Next Up Columbus 2025: Kandise Young

Name: Kandise Young
Age: 37
Profession: Human Resources Manager at Columbus Humane
Neighborhood: Pickerington
Education: Master of Business Administration
Community Involvement: Volunteer Administrators Network-Board Member, Public Relations & Secretary
Motto: “Those times when you get up early and you work hard; those times when you stay up late and you work hard; those times when you don’t feel like working … you do it anyway; that is actually the dream. That’s the dream. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” – Kobe Bryant
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Kandise Young is a purpose-driven Human Resources Manager where she leads with empathy, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of people. With a Master of Business Administration and years of progressive HR experience, Kandise has built a career around fostering positive culture, supporting staff development, and aligning people strategies with organizational impact. She also serves as a board member for the Volunteer Administrators Network, where she lends her voice to public relations and governance efforts.

Personally, Kandise is inspired most by her children. They are the driving force behind her commitment to integrity, compassion, and leading by example, both at home and in her career. Once a kid with big dreams of becoming a WNBA star, she now channels that ambition into shaping workplaces and communities where people can thrive.

Being recognized as a 2025 Next Up Columbus honoree represents a powerful milestone in her journey, but for Kandise this is just the beginning. With aspirations to expand her HR expertise and lead meaningful change across the city she loves, she sees no ceiling to what’s possible. “The sky isn’t even the limit,” she says. “Because the true pulse of Columbus is its changemakers.”

What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
Professionally, supporting our staff from an HR standpoint is what gets me out of bed each morning. I’m driven by a passion for people, and I find purpose in fostering strong communication, collaboration, and a positive company culture. These are the elements that sustain me throughout the workweek.

Personally, my children are my greatest inspiration. They are the reason I strive to show up as my best self every day, both at home and at work. I am committed to setting an example of integrity, hard work, resilience, and compassion.

What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
Jennifer Smith-COO, Lifeline of Ohio: Truly the best boss I’ve ever had! She gave me the freedom to be creative, to grow, and to own my role with confidence. She welcomed my optimism, always rooted for me, and made space for me to shine. I’m endlessly grateful for her leadership and belief in me.

Erin McGovern-Executive Assistant, Lifeline of Ohio: She was a phenomenal mentor during my time in the executive assistant field. She not only taught me the ropes with patience and wisdom, but she also took the time to genuinely get to know me. I’m so lucky to have learned from her, and I’m even luckier to call her a friend!

James Panezott-Talent Acquisition Specialist, The Davey Tree Expert Company: I met James 13 years ago, and we haven’t looked back since. He’s always been a constant, someone I can turn to throughout every chapter of my career. He’s more than a friend; he is family. I’m incredibly thankful for his presence in my life.

What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
I love to get lost in a good book, especially those that challenge me to grow. I’m drawn to books focused on self-improvement, personal development, and education because they push me to reflect, learn, and evolve. Whether it’s gaining new strategies for leadership, developing emotional intelligence, or deepening my understanding of the world around me, reading is one of the most powerful tools I use to become a better version of myself, both personally and professionally.

What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
I’m a big fan of local coffee shops and try to visit at least one each week. As a proud Pickerington resident, Porter’s Coffee is a staple and an absolute must. The staff is incredibly welcoming, and the selection goes far beyond coffee—they offer amazing treats and delicious breakfast options that keep me coming back. I also enjoy making the trip downtown to Parable Coffee, which has a great vibe and an excellent menu. I have a serious love for breakfast, and Another Broken Egg is my go-to spot. When my husband and I are grabbing dinner, we enjoy anything at Easton or a night out at FYR in the Short North.

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
As a kid, I wanted to be a WNBA basketball player.

What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
Some of my favorite books include The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, and I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi. I’m drawn to content that fuels self-growth, emotional clarity, and financial empowerment.

When it comes to podcasts, I regularly listen to On Purpose by Jay Shetty, She’s So Lucky by Les Alfred, Something You Should Know by Mike Carruthers, and Dialogue with Greg & Shaylyn Ford. I attend One Church in Gahanna, where Greg Ford serves as the pastor. Both Greg and Shaylyn are truly wonderful people, and their podcast is thoughtful, real, and inspiring.

What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
Being chosen for the Next Up Columbus Awards means everything to me. I’ve worked hard throughout my career to get to this point, and to be able to say “I made it” is truly amazing. But for me, the work doesn’t stop here. I have professional goals to expand my HR knowledge and to lead meaningful change, not only within an organization but throughout our beloved city. I’m honored to be surrounded by others who share that same passion. For me, the sky isn’t even the limit.

If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
I would say the pulse of Columbus lies in its rich history and diverse culture. It is in the local spots you cannot find anywhere else, the hidden gems that give our city its unique flavor. Most of all, it is in the people. The individuals who are striving every day to create change, lift up their communities, and keep Columbus a vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring place to live. The true pulse of this city is its changemakers.

The Next Up Columbus Awards, presented annually by the Columbus Young Professionals Club, recognize emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Central Ohio. These honorees are innovators, connectors, and community champions helping to shape a brighter future for Columbus. Meet the entire Class of 2025 »