Meet Amelia Whitford
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Amelia Whitford
AVP Branch Manager Independent Bank 445 N. Center Road Saginaw MI 48638 (989) 799-1673 [email protected] https://www.independentbank.com/ |
Q: What year did you begin working at your company?
A: 2009
Q: When year did you join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: 2022
Q: What motivated you to join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I had been a member for a few years before, and I really enjoyed the events and people; the impact they made on the Saginaw community. I made some good friends, volunteered, and I was hoping to help others do the same. I wanted to be a part of something, helping create a group where everyone feels like they belong.
Q: What YPN event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: The golf outing is always fun! You meet new people, get to spend the day volunteering (or golfing) playing games and winning prizes!
Q: What’s your favorite way to build meaningful connections at YPN events—before, during, or after the event?
A: Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and follow up. Once I meet someone new, I make sure they have my contact and reassure them they can reach out anytime to learn more! I always try and invite them to the next event as well.
Q: How do you hope someone feels after attending their first YPN event?
A: Excited for their second!
Q: What’s one professional skill you’ve strengthened through your involvement with YPN?
A: Networking and getting more comfortable meeting new people.
Q: What’s one moment during your time with YPN that made you feel especially connected to the group or the community?
A: All of our volunteer work makes me feel connected, but the year of the Memorial Cup, volunteering for that event, was a true showcase of how amazing the people of Saginaw really are. People really showed up! It was so impressive to see.
Q: What’s one habit or mindset that helps you balance career growth with community involvement?
A: Always step out of your comfort zone-the most growth happens there.
Q: What’s something outside of work that brings you energy or inspiration and helps you show up as a better leader?
A: Reading! I read everything from leadership and non-fiction, to romance and mystery. I try to read at least 100 books/year and ensure they are all different genres. There are so many good leadership books out there that are easy to read and can really make an impact.
Q: What’s a hidden gem in Saginaw County you enjoy recommending to other young professionals?
A: Hoyt Public Library!
Q: If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be and why?
A: Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
Published: January 2026
A: 2009
Q: When year did you join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: 2022
Q: What motivated you to join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I had been a member for a few years before, and I really enjoyed the events and people; the impact they made on the Saginaw community. I made some good friends, volunteered, and I was hoping to help others do the same. I wanted to be a part of something, helping create a group where everyone feels like they belong.
Q: What YPN event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: The golf outing is always fun! You meet new people, get to spend the day volunteering (or golfing) playing games and winning prizes!
Q: What’s your favorite way to build meaningful connections at YPN events—before, during, or after the event?
A: Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and follow up. Once I meet someone new, I make sure they have my contact and reassure them they can reach out anytime to learn more! I always try and invite them to the next event as well.
Q: How do you hope someone feels after attending their first YPN event?
A: Excited for their second!
Q: What’s one professional skill you’ve strengthened through your involvement with YPN?
A: Networking and getting more comfortable meeting new people.
Q: What’s one moment during your time with YPN that made you feel especially connected to the group or the community?
A: All of our volunteer work makes me feel connected, but the year of the Memorial Cup, volunteering for that event, was a true showcase of how amazing the people of Saginaw really are. People really showed up! It was so impressive to see.
Q: What’s one habit or mindset that helps you balance career growth with community involvement?
A: Always step out of your comfort zone-the most growth happens there.
Q: What’s something outside of work that brings you energy or inspiration and helps you show up as a better leader?
A: Reading! I read everything from leadership and non-fiction, to romance and mystery. I try to read at least 100 books/year and ensure they are all different genres. There are so many good leadership books out there that are easy to read and can really make an impact.
Q: What’s a hidden gem in Saginaw County you enjoy recommending to other young professionals?
A: Hoyt Public Library!
Q: If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be and why?
A: Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
Published: January 2026
