2025-26 YEA Committee Highlight
Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) is a group dedicated to creating opportunities for early-career professionals to grow, connect, and get involved in the industry beyond their day-to-day roles. Our work centers around three key pillars: professional development, technical engagement, and networking and mentorship.Â
On the professional development side, we sponsor members to attend YEA Leadership Weekend (YLW), a national ASHRAE program focused on building self-awareness, developing a personal brand, and learning how to apply individual strengths effectively in the workplace. These experiences help young professionals build confidence and leadership skills early in their careers.
From a technical perspective, we provide learning opportunities that expose members to areas of the industry they might not otherwise experience. This often includes facility tours, behind-the-scenes project visits, and encouragement to get involved in technical committees, allowing members to deepen their knowledge while contributing to the profession.
Networking and giving back to the community is another major focus of YEA. We host social events that foster meaningful connections, volunteer at local STEM fairs, participate in university panels, and collaborate with other committees to create engaging experiences. Through these opportunities, YEA members grow both professionally and personally while making a positive impact on the community.
Meet the YEA Committee Chairs
Jack started working with the Puget Sound ASHRAE Board in 2022, serving as Co-Chair of the YEA committee. He brings over five years of experience as a Sales Engineer with ACI Mechanical, where he focuses on delivering technical solutions and fostering strong partnerships across the industry. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling to new places, spending time with family and friends, and staying active through outdoor adventures and fitness.
Alex has been an active ASHRAE volunteer since 2024 and co-leads YEA alongside Jack. She also supports the Communications and DEI committees and has spent the past two years mentoring students through the ACE Mentor Program. As a Mechanical Designer at Stantec, Alex is always eager to expand her professional knowledge and skills. When she’s not at work, she loves chasing adrenaline-filled adventures: traveling, kayaking, skiing and, of course, spending time with friends.
A snapshot of the 2025-26 season
We launched our season this fall with an exclusive tour of MacDonald Miller’s MLAB. The event featured an immersive 3D virtual reality experience showcasing real MEP designs used across the Pacific Northwest, giving attendees a hands-on look at cutting-edge project delivery. The evening concluded with a networking happy hour in MacDonald Miller’s event space, providing a great opportunity for YEA members to connect and collaborate.
An amazing glassblowing class in January kept everyone warm as attendees tried out one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic art forms! Surrounded by the glow of the furnace and the hum of the studio, participants had the chance to work with molten glass, shaping it into something uniquely their own. Everyone walked away with not only a handmade glass piece, but also new connections and a memorable shared experience.
Fresh off the excitement of the Olympic Curling drama with the Canadians, YEA and the Refrigeration Committee are keeping the energy going with an exclusive tour of the Northgate Kraken Iceplex. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps the ice smooth and game-ready. We’ll kick things off with a fun happy hour, then hit the ice for a cool curling class packed with laughs, friendly competition, and plenty of sweeping action!
To close out the season, this spring we’re bringing everyone together for a fun and interactive social event featuring either a brewery tour or a hands-on cocktail-making class. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, learn something new, and connect with others in a relaxed setting. Keep an eye out for sign-up details coming soon!
