Faculty & Staff Assistance Program: Professional mental health counseling and consultation services. Benefits-eligible employees receive 10 free counseling sessions per calendar year.