In the heart of downtown Bellingham, local professionals gather each week at the “Morning Buzz” to share coffee, career insights and camaraderie. The event is hosted by Whatcom Young Professionals, a philanthropic and community-driven association that branched off the Chamber of Commerce in 2006.
Held at various cafes around town three days a week, the “Morning Buzz” fosters connections for young adults from diverse professional backgrounds. Whether they’re navigating the early stages of their career, searching for mentorship or looking to network, this event offers support in a welcoming and laid-back setting. On Thursdays, WYP mingles at Makeworth Coffee in the upstairs balcony area from 8 to 9 a.m.
“The Morning Buzz is a great way to start your day,” said Jessica Welter-Kolbo, president of Whatcom Young Professionals. “People feel like they leave our discussions feeling energized. Many people look forward to it and feel like it adds to their productivity and motivation.”
Welter-Kolbo is a certified life coach by day, guiding clients toward personal and professional fulfillment. In her free time, she channels this same dedication into her WYP President role. Welter-Kolbo joined the group in 2017 and has devoted the last two years to focusing on the organization’s philanthropic endeavors.
For some, networking can feel daunting, especially when beginning a new job search. One new attendee, Natalie Grote, recently moved to Bellingham and attended her first “Morning Buzz” in early November, searching for local job opportunities. Her friend, a fellow WPY member, invited her out to the event.
“I texted [my friend] that I was nervous before I came,” Grote said. “This is the first networking event I’ve attended in a long time. The events I have been to were very large and pretty intimidating.”
Mindy Pelton, director of Western Washington University’s Career Service Center, understands the challenge young professionals face as they begin their networking journey. She said learning to foster connections early can provide skills that will continue to benefit them throughout their lives and careers, helping them stay open to finding new opportunities, meet people in different fields and build a strong support network.
“Networking is really about exchanging information, sharing experiences and creating connections with people,” Pelton said. “Remember that most people enjoy talking about their own experiences, so showing genuine curiosity can go a long way in making connections feel natural.”
The “Morning Buzz” is unique compared to other networking events because it’s intentionally kept small to create a more intimate environment. Some attendees are regulars, others are part of the WYP advisory council and some may be new faces.
Each session begins with a round of introductions and an ice-breaker question. After intros, attendees break into smaller groups and leave with a topic question designed to encourage conversation and connection.
“I got to have a really close conversation with eight people,” Grote said. “We got to dive into technical skills and I even made a new connection that mentioned a potential opportunity for me.”
According to Grote, she left the event feeling more connected and confident in her chances of finding work in Bellingham.
“I feel less alone in my job search because of this experience,” Grote said. “Show up as who you are with the skills, experience or inexperience that you have because this isn’t a place to be perfect – it’s a place to grow and connect.”
While the “Morning Buzz” centers on creating connections, WYP broadens its reach beyond networking. As a nonprofit organization, WYP emphasizes community impact and encourages its members to engage in local volunteer efforts.
“For the last two years, we’ve done an annual fundraising event where we chose a local nonprofit to donate to,” Welter-Kolbo said. “The first year we supported Vamos, a recreational organization that supports the Latine community, and were able to raise $5,000 for them with the help of local companies' donations and sponsorships.”
WYP members can access exclusive benefits and opportunities such as complimentary attendance at their monthly socials, pop-ups and professional development events. For young professionals unsure of committing to a membership, WYP offers up to three membership-free attendances to the “Morning Buzz.”
“Part of what we offer is that we’re learning and growing together,” Welter-Kolbo said. “We know that as young professionals, we can learn from each other, come from a place of authenticity and cultivate a feeling of acceptance.”
Sabrina Diamond (she/her) is a City News reporter for The Front. She is an involved public relations major at WWU. Sabrina serves as the Director of Events and Communication for WWU’s PRSSA Chapter and proudly represents the community of future PR professionals. In her free time, she enjoys playing cozy video games like Stardew Valley. You can reach her at sabrinadiamond.thefront@gmail.com.
