Hancock Young Professionals Launches 2026–2027 Emerging Leaders Class
Nine-Month Program Invests in the Next Generation of Hancock County Leaders
The Hancock Young Professionals (HYP) of the Hancock Chamber officially launched the 2026–2027 HYP Emerging Leaders Class, bringing together a select group of 21 rising professionals for a nine-month leadership and professional development experience.
The new class kicked off September 15 at the Hancock Chamber Business Resource Center with “Launch: Your Emerging Leaders Experience,” an interactive orientation designed to introduce participants to one another, the program and the opportunities ahead.
“Emerging Leaders is about much more than attending a series of classes,” said Michael Haas III of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. “We want our rising, young professionals to build relationships, strengthen their leadership skills, increase their visibility and become more connected to our community. Ultimately, we want to help prepare them to become the people who will lead Hancock County into the future.”
The class was formally introduced to the business community during the Hancock Chamber Business After Hours on Thursday, September 17 at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast.
Participants were selected for the program based on their potential as emerging business and community leaders.
The opening session included a look at the history and purpose of Hancock Young Professionals from HYP founders Bailey Braswell and Mary Cowand, followed by a “True Colors” interactive leadership exercise led by Rhonda Rhodes of RD Rhodes Management and Consulting. Participants also had an opportunity to introduce themselves, share their professional goals and identify topics they would like to explore during the year.
The 2026–2027 program has been designed around practical skills young professionals can immediately apply in their careers and communities.
Monthly sessions include:
October 6 – Navigating Tough Conversations with Confidence
Hosted by Rachel Knight, Pyron Insurance
November 3 – Communication That Gets You Noticed
Hosted by Rhonda Rhodes, RD Rhodes Management and Consulting
December 1 – Emerging Leaders Holiday Social with Employers
January 5 – Building Wealth & Financial Confidence
Hosted by Bailey Braswell, Edward Jones and HYP Co-Founder
February 2 – The New Rules of Leadership
Hosted by Angi Truebner-Webb, Silver Slipper Casino Hotel
March 2 – Building Your Personal Brand & Influence
Hosted by Courtney Liles, Ross & Yerger
April 6 – From Big Ideas to Getting It Done
Hosted by Taylor Ladner, Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission
May 4 – Designing Your Career, Leadership & Future
Hosted by Joy Reeves, Mississippi Power Company
The program will conclude June 8 with the Emerging Leaders Celebration & Certification, recognizing participants for completing the nine-month experience.
“One of the most important things we want our Emerging Leaders to understand is that leadership doesn’t begin with a title.” said Haas. “It begins by showing up, building relationships, getting involved and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. We want this class to play an active role in strengthening the program by applying their professional skills to build lasting relationships with one another and deepen their connection to the community we live in.
The Emerging Leaders Class will also receive increased visibility throughout the year through Hancock Chamber events, social media, community engagement and networking opportunities.
The 2026–2027 HYP Emerging Leaders program is made possible through the support of SouthGroup Insurance, Hancock Whitney and the Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission.
The 2026 class is as follows:
| Brenna | Labyak | Hancock Resource Center |
| LaQueda | Bell | T-Mobile |
| Myriam | Mitchell | Hairworks |
| DeAndreya | Sykes | MS Power |
| Sophia | Forstall | French Potager |
| Justin | Redmond | Keesler Federal Credit Union-Diamondhead Branch |
| Bruce | Dent | Community Bank of Mississippi |
| Rebecca | Bice | CoastConnect |
| Shelbie | Shipp | Trendsetter Salon |
| Michael | Scardino | SouthGroup – Gulf Coast |
| Brittany | Wiley | Self-Employed |
| Keragon | Niolet | Elite Partners |
| Brooke | Bourgeois | Hancock County Library System |
| Katelin | Hall | Hancock County Library System |
| Jazzalyn | Gelinas | Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum |
| Ferris | Davis | Bubbly Babes LLC |
| Harley | Loyer | Eclectic Ave. Events + Design |
| Isabel | Biggs-Walker | Silver Slipper Casino |
| Davis | Scharp | The Longo Group |
| Katelyn | Abernathy | Coast Aesthetics at the Bay |
| Kristina | Necaise | Hancock Chamber |