Meet Bailey Mielke
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Q: When did you begin working at your company?
A: I started working at GAH as a veterinarian in June 2019. However, my journey actually started back in June 2011, when I was hired there as a veterinary assistant right out of high school. I worked there all through my undergraduate years at SVSU and then during vet school, I would work when I was home on breaks.
Q: When did you become a member of the Saginaw County Young Professionals Network?
A: I joined the YPN in 2022 and just within 1 year I made several new and valuable friendships and connections. I enjoyed my time at the events and all the people so much that I wanted to become more involved and applied to join the YPN Steering Committee in 2023.
Q: What motivated you to join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I was motivated to join the YPN Steering Committee because I’m passionate about Saginaw and helping to create a space that connects other like-minded individuals. I believe that this network can be a powerful tool for sharing knowledge, building relationships, and supporting career and personal development and growth. By being part of the steering committee, I wanted to contribute to shaping those opportunities and helping other young professionals navigate their careers. In my own experience, having a great mentor or someone you can go to for advice is paramount. I also feel very strongly about giving back to the community in any way possible. I work for a company who very much values community outreach and I think that I have to be a part of the change and growth that I wish for Saginaw.
Q: What’s the most memorable connection you’ve made as a YPN member?
A: The most memorable connection that I have made as a YPN member is truly the new relationships with a variety of individuals. Some are work-based but many have blossomed into a very strong friendship. Having that sense of family here, having individuals that you can share experiences with; now that is what will make any place feel like home.
Q: What YPN event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: The YPN event that I look forward to the most is the annual golf outing. This is a very well attended event and who doesn’t love a beautiful summer day on the golf course! There are plenty of opportunities to win prizes with lunch and dinner provided.
Q: What’s one networking tip you’d share with new YPN members?
A: One networking tip I would recommend is to focus on building real genuine
relationships rather than just collecting business cards. Take the time to listen and understand the other person’s goals and interests. Ask questions. Really try to make a connection and then as that connection further develops and grows, the opportunities will come. And maybe the opportunity isn’t just a mutually beneficial business relationship but one that sparks a more personal friendship.
Q: Tell us one fun fact about you that might surprise people.
A: I am CPR certified for animals!
Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was at Apple Mountain working at the snack bar during the ski/snowboarding season. I went back to work another season the following year before starting the veterinary assistant job at GAH.
Q: Tell us how the YPN has made you realize, or appreciate more, what Saginaw County has to offer in regards to living, working or playing here?
A: Being part of the Young Professionals Network has truly opened my eyes to the unique opportunities and vibrant community Saginaw offers. I have always been very passionate about Saginaw and through the events, connections, and experiences I've had within the YPN, I've come to appreciate the thriving local businesses and the sense of community that makes Saginaw special. From the growing job opportunities in diverse industries to the recreational activities and beautiful parks, it's clear that this is a place where professionals can thrive both personally and professionally. The YPN has given me a greater sense of pride in being part of a community that supports young professionals and encourages us to build our futures here. Saginaw is a beautiful community and I am grateful to be a part of a community that has so much passion and initiative to continue to make this a better place to be.
Q: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
A: I hiked up a side of a volcano and got all the way to the top to see down into the crater!. The views were insane. The total elevation is roughly 3,500 ft. Needless to say, my legs were like jello for a few days after!
Q: What inspires or motivates you to be part of the YPN?
A: The people. I enjoy meeting new people and listening to everyone’s story and their unique perspective of the world.
Published: July 2025
A: I started working at GAH as a veterinarian in June 2019. However, my journey actually started back in June 2011, when I was hired there as a veterinary assistant right out of high school. I worked there all through my undergraduate years at SVSU and then during vet school, I would work when I was home on breaks.
Q: When did you become a member of the Saginaw County Young Professionals Network?
A: I joined the YPN in 2022 and just within 1 year I made several new and valuable friendships and connections. I enjoyed my time at the events and all the people so much that I wanted to become more involved and applied to join the YPN Steering Committee in 2023.
Q: What motivated you to join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I was motivated to join the YPN Steering Committee because I’m passionate about Saginaw and helping to create a space that connects other like-minded individuals. I believe that this network can be a powerful tool for sharing knowledge, building relationships, and supporting career and personal development and growth. By being part of the steering committee, I wanted to contribute to shaping those opportunities and helping other young professionals navigate their careers. In my own experience, having a great mentor or someone you can go to for advice is paramount. I also feel very strongly about giving back to the community in any way possible. I work for a company who very much values community outreach and I think that I have to be a part of the change and growth that I wish for Saginaw.
Q: What’s the most memorable connection you’ve made as a YPN member?
A: The most memorable connection that I have made as a YPN member is truly the new relationships with a variety of individuals. Some are work-based but many have blossomed into a very strong friendship. Having that sense of family here, having individuals that you can share experiences with; now that is what will make any place feel like home.
Q: What YPN event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: The YPN event that I look forward to the most is the annual golf outing. This is a very well attended event and who doesn’t love a beautiful summer day on the golf course! There are plenty of opportunities to win prizes with lunch and dinner provided.
Q: What’s one networking tip you’d share with new YPN members?
A: One networking tip I would recommend is to focus on building real genuine
relationships rather than just collecting business cards. Take the time to listen and understand the other person’s goals and interests. Ask questions. Really try to make a connection and then as that connection further develops and grows, the opportunities will come. And maybe the opportunity isn’t just a mutually beneficial business relationship but one that sparks a more personal friendship.
Q: Tell us one fun fact about you that might surprise people.
A: I am CPR certified for animals!
Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was at Apple Mountain working at the snack bar during the ski/snowboarding season. I went back to work another season the following year before starting the veterinary assistant job at GAH.
Q: Tell us how the YPN has made you realize, or appreciate more, what Saginaw County has to offer in regards to living, working or playing here?
A: Being part of the Young Professionals Network has truly opened my eyes to the unique opportunities and vibrant community Saginaw offers. I have always been very passionate about Saginaw and through the events, connections, and experiences I've had within the YPN, I've come to appreciate the thriving local businesses and the sense of community that makes Saginaw special. From the growing job opportunities in diverse industries to the recreational activities and beautiful parks, it's clear that this is a place where professionals can thrive both personally and professionally. The YPN has given me a greater sense of pride in being part of a community that supports young professionals and encourages us to build our futures here. Saginaw is a beautiful community and I am grateful to be a part of a community that has so much passion and initiative to continue to make this a better place to be.
Q: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
A: I hiked up a side of a volcano and got all the way to the top to see down into the crater!. The views were insane. The total elevation is roughly 3,500 ft. Needless to say, my legs were like jello for a few days after!
Q: What inspires or motivates you to be part of the YPN?
A: The people. I enjoy meeting new people and listening to everyone’s story and their unique perspective of the world.
Published: July 2025
Thank you to our Chairman's Circle Sponsors
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SILVER LEVEL
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