20 Years of Impact - Cheyenne Sherman's Story

Pensacola Young Professionals

20 Years of Impact

Celebrating the people and stories behind PYP.

I’m Cheyenne Sherman, and I had the privilege of serving as PYP President during the 2021–2022 term. Prior to that, I was actively involved on the board as Networking Coordinator (2018-2020) and later Vice President of Membership (2020-2021) —roles that allowed me to deepen my connection to both the organization and its members.

During my time as VP of Membership, one of my key focuses was strengthening the onboarding experience and reinforcing the value of membership. I helped relaunch Y2B a PYP—now known as PYP 101—which served as an introduction and engagement touchpoint for new and prospective members. In addition, we leaned into member experience by introducing initiatives such as appreciation picnics, complimentary happy hour offerings, and access to free professional development seminars. These efforts were designed to foster community while ensuring members saw tangible value from their involvement.

My transition into the presidency was anything but conventional. During the height of COVID, I was accelerated into the role with only six months to prepare, at a time when organizations everywhere were navigating uncertainty. We were just beginning to emerge from lockdown, and traditional events and ceremonies were still limited. As a result, we adapted in creative ways—including replacing our annual ceremony with a recorded video featuring remarks from outgoing and incoming leadership, including Eddie Murray and myself. While different from what we had known, it reflected our commitment to continuity and connection.

Despite the challenges, our board remained focused on momentum and innovation. During my presidency, we celebrated PYP’s 15-year milestone by hosting a series of past president panels, offering current members valuable insights into the organization’s history and evolution. We also restructured our CASE (if I recall this stood for Connect, Advance, Support and Engage – Justin Oswald’s idea) for YP to better align with member needs and broaden our impact.

We introduced new programming to meet members where they were. One standout initiative was Coffee and Conversation; a morning networking event designed for those who preferred alternatives to traditional evening gatherings. It quickly became a meaningful addition to our events calendar. We also created opportunities for community engagement in creative ways. Our Legal Counsel, Lydia Lucius, led a “Kids Legal Day,” where young professionals acted out a “Three Little Pigs” mock trial. Children served as the jury, giving them a fun and educational glimpse into the legal process—an event that blended professional expertise with community outreach.

Toward the end of my term, I had the opportunity to support our incoming president, Ebony Delaire, as she launched PYP’s first annual Peace Walk. This event brought together youth organizations alongside PYP members for a ceremonial walk in recognition of National Peace Day, reinforcing our commitment to community connection and positive impact.

While I didn’t initially anticipate stepping into the presidency so quickly, I credit much of our success to the strength and dedication of our board. Their resilience, creativity, and shared commitment ensured we not only maintained momentum but also continued to grow during a uniquely challenging time.

I originally joined PYP to meet other young professionals in a more casual, approachable setting, and I’m grateful for the connections and experiences that followed. My journey with PYP has been both personally and professionally rewarding, and I’m proud to have contributed to an organization that continues to create meaningful opportunities for its members and the broader community.

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About the 20 Years of Impact Series:

For 20 years, PYP has connected people, developed leaders, and strengthened our community. Through our 20 Years of Impact series, we're highlighting the stories, memories, and experiences that have shaped our journey. Read the stories and celebrate our legacy at pensacolayp.com/20th