Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) introduces you to the “Young Professional of the Month,” Rae Easter. Each month, the CYPN Steering Committee recommends an individual in the community it thinks readers would enjoy getting to know better.

How old are you? 29.

Where do you live? Manchester.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I am Development Manager at the Capitol Center for the Arts, where I’ve been for just about two years. I love development work and the way it connects me with so many different people. Being a musical person my whole life, I really believe in the CCA’s mission to bring high-quality performances and entertainment to everyone in the community.

What’s your favorite part of your workday? I love helping my donors with ticket orders. It’s a lot of fun to learn what kind of shows/artists people like, and they often surprise me! Getting to know their favorite seats in the theater, who likes to pick up tickets in person at the Box Office, etc.—it all makes the connection with our supporters more personal and gratifying.

What organizations are you involved with? Singing is a huge part of my life, and I sing with two choirs in Concord. I am a singer in the Concord Chorale, where I am a Board member as well as Chair of the Fundraising Committee. I also sing as a section leader with the choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. I’m so grateful for both opportunities to be a part of the music community in Concord.

Where did you go to school? I grew up in Merrimack, NH and went to Mastricola Elementary School, then stayed in the Merrimack school system through to Merrimack High School. I attended Endicott College in Beverly, MA where I graduated with a BA in Liberal Studies and minored in English.

What’s your favorite place to go in Concord? I love visiting Penumbra. It always brightens my day to stop by and find a new plant or a gift for a friend. It’s a business I love to show people who are new to or visiting Concord.

What do you like to do for fun? In my free time I love singing, baking, exercising, going to the movies, and spending time with friends and family. I love living close to my niece and nephew and being a part of their lives as they grow up.

Who would you really like to meet? I would love to meet Claire Saffitz. Her cookbooks and cooking videos really sparked my love of baking, and her YouTube channel is a comfort watch for me.

How did you find out about CYPN and how has it benefitted your business or you personally? I found out about CYPN through my previous job and attended my first events a couple years ago. When I was new to the Concord area, CYPN really helped me meet new peers and get out of my comfort zone. It helped me develop my networking skills, as well as learn about new organizations, businesses, and opportunities in Concord. CYPN hosts some of its events at the BNH Stage, which is a great opportunity for the Capitol Center to reach new audiences and share our space.

The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and CYPN are joining forces for their annual holiday networking party on Tuesday, December 10. Visit the Grappone Conference Center, which will be sparkling with holiday décor. The Duprey Companies will present a spread of festive treats for you to enjoy while networking. The best part? We’re waiving the registration fee so that you can support the Capital Region Food Program with a monetary gift! Learn more and sign up for all CYPN events at concordnhchamber.com.