23 Young Geospatial Professionals to Watch in 2023 – 6 of 23
Name: Megan Young
Company: California Public Utilities Commission
Current Position: Senior Spatial Analyst
Age: 31
Education: BS Environmental Systems and Earth Sciences, University of California, San Diego
Biography: Young is a leader, a trusted mentor, and a great advocate for the geospatial industry. She serves as a senior spatial analyst for the California Public Utilities Commission where she utilizes geospatial data and analysis to inform public advocacy efforts for state utility regulation, spanning the water, telecommunications, and energy sectors. In addition to providing geospatial analysis support, she manages and administers the CPUC CalAdvocates data library, and provides support and mentorship to junior geospatial professionals within her team.
In 2020, Megan was selected as a member of URISA’s Vanguard Cabinet, an advisory board composed of passionate young professionals focused on engaging with young geospatial professionals, increasing their involvement in the industry and organization, and providing them opportunities to develop their personal, professional, and leadership skills. During her three-year term, she served as the chair of the GIS Pro committee and led other members of the cabinet as they worked to create opportunities for young geospatial professionals at the annual URISA GIS Pro conference. This included helping to coordinate a digital competition for students across the globe to showcase their GIS projects, presentations at the GIS Pro conference, and opportunities to volunteer at the conference.
In her third year on the cabinet, Megan served as the cabinet chair and oversaw operations throughout the year. She provided oversight and mentorship to other members of the cabinet and ensured that all committees had the support and resources they needed to accomplish their goals of providing support and resources to young geospatial professionals.
In October of this year, at the 60th annual URISA GIS Pro conference in Boise, Idaho, Megan was recognized with URISA’s Young Professional of the Year Award for her significant contributions to URISA, the Vanguard Cabinet, and young geospatial professionals across the industry.