| Name | Jan Almasy |
| Occupation/Title/Place of work | Brand Strategist/Owner/Apex Communications Network |
| Age | 26 |
| Why are you interested in Stark County’s Young Professionals initiative? | I believe wholeheartedly that change in a community starts with relationships. The best way I've found to form relationships with other people looking to make a change in our area, and also just have a good group of people to hang out with, has been yStark. |
| What would you share to encourage other people to join? | The quality of people that you get to meet, and amazing events put on by the planning committee are worth it 100%. It's also really awesome being able to walk around on First Fridays and know a bunch of people. |
| Did you grow up in Stark? If so, where? If not, where did you move from and why? | I grew up on a farm in Canton South. |
| Why do you stay in Stark County, from both a personal and professional point of view? | From a personal standpoint, this is my home. I want to see it succeed and have really been focusing on how to empower others to make that happen. From a professional standpoint, running a consulting business means that I can work with companies from around the country, but by living in Canton I don't have to pay the higher tax rates that my competitors do since they live in cities like New York or LA. |
| What do you like MOST about Stark County? | The people are some of the most down-to-earth people I know. I don't care what you see on the news, the majority of people are good and genuinely want to help. At least that's what I see when I walk around the streets. |
| What would you change about Stark County if you could? | I would highlight more of the rich history of our county, in a way that our youth could actively consume. I think it's important to have a sense of pride in where we come from. I'd also love an In-N-Out please and thanks. |
| What do you see as valuable opportunities for YPs in Stark County when it comes to career opportunities, cultural access, leadership or community involvement opportunities? | I think that it's a blessing in this area that we have such close contact with our elected officials. Community involvement is available everywhere if you're willing to look for it. As far as career opportunities, I believe that Stark County is about to enter a phase of steady growth and expansion over the next decade. If there were ever a time to position yourself to grow in a career around this area, it would be now. |
| What would attract more YPs to Stark County? | Downtown communities with affordable living spaces as we undergo the revitalization of a lot of our downtown areas. |
| What do you do in the evenings or on the weekends for fun in Stark County or NE Ohio? | Visit local wineries, walk around the centennial plaza, go to concerts, or find the best sunset spot. |
| Could you see yourself spending your lifetime in Stark County and if not, what would cause you to leave? | I could see myself spending the majority of my life in stark county. I could see myself leaving for short periods of time to build my business, but I think my home will always be in this area. |
