Who We Are
We are a networking & professional development program for individuals aged 18-39 in the Brainerd Lakes Area. We represent the future leaders of our community, uniting all industries to form a powerful wave of influence, optimism and professional success. Our goal is to build lasting relationships as we elevate our skills and advance our careers. We aim to make a positive difference in our companies and communities, learning from and inspiring each other along the way.
Coming Soon: Awards Announcements
Thank you for helping us recognize The Next Wave of Brainerd Lakes Area leaders. Nominations are officially closed for the 2025 Four Under 40 Awards. Award winners will be announced soon!
Presented at the WAVE Gala, these prestigious awards honor young professionals who display professional excellence, leadership, community involvement, and potential for future success. Save the Date for the 2025 WAVE Gala: September 18, 2025.
2024 Award Recipient
2024 Award Recipient
2024 Award Recipient
2024 Award Recipient
Membership
WAVE YPN welcomes membership from all individuals aged 18-39 who live in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Cost to join is $240 per year (or $20 per month charged to a credit or debit card), which may be covered by employers as an investment in professional growth.











Upcoming Events
We host monthly, annual, and pop-up events with a wide variety of topics. Dates and times vary to allow our members a variety of options to get involved.

Ride the Current into Recruitment
Ready to grow your network? Join the current that’s moving young professionals forward. We bringing you a casual, welcoming, and FUN event designed to introduce new and prospective members to the WAVE Young Professionals Network. WAVE Members that bring a Non-WAVE Member guest will receive an additional raffle ticket to enter for prizes!
WAVE YPN: Speed Networking
Rotate through structured conversations, designed to be short, snappy, and surprisingly effective. It’s like dating, but for your career—minus the awkward silences and weird bios. LEARN MORE >
2025 WAVE Gala
The highlight of the night is the presentation of the Four Under 40 Awards, honoring outstanding young professionals making a difference in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Enjoy a night of drinks, food, networking & celebration. LEARN MORE >
Why WAVE?
Hear firsthand from WAVE Anchor Board Members the ins and outs of the WAVE program.
Why WAVE?
Hear firsthand from WAVE Anchor Board Members the ins and outs of the WAVE program.
Frequently Asked Questions
WAVE Young Professionals Network welcomes membership from all individuals aged 18-39 who live in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Your employer does not have to be a Chamber member for you to join WAVE, however Chamber membership is encouraged.
Cost to join WAVE YPN is $240 per year, which may be covered by employers as an investment in professional growth. A $20 monthly billing option is available. Through the support of our investors, scholarships are available to young professionals with financial limitations to help offset the cost of membership. Click here to learn more and apply for a scholarship.
WAVE hosts monthly, annual, and pop-up events with a wide variety of topics. Most events are free to attend and open to everyone. Prospective members may attend up to two WAVE events before joining.


Our Pillars
Our community gains its strength from the diversity of its people. Our young professionals network welcomes those new to the area and makes them feel like they belong.
Opportunities for growth in the Brainerd Lakes Area are endless. Grow as a young professional and advance your career.
We believe in a brighter future for tomorrow. Help us visualize a better Lakes Area and make it a reality for the young professionals who live and work here.
The Brainerd Lakes Area boasts an economy with a wide range of industries. Engage with and meet other young professionals as well as the leaders who do business here.
Why join?
WAVE offers a variety of benefits for our members.
Develop personal and professional skills that will advance your career.
Meet new people and build relationships through fun, social activities.
Gain uncommon access to local leaders and organizations of interest.
Grow as a leader through opportunities to lead and grow the program.
Take advantage of special pricing on Chamber programs and events.
Become an influential voice of young professionals in the Lakes Area.
WAVE Leadership
Meet members of the Anchor Board who bring WAVE to life.










Our Investors
WAVE is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.
Anchor sponsors
buoy sponsors
Join the wave of influence, optimism and professional success we are spreading throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area.
