Meet ystark! YP: Kayla Householder

Name	Kayla Householder
Occupation/Title/Place of work	Marketing & Contracts Manager at IES Infrastructure Solutions
Age	29
Why are you interested in Stark County’s Young Professionals initiative?	I joined yStark! to develop meaningful personal and professional relationships with other young professionals in Stark County.
What would you share to encourage other people to join?	You get out what you put in. You can come to the networking events to meet people, be apart of the committees to further develop the organization, get involved in the community partnerships, take part in the leadership program, etc. It’s truly an organization for all types of people based on their personal or professional goals.
Did you grow up in Stark? If so, where? If not, where did you move from and why?	I grew up in Massillon- Go Tigers! I graduated from Kent State, and I currently reside in Jackson Township.
Why do you stay in Stark County, from both a personal and professional point of view?	I have family and close friends in the area, as well as my job is based in Stark County. I stay here because there are a lot of opportunities in a small radius. I absolutely love how everything I need is within driving distance, including the Akron Canton airport! I often travel for work, and I couldn’t be more thankful that the airport is a short distance away from my front door.
What do you like MOST about Stark County?	I love that Stark County has a little bit of everything. You get the benefits of a large city (family events, local breweries, large companies, diverse culture) with the love and feel of a small-town community. The community takes pride in growing and giving back to Stark County.
What would you change about Stark County if you could?	Stark County has always been a great place to raise a family and has recently increased activities for young professionals. However, I feel like there is a gap within the young adults at the high school and middle school level. There isn’t much for them to do in the community outside of their school activities. They need safe places to work and play as well to feel included. I truly believe this is an important age for them to get involved in the community and be proud of their roots.
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 YP’s just need to determine their interests and utilize yStark! and the Canton Chamber to get involved in that area! The yStark! has so much to offer in leadership training, non-profit volunteer opportunities, and networking that YP’s just need to narrow down their focus to what motivates them most and then go after it!
What would attract more YPs to Stark County?	I believe this is two-fold. We need to make sure the people grew up in Stark County wish to stay in Stark. I think we need to do a better job at including the younger population and encouraging them to get involved in the community. I think we can attract those outside Stark by highlighting the growing job market, affordable housing, and the city life.
What do you do in the evenings or on the weekends for fun in Stark County or NE Ohio?	Honestly there is so much to do in Stark County on the weekends that I often have to choose between a few! There are so many local hot spots (Royal Docs, Shale Brewing Company, Gervasi Winery), festivals (Canton Blues Fest, Vintage Canton, Balloon Classic, Rib Fest, County Fest), hiking trails (Stark Parks), and events (First Fridays, Light Up Downtown, Canton Charge games) that I truly never run out of things to do!
Could you see yourself spending your lifetime in Stark County and if not, what would cause you to leave?	I think the only thing that would make me want to move away from Stark is the snow.