The 2016 YP of the Year Awards, hosted by Juice and the Young Professionals Connection, is an annual event that recognizes young professionals who have dedicated their past year to increasing the livelihood of the Des Moines area community in various ways.

2016 YP of the Year Finalists

Meet the 2016 YP of the Year finalists at YP16.dmJuice.com. View the finalist profiles and vote for the winner in each award category.

How to Vote

View the 2016 YP of the Year finalist profiles at YP16.dmJuice.com, and vote for the winners Dec. 3 at 12:00 a.m. through Dec. 18 at 11:59 p.m. Limit one vote, per award category, per username. Finalists were selected by an anonymous judging panel. Users must be logged into their account to vote. If you do not already have an account, click here to register. Once logged in, click here to vote. Judging panel votes and public votes will be combined to determine the winners in each category. Creating multiple usernames to vote is prohibited. The contest host reserves the right to void suspicious votes. 

Juice YP of the Year

This award recognizes a young professional who has made significant contributions for civic, charitable, entertainment or quality of life in central Iowa.

DSM Creative of the Year

This award goes to the person pushing creativity in their field, whether it be art, graphic design, music, food styling, interior design, architecture or another area of work or study. This person is using his or her creative ideas to spur changes within the workplace or immediate community and within the broader Des Moines region.

YPC Amy Jennings YP Impact Award

Given to a young professional who made a significant impact on the young professional environment in greater Des Moines. Like Amy Jennings, a past YPC president who led the organization through major growth, the recipient of the award should demonstrate a dedication to creating a vibrant community that attracts and retains YPs.

YPC Ashley Okland YP Community Service Award

Given to a young professional who exemplifies the volunteerism and spirit of late YPC board member Ashley Okland in giving of his or her time, talents and other resources to community organizations.

2016 YP of the Year Awards

Four winners from 12 finalists receive Central Iowa Young Professional of the Year Awards to honor and celebrate their achievements in the community. The winners will be announced February 9 during the 2016 YP of the Year Awards ceremony at Sticks, Inc. You can purchase tickets to the award ceremony here.