Members of the Henryetta Young Professional Entrepreneurs (HYPE) presented the program and fielded questions from curious community members at Rustlers BBQ last Thursday.

The presentations, taking place at 1 p.m and 6 p.m, were an opportunity for community members to come and see what HYPE is about. Attendees were encouraged to bring any ideas about what they’d like to see from the organization, and get information as to how they can get involved.

April Mason, Executive Director, and Michelle Genova, Associate Director talked about a few of the short and long term goals that they have for the program. Both have a history of community involvement.

The event was essentially focused on gauging community interest. They discussed things like beautification projects, mentorship opportunities, and home buying programs, as well as simply finding a location to hold regular meetings.

HYPE basically is an independent community based organization committed to cultivating, motivating, and activating the young professional population of Henryetta. They welcome the next generation of Henryettans who are looking for a place to grow personally and professionally, and are excited about helping Henryetta grow too.

Though HYPE contains the word Young, there is no age cutoff. Anyone that feels young enough to effect change and see a thriving community can join. Older professionals will also act as mentors especially for those starting out in business.

Both representatives have a history of community involvement. Mason is a born and raised Henryettan, and graduate of Henryetta High School. Since that time, she has had the opportunity to travel and get involved in broadcast media, the nonprofit sector, and currently serves in leadership positions for Tulsa’s Mayfest, Oktoberfest and various music festivals in the area.

Genova recently moved to Henryetta with her family, and quickly found ways to build upon her existing community service experience. She’s assisted several non-profit organizations with their fundraising events, including The Jesus Center’s annual Run for Food and raising over $150,000 to support Catalyst Domestic Violence Services. In addition to HYPE, she is involved with the Henryetta Rotary Club, the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce, and even serves on the Henryetta Labor Day Committee.

Genova earned a BA in Anthropology from California State University, Chico, and an AS in accounting from Butte Community College.

“My goal is to create not just an organization,” Mason said, “but a living, breathing, constantly evolving organism, inclusive of all people from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints who are on fire for our community, and always looking for new and innovative ways to support and nurture our young professionals and entrepreneurs while helping our great city while we’re at it.”

They also emphasized the importance of supporting local organizations, stating HYPE will have its own events and projects but will always be asking “how can we assist existing organizations.”

For more information, see HYPE Henryetta on Facebook, call 918-752-7704 or email hypehenryetta@ gmail.com.