Meet ystark! YP: Rikki Kadri

Name	Rikki Kadri
Occupation/Title/Place of work	Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority Resident Services Coordinator
Age	34
Why are you interested in Stark County’s Young Professionals initiative?	Learning more about your community is the greatest thing! Getting connected with other YP's in the community and creating a base for resources and partnerships is key when you are first starting your professional journey!
What would you share to encourage other people to join?	I tell people every day in my career to utilize the resources that are available. I needed to start listening to my own advice, and I'd encourage all young professionals to participate and join. Having this group of people allows you to be yourself, express triumphs and set backs, all with the ones that understand you the most.
Did you grow up in Stark? If so, where? If not, where did you move from and why?	Yes! I've been in Stark County all my life, moved around a bit, but always in Stark County. I graduated high school from Fairless, my AA of Psychology at Stark State, and my BA of Psychology with a concentration in Human and Family Studies from Kent State Stark.
Why do you stay in Stark County, from both a personal and professional point of view?	Growing up here, and experiencing childhood here, I always knew I'd be in Stark forever. My family is here, and I love that I work in the community that I was raised in.
What do you like MOST about Stark County?	I like that Stark County is so diverse. There are so many different people, restaurants, and experiences you could have right here at home.
What would you change about Stark County if you could?	The biggest thing I would change is the community awareness on programs and resources that are available to everyone. I run into people all the time, and there is always something that comes up that one has never heard of, or known about.
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?	There are a ton of opportunities available for YPs in Stark County. With the array of volunteer opportunities, different boards or committees to partake in, or even your own initiatives to endure, the possibilities are really endless.
What would attract more YPs to Stark County?	I think that more YPS would be attracted to Stark County by more unique job opportunities. We are getting so diverse, but our jobs aren't. Our younger generation likes the big city life, and if we could incorporate that into Stark, we'd reel them all in.
What do you do in the evenings or on the weekends for fun in Stark County or NE Ohio?	Spending time with my family always comes first! I also love attending different events around Stark, like First Friday, Light Up Downtown, the Ice Rink, our local parks, eating, and shopping local!
Could you see yourself spending your lifetime in Stark County and if not, what would cause you to leave?	My heart will always be here in Stark. Maybe someday I'll have a vacation property, but I'll always be here!