Shape the Cape Summit

Is college worth it?

With student debt soaring and alternatives to traditional education expanding, does a college degree still guarantee opportunities? From technical training to self-directed learning, there are so many routes to consider. This session invites attendees to share personal experiences and weigh in on the future of work.

Big Questions

Should I start a business?

Thinking about launching your own thing? Three early-career business owners will share how they got started, from refining their ideas and navigating permits, to funding and finding their first customers. Hear from local entrepreneurs about their journeys, challenges, tips, and traps.

Big Questions

Making it as an artist… is that a thing?

Can you turn your work as an artist into a sustainable career on Cape Cod? From finding opportunities and building a personal brand to navigating financial challenges, three local creatives will share how they carved out their paths and how they keep going.

Big Questions

Where do you get your local info?

In our TikTok era (and, more depressingly, the age of declining local journalism) where do Cape Cod folks turn for reliable news and updates? This session will explore ways to stay informed about issues that matter most and strategies to stay connected.

Big Questions

Media

Wait... You cross the bridge every day?

Commuting on-and-off Cape is a reality for many young professionals, but what’s it really like to cross the bridge daily? This panel explores the challenges, surprises, and strategies of life as a Cape Cod commuter. Hear from those who make the trek and why they do it.

Big Questions

Housing

For real, tho, how are parents of young kids doing this?

Raising young kids while working, caretaking, maintaining relationships, and, and, and... how are we even supposed to do this? Join three local parents to share candid stories, strategies, and support for navigating child care, community resources, and the balancing act of modern parenting.

Big Questions

Child Care

Does anyone actually know what the blue economy is?

The “blue economy” gets talked about a lot on Cape— but what does it really mean? Whether you’re curious about sustainable practices or new career opportunities, join to unpack the concept and discuss its impact on our local industries, environment, and workforce.

Big Questions

What does local mean, anyway?

We all know it's important to choose local... but how do we actually navigate the challenges of shopping local. And how does our shopping define what it means to belong? Join for a candid conversation on navigating the boundaries and bridges of place and purpose.

Big Questions

You Need a Budget

This session will break down the basics of budgeting, saving, and tackling debt, with practical tips tailored for young professionals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level-up your financial game, building financial stability starts with understanding where your money goes and then making a plan.

Personal Growth

Money

Placemaking & Finding Your People

Making friends as an adult is so weird. This panel will explore how to find your people, whether through shared interests, community initiatives, or local events. Hear from others who’ve navigated the journey of finding their crew and find inspiration for growing your own network.

Personal Growth

Seriously, it's time to take a nap.

Rest is overlooked and undervalued. Taking time to recharge is essential for your well-being. This panel will dive into the science of rest, the importance of sleep, and how to prioritize self-care in a busy lifestyle. Join us to learn why a nap isn’t just a luxury—it’s a key (and radical) part of being alive.

Personal Growth

Wellness

Growing Your Own

Growing your own food has so many benefits. But do the benefits outweigh the time and effort needed to produce a harvest? (We’ve all had that $60 tomato…) Learn how everything from backyard gardens to small-scale farming on Cape can positively impact our environment, health, and budgets.

Personal Growth

Developing Your Personal Style

Your style is a powerful way to express who you are— but how do you discover and refine it? Join and explore tips for building a wardrobe that fits your personality, lifestyle, and budget. From finding inspo to shopping smarter, craft a look that feels authentically you.

Personal Growth

Sharpening Your Career Focus

Navigating a career on Cape comes with unique opportunities and challenges. This panel will help you clarify your professional goals, identify opportunities for growth, and create a roadmap to success. Gain insights from experts and peers to refine your focus and take your career to the next level.

Professional Development

Building Your Brand

Your personal brand is more than just a logo or tagline— it’s how you present yourself to the world. This session will explore how to define your strengths and use tools like social media to showcase your brand. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or growing your career, learn practical tips to stand out and leave an impression.

Professional Development

How-To

Media

Making a Career Pivot

Thinking about changing careers but not sure where to start? Hear stories from Cape Cod pros who’ve reinvented their paths. They'll share how they navigated the process of making a successful pivot, from identifying transferable skills to building a network in a new field, and took the leap with confidence.

Professional Development

How-To

Networking like a pro

Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward or transactional. It’s about building genuine connections. This session will cover the basics of effective networking, from crafting your elevator pitch to making a real connection. Join and learn how to leverage your Cape community for growth and opportunities.

Professional Development

How-To

negotiating your salary

This panel will empower you with strategies and insights to approach salary negotiations with confidence. Learn how to research compensation, communicate your value, and advocate for yourself in a way that sets you up for success—whether you’re starting a new job or asking for a raise.

Professional Development

How-To

Making Your Voice Heard

This session will explore how young professionals can effectively advocate for change within local government. Learn how to engage with town councils, navigate local policies, and influence decisions on issues that impact your career, community, and quality of life on Cape.

Policy

How-To

Are the Town-Based Child Care Stipends Working?

This session will explore Cape Cod’s new town-based child care stipends, designed to support young professionals balancing work and family. Discuss the impact of these stipends on thee cost of child care, workforce retention, and family wellbeing.

Policy

Child Care

Keeping our community Healthy

This session will focus on the importance of accessible healthcare, mental health resources, and wellness initiatives for young professionals on Cape. Join us as we explore local efforts to improve health outcomes and create a supportive environment for both physical and mental well-being.

Policy

Wellness

How Affordable is affordable housing?

This session will delve into the challenges and realities of affordable housing on Cape Cod. We’ll discuss the current housing market, explore what "affordable" means right now, and get to know policy solutions that can help young professionals find stable, affordable places to live on the Cape.

Policy

Housing

Engaging Summer People in the Housing Conversation

This session will explore strategies for engaging second homeowners and encouraging them to become advocates for affordable housing solutions. Learn how to foster collaboration between seasonal residents and local communities to address our region’s housing needs.

Policy

How-To

Talita Amaral da Rocha

Talita transitioned from food industry and corporate management to immigration law before discovering her passion for property management and vacation rentals. With experience managing nearly 200 homes, Talita values local networks and creating unforgettable experiences for both guests and entrepreneurs.

Big Questions

Entrepreneurship

Leanne Anderson

Leanne is the marketing and events manager for Cape Cod Beer and commutes to the Cape from Plymouth. She's a graduate of Roger Williams University and has a passion for creative community engagement and brand storytelling. When she's not at work, she's probably at the beach or at a concert, and most likely drinking a beer!

Big Questions

Bridges

Samantha Aronne

Sam, a Cape Cod native, earned a Business Management degree from Saint Michael’s College. After a decade in construction, she joined Mass Hire Cape and Islands Workforce Board as a Sector Strategist. Passionate about community, she serves on multiple committees and enjoys sports, the outdoors, and family time.

Big Questions

Careers

Amanda Bebrin

Amanda is CDP's director of Housing Advocacy. She was elected to Brewster's Select Board in 2024 and brings a wealth of experience from her years as a realtor, a high school teacher, and a volunteer with Leadership Cape Cod, United Way, and the Cape Cod Foundation.

Policy

Housing

Leo Blanford

Leo is the Outer Cape Health Services Director of Health Equity and Community Impact. Prior to OCHS, he worked in a range of social services in MA, including youth and families through the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative, outpatient behavioral health therapy, and homeless outreach.

Policy

Wellness

Jitka Borowick

Originally from the Czech Republic, Jitka immigrated to the U.S. in 2003 and launched Nové, a yoga and wellness studio in Dennis, in 2020. She currently serves as Vice President of WE CAN and sits on the boards of Cape Cod Academy and Second Summer Cycle. She is also a corporator at Cape Cod Five and a member of the Kelley Foundation.

Personal Growth

Wellness

Courtney Butler

Courtney is a proud public servant and employee of the MA Municipal Association. She moved to Cape Cod in 2015 to intern at the Cape Cod National Seashore. Courtney received her MPA in 2021 from Roger Williams University and lives in Yarmouth with her husband and dog.

Policy

Advocacy

Katie Castagno

Director of the Land-Sea Interaction Program at the Center for Coastal Studies, researching coastal resilience, salt marsh restoration, and sediment transport. Katie's research explores climate impacts, shoreline stabilization, and strategies for protecting New England’s coasts.

Big Questions

Blue Economy

Alexis Charles

Alexis is the founder of AC Creatives. Her social media journey started with coding MySpace layouts and chatting on AIM. She's always been curious—constantly exploring, experimenting, and finding creative ways to show up online authentically.

Professional Development

Marketing

Jeny Christian

Jeny, a U.S. Army Veteran, served in Iraq in 2010. She holds degrees in both renewable energy and food systems as well as a permaculture design certificate. In 2024, she grew 5,000 pounds of produce on a quarter acre for local food pantries through the Service Garden and teaches others to grow food on small plots.

Personal Growth

Wellness

Food

Catherine Clark

Catherine is vice president of Community Engagement at Housing Assistance. She grew up on Cape and has proudly dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector for more than twelve years. You may know her from her work at the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, CCYP, and other local nonprofits! Most recently, Catherine co-chaired Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands Philanthropy Day Committee.

Professional Development

Networking

Paola Collazos

From Bogotá, Colombia, Paola is trilingual and holds a finance degree. She transitioned from banking to hospitality to raising her three sons, two with special needs. Passionate about advocacy, she navigates education and healthcare systems for her children, manages summer homes, leads the Nauset Multilingual Parent Advisory Council, and promotes inclusion.

Big Questions

Child Care

Sarah Colvin

Sarah is an experienced communications specialist with a 25-year media career. Since 2019, she has served as Cape Cod Commission's communications manager, where she informs the community about ongoing efforts to address regional challenges. You can hear her playing radio DJ every Sunday from noon to 6 on Koffee FM.

Big Questions

Media

Ellie Costa

Ellie's passion for growing food began while digging up potatoes as a volunteer at Pariah Dog Farm in 2018. She brings experience as a facilitator, educator, designer, and entrepreneur to her work on the board of Farming Falmouth.

Personal Growth

Wellness

Food

Tara Cronin

Tara is the director of Resource Development at Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, managing fundraising events like The Ride for Homes and the Home in One Golf Tournament. She collaborates with donors, volunteers, the faith community, and businesses to help build affordable homes for local families.

Policy

Housing

JIM CURRAN

Jim is the director of Financial Know-How at Cape Cod 5 and teaches a breadth of financial wellness skills at Cape and Island schools, businesses, and non-profits. He is a graduate of the New England School of Finance and has a degree in Psychology from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

Personal Growth

Money

Stephanie Dennehy

Stephanie is executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Cape Cod 5 and serves on CCYP's Board. She earned a B.S. from Bentley University and attended the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Wharton. She and her husband have three sons and a golden retriever.

Big Questions

Bridges

Ashley Dufresne

Ashley is the owner of Ashley Irene Boutique, a size-inclusive fashion boutique in Mashpee Commons. With 10+ years in retail, she worked in various roles, from sales associate to operations manager and sales manager. In 2021, she left her corporate career to launch her boutique, providing personalized customer service and curating stylish, inclusive clothing for women of all sizes.

Personal Growth

Fashion

Lucas Eckman

Lucas is a remote web engineer living in Eastham with his partner and their two young children. With a background in investment research, real estate, and live events, he's worked with Morning Consult since 2020. Lucas is a two-time college dropout, an avid cyclist, and a budding gardener.

Big Questions

Careers

Mariah Fidalgo

Owner of Wild Water Collective, Mariah Fidalgo was born and raised in Orleans MA. She never ever thought she'd be back, let alone open a store in her home town. Mariah has worked as a costumer and textile effects artist for film, tv, Broadway and ballet.

Big Questions

Entrepreneurship

Missy Jones

Missy is a Cape local turned shopkeeper. After working for Wicked Thrift for 10 years, she bought the business in 2023. Wicked Thrift is dedicated to connecting people with pre-loved pieces at great prices to keep existing items in rotation and out of landfills.

Personal Growth

Fashion

Sustainability

Ashley Lancaster

Ashley, owner of Hot Diggity, has been helping pets thrive since 2008. With a focus on top-tier nutrition and holistic care, she’s built a passionate community of pet lovers and experts—all working toward healthier, happier lives for dogs and cats. She lives in Barnstable with her husband and their dogs.

Big Questions

Entrepreneurship

Alex Lang

Born and raised on the Cape and a true lover of New England, Alex started her career in floriculture at Cape Cod Tech. She continued her education at Stockbridge University and interned in six shops over the years. In 2019, she worked with Bob, the former owner of Lily's Florist in Yarmouth, to become the new owner!

Professional Development

Networking

Dylan Leary

Dylan is the founder of Love Farms, an organic farm in West Dennis, focused on regenerative agriculture and community-centered food systems. With a farm-to-table restaurant opening in 2025, he blends his Culinary Institute of America education with sustainability and community building.

Personal Growth

Wellness

Food

Sarah Manion

Sarahis the executive director of Clamer Choice. She holds a B.A. from Swarthmore and an M.A. from RISD and spent nearly a decade in Africa, leading multi-sector projects. With expertise in strategy, operations, and artisanal textiles, she now explores mindfulness, ecology, and fiber arts.

Personal Growth

Wellness

Tiffany Maxey

After spending 13+ years as a CPA, Tiffany is now the Operations Director for Love Live Local. She also runs Salty Duck Art Studio, a creative paint night business.

Professional Development

Careers

Kelly McKenna

After graduating from Emerson College in 2021 with a degree in Media Arts Production, Kelly moved back to her hometown and began her career at Cape Media Center. As a producer, she has written 50+ episodes, her goal is to provide relevant, accessible news at the hyperlocal-level.

Big Questions

Media

Samantha Notick

Sam is a museum professional specializing in collections management, curation, and exhibit design. At the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, she oversees exhibit development, preservation, and marketing. She has expertise in research and ensures both accessibility and engagement in museum collections.

Professional Development

Marketing

HALEY O'NEIL

Haley is the program manager for CARE for the Cape and Islands, where she works to bring community members, advocates, and business owners together around the shared goal of reducing plastic waste. In 2023, Haley successfully brought two articles to Yarmouth’s town meeting to reduce single-use plastics.

Policy

Sustainability

Advocacy

Kat Pannill

Kat is the senior development manager at WE CAN. A proud wash-a-shore, she made Cape Cod her home in 2022. She serves on the CCYP Summit Committee, volunteers as a Big Sister, and enjoys building meaningful connections. In her free time, Kat recharges with friends, family, and her beloved dog Pemberly.

Personal Growth

Networking

Josh Regan

Josh is an assistant vice president and branch manager at The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, with over eight years of banking and customer service experience. An active outdoors enthusiast, Josh lives in Wareham with his fiancé, Ashleigh, and their border collie.

Personal Growth

Networking

Calli Remillard

Calli moved to the Cape and started at The Falmouth Enterprise as a reporter after graduating from Northeastern University in 2021. She has since assumed the editorship of both The Bourne & Mashpee Enterprise newspapers, becoming the youngest editor in the newspaper's history.

Big Questions

Media

Kaitlyn Rhue

Kaitlyn is a marketing expert with 20+ years of experience in digital marketing, brand development, and strategy. She’s led major website overhauls and drives growth through customer-focused strategies. She currently serves as the Marketing Director at Cape Associates. A Massachusetts native, she lives in Sandwich with her family and enjoys reading, traveling, and event planning.

Professional Development

Marketing

Jon Richardson

Jon is a Provincetown-based musician, composer, and storyteller with a deep love for theater. Best known for his piano bar performances at Tin Pan Alley and the Crown & Anchor, he’s also one half of a folk duo with Peter Donnelly and has produced multiple albums—both his own and in collaboration with others.

Big Questions

Art

Daniel Rodrigues

Danny is the Director of Substance Use Disorder and Outreach Programs for Duffy Health Center. He co-chairs the Barnstable County Regional Substance Addiction Council and participates in Cape Cod coalitions. With degrees in Psychology and Social Work, he is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Perinatal Mental Health Certificate.

Policy

Wellness

Jared Rogers

Jared is the director of Resource Development at United Way of Greater Plymouth County. With a background in craft beverage sales and marketing (most recently at Cape Cod Beer), he has also worked in cybersecurity and real estate. A College of Wooster graduate, Jared is a North Shore native and a recent Cape resident.

Professional Development

Careers

Annisha Romney

Annisha has been a Cape resident for over 30 years and holds a B.A. in Mathematics and Women's Studies, along with a Graduate Certificate in Women in Politics and Public Policy. With experience in hospitality, community organizing, and information sciences, Annisha serves as the Technology Support Specialist for CLAMS.

Personal Growth

Networking

Tyler Rost

Tyler holds a Master’s in Contemporary Performance and specializes in content creation, strategy implementation, and supporting Cape Cod businesses and the community at DeLude Communications. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys exploring the Cape with his dog, Trident, and watching the Boston Bruins.

Professional Development

Marketing

Ella Sampou

Ella is CDP's community organizing manager. She has experience in agriculture and aquaculture, land conservation, community and youth climate organizing, and teaching high school civics and history. At CDP, Ella conducts outreach, training, and education for the Lower Cape community.

Policy

Advocacy

Brandon Simmons

Brandon is a 4Cs career counselor with a background in industrial-organizational psychology. He specializes in career exploration, job readiness, resume development, interview preparation, and professional growth. He helps students build confidence, refine goals, and secure meaningful employment.

Professional Development

Careers

Kenard Smith Jr.

Kenard is a 25-year-old tailor and fashion designer and the visionary behind Ken Tailor Designs. Starting as a self-taught abstract artist, Kenard transitioned to fashion in July 2023, bringing his passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability into every garment he creates. At Ken Tailor, Kenard specializes in bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to reflect individuality and style.

Big Questions

Fashion

Brett Tolley

Brett is a co-founder and general manager of the Chatham Harvesters Cooperative. He was born and raised in Chatham to a multi-gen fishing family. For 15 years he worked at the North American Marine Alliance, advocating for healthier fishing communities and marine ecosystems. Brett has served on the local boards of Cape Cod Children's Place and CDP and started Chatham 365 to promote year-around sustainable living.

Big Questions

Sustainability

Entrepreneurship

Caitlin Townsend

Caitlin grew up lobstering in Provincetown with her father. Passionate about the fishing industry and environmentalism, she graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and now collects ghost lobster gear and marine debris on Cape beaches. Waitress and bartender by-night, Caitlin is excited to create a program for end-of-life fishing gear in MA by-day.

Big Questions

Blue Economy

Jasmine Valdes

Born in Florida, Jasmine moved to the Cape in 2021. She has worked in the restaurant industry since age 13 and, just over a year ago, transitioned to a career at Housing Assistance. On the weekends, she bartends at Hog Island—can’t leave the restaurant life just yet!

Professional Development

Careers

Jen Villa

Jen is an artist and entrepreneur. After opening the Little Beach Gallery in 2009, she co-founded Love Live Local and opened The West End. She's a proud board member of both the Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District and Cape Wellness Collaborative.

Big Questions

Entrepreneurship

Advocacy

Zavia Walker

Zavia is a creative entrepreneur, educator, coach, and stylist passionate about helping individuals express their best selves through style and strategy. As the founder of the Zavia Walker lifestyle brand and creative leader of Pop Up Street, Zavia blends her expertise in fashion, culture, and personal development to empower professionals to align their image with their career goals.

Personal Growth

Fashion

Entrepreneurship

Maggie Ward

Drawing from her diverse background in corporate leadership and personal development, Maggie is passionate about creating accessible opportunities for individuals and communities to heal, connect, and thrive. She is dedicated to fostering collective wellness and supporting others in building lives of joy, resilience, and meaningful impact.

Personal Growth

Wellness

Elizabeth York

Elizabeth is the development manager of the Cahoon Museum, previously serving as the executive director of the Cape Cod Maritime Museum. She attended Ithaca College, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Art History and earned a Master’s in Museum Studies from John F. Kennedy University.

Professional Development

Networking

Join CCYP

Events & Programs

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April 9, 2025

SHAPE THE CAPE

Explore this Year's Sessions

Is college worth it?

Should I start a business?

Making it as an artist… is that a thing?

Where do you get your local info?

Wait... You cross the bridge *every* day?

For real, tho, how are parents of young kids doing this?

Does anyone *actually* know what the blue economy is?

What does local mean, anyway?

You Need a Budget

Placemaking & Finding Your People

Seriously, it's time to take a nap.

Growing Your Own

Developing Your Personal Style

Sharpening Your Career Focus

Building Your Brand

Making a Career Pivot

Networking like a pro

negotiating your salary

Making Your Voice Heard

Are the Town-Based Child Care Stipends Working?

Keeping our community Healthy

How Affordable is affordable housing?

Engaging Summer People in the Housing Conversation

No results

Meet the Summit Presenters

Talita Amaral da Rocha

Leanne Anderson

Samantha Aronne

Amanda Bebrin

Leo Blanford

Jitka Borowick

Courtney Butler

Katie Castagno

Alexis Charles

Jeny Christian

Catherine Clark

Paola Collazos

Sarah Colvin

Ellie Costa

Tara Cronin

JIM CURRAN

Stephanie Dennehy

Ashley Dufresne

Lucas Eckman

Mariah Fidalgo

Missy Jones

Ashley Lancaster

Alex Lang

Dylan Leary

Sarah Manion

Tiffany Maxey

Kelly McKenna

Samantha Notick

HALEY O'NEIL

Kat Pannill

Josh Regan

Calli Remillard

Kaitlyn Rhue

Jon Richardson

Daniel Rodrigues

Jared Rogers

Annisha Romney

Tyler Rost

Ella Sampou

Brandon Simmons

Kenard Smith Jr.

Brett Tolley

Caitlin Townsend

Jasmine Valdes

Jen Villa

Zavia Walker

Maggie Ward

Elizabeth York

Wait... You cross the bridge every day?

Does anyone actually know what the blue economy is?