Why You Need To Join Habitat Young Professionals

Habitat Young Professionals (HYP) is a group of individuals who share a passion for strengthening their community through volunteering, advocacy and fundraising. They come together to gain valuable skills all while connecting with other young professionals who share a passion for community service and make a difference.

Dawson Somerville, whose vision is to create a space for community building and networking, leads this group. As president, he plays a pivotal role in shaping and guiding Habitat Young Professionals.

Dawson is a field engineer for a local contracting company. His professional experience and dedication to giving back fuel fuels his commitment to HYP. Under his leadership, the group has flourished, creating more opportunities for young professionals to connect, grow and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Dawson provided some insight into the qualities that make a strong leader and advice to other young professionals.

Communication and active listening are essential leadership qualities for young professionals.  Dawson emphasized that, “making sure everybody has the same message and is aware of the goal,” is important. “Effective leadership involves not only guiding a team but also learning from others,” he said. As a young professional in a management position, it’s important to be mindful of others’ perspectives, as they bring valuable insights to the table.

Dawson’s advice to young professionals is to “explore as much as you can and to understand yourself,” you must love what you do.” Dawson highlighted the importance of learning from others, believing that any situation can be an opportunity for growth.

Ultimately, HYP offers more than just volunteering experience. It offers leadership growth, meaningful networking opportunities, and a chance to make a lasting impact on the community. For those looking to grow professionally while giving back, Habitat Young Professionals is the perfect place to start.  To join, visit Habitat Omaha YP and start making a difference