Mission

Allentown Young Professionals (AYP) utilizes place-based connectivity to provide a network of resources to assist young professionals in developing their talents and in turn -foster the continued growth and success of the City of Allentown.

By utilizing the strengths of our members, AYP encourages young adults to make a meaningful and lasting impact through investment, education, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, responsible residency, and political involvement. AYP’s collective and intentional efforts positively influence the vibe and associated economic growth of our city.

Board of Advisors

William Seng

PRESIDENT

William Seng is one of the founding members of the Allentown Young Professionals. A resident, homeowner, and real estate investor within the city he believes strongly in the resolve and the resilience of this community. Will has dedicated his entire professional career to the Allentown School District (ASD). A former student athlete and graduate of William Allen High School, he has worked in ASD as a substitute teacher, high school math teacher, assistant principal, elementary principal, central office director and is now the Executive Director for Middle School Transformation & Virtual Learning. He is a faculty member with the Urban Principal Academy at Lehigh University and a current participant in the Howard University Urban Superintendent Academy. Will serves as a commissioner on the Human Relations Commission for the City of Allentown as well. He enjoys competition and is an avid participant in basketball, cornhole and golf.

Jonathan Vargas

SECRETARY

Jonathan has lived in the Lehigh Valley for 19 years after moving to the area from New York. Growing up, he actively volunteered for non profit organizations such as Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley, the Diocese of Allentown, United Way of the Lehigh Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank. He graduated high school from Bethlehem Catholic, is an Alumni of both Lehigh Carbon Community College and Penn State University and is working towards his MBA & MHA at Moravian University. Jonathan recently joined the Alzheimer's Association as a Programs Manager to help lead educational awareness around the disease to diverse populations. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his puppy, Benji, watching football and taking boxing lessons.

Mark Smith

SENIOR ADVISOR

Mark is the founder, past President and current Advisory Board Member of the Allentown Young Professionals. Born and raised in Allentown, he is a William Allen and Brown University graduate. Mark is a former Board member of the Allentown YMCA, Chair for Special Olympics Basketball tournament, community organizer and basketball and lacrosse coach. He is currently the Broker of record for Hawthorne Real Estate in Allentown and Smith, Alexander & Associates in Manhattan. Mark and his wife reside in Allentown’s West End and Seabrook Island, SC. When not working or coaching, Mark enjoys traveling the world.

Louis Holzman

VICE PRESIDENT

Louis is a lifelong Allentownian and a product of the Allentown School District. (Go Canaries!) He is active in the community, serving in a number of volunteer roles. He is a founding member of the Allentown Young Professionals, vice-chair of the Allentown Arts Commission, and sits on the Allentown Human Relations Commission. He is a big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley and is a coach, board member, and marketing volunteer for Allentown Youth Soccer Club. By day, he is the director of business development at Altitude Marketing. His passions include being a drummer in the band The Front End and he enjoys traveling to new places around the world. A southside resident, homeowner, and real estate investor through property rental company Queen City Realty, he believes the investment of time, dollars and community action is the key to the growth, progression and sustainability of Allentown.

Lauren Matthews

TREASURER

Lauren is an Allentown native and currently resides with her husband in the West End of Allentown. She is a founding member of the Allentown Young Professionals, Board member for the Lehigh Valley Humane Society and founding member of Golf 4 Cancer LV tournament for the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley. In 2015 Lauren was named Woman to Watch 30 and Under by the Lehigh Valley Business, Women of Influence Awards. She is currently the Marketing + Communications Specialist at Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) and enjoys photography and traveling when not working.