Meet ystark! YP: Lilly Davenport

Name

Lilly Davenport

Occupation/Title/Place of work

Owner McLPro-Wellness Consultation Education Prevention Coordinator at StarkMHAR

Age

38

Why are you interested in Stark County’s Young Professionals initiative?

I was born and raised in Stark County. I have lived here my entire life and are a product of the inner city of Canton. I am a Timken graduate and very proud of where I come from. I want to encourage other inner city youth to become educated and grow to be successful within Stark County.

What would you share to encourage other people to join?

My career success has been from networking. I see huge opportunity in learning, growing and knowing more about your community and the people in it. Joining this initiative is a great way to do so.

Did you grow up in Stark? If so, where? If not, where did you move from and why?

Yes. In the Inner city of Canton North East side.

Why do you stay in Stark County, from both a personal and professional point of view?

Personally I feel it is my duty to encourage people from the inner city to know that they have the same opportunities as the rest of the folks within Stark county. And it is our duty to continue to build-up our community. Professionally I feel it is my duty to continue to do the work to support young people and encourage them as well to support their community.

What do you like MOST about Stark County?

The creativity.

What would you change about Stark County if you could?

That there is more invested in our inner city communities.

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 believe there are lots of opportunities for community and volve ment and cultural access. I believe that YP provides an opportunity for folks to become more knowledgeable about the resources they are provided with in Stark County.

What would attract more YPs to Stark County?

More events and better job opportunities.

What do you do in the evenings or on the weekends for fun in Stark County or NE Ohio?

I enjoy the 1st Friday events and try to support the small businesses that are in our downtown community.

Could you see yourself spending your lifetime in Stark County and if not, what would cause you to leave?

I would love to spend a lifetime here. The only thing that would change that is there needs to be an increase in job opportunities and an increase in social activity for young people to keep them out of trouble and to provide something fun for them to do.