20 Years of Impact - Justin Oswald's Story

Pensacola Young Professionals

20 Years of Impact

Celebrating the people and stories behind PYP.

For me, Pensacola Young Professionals came into my life at exactly the right time.

My name is Justin Oswald, and I currently serve as the Executive Pastor at Transformation Church. I joined PYP in 2021, but interestingly enough, I had heard about the organization nearly 10 years earlier. For whatever reason, I never took the step to get involved. Looking back now, I wish I would have joined sooner.

Like many people coming out of the COVID era, I found myself reevaluating a lot of things. Professionally, things were going well. I loved what I did, and I was deeply invested in my work and my church. But honestly, my entire world revolved around those spaces. I realized I needed an outlet beyond my own industry. I wanted to meet other driven, community-minded people my age and become more connected to the broader Pensacola community.

That is exactly what PYP gave me.

What surprised me most was how quickly relationships formed. It did not feel transactional or forced. It felt genuine. Some of my closest friendships today came directly from PYP. We still get together regularly, and our little group became known as the “Breakfast Club.” (Shoutout to the OG BC: Sara Lefevers, Meg Brown, Ruthie Noel, Kyle Schoolar, and Zack Suggs.) Those friendships alone made joining worth it.

One of the most memorable experiences during my time with PYP was helping launch and host the organization’s first — and still only — podcast. It was such a fun opportunity to spotlight people, conversations, and ideas impacting young professionals. It also perfectly reflected what I love about PYP: creating spaces where young professionals can connect, collaborate, and contribute to their future and the future of our city.

After joining, I was quickly asked to serve on the board and was elected Vice President of Economic Development & Government Affairs. From there, I became President-Elect and eventually had the honor of serving as President in 2023-2024.

PYP changed the way I see Pensacola.

As a Pensacola native, I have always loved this city, but PYP deepened that love. It exposed me to the inner workings of our community — the challenges, opportunities, growth, and complexity behind the scenes. It helped me see not only where Pensacola is today, but where it could be in the future.

It also dramatically expanded my network and community involvement. Because of relationships and opportunities connected to PYP, I was able to participate in Leadership Pensacola (LeaP) and later Leadership Northwest Florida — experiences that absolutely would not have happened without PYP.

More importantly, PYP reminded me that leadership is not limited to your profession. You can love your career and still have a responsibility to invest in your city. That perspective shaped me personally and professionally.

Pensacola is changing rapidly. New businesses are opening. New people are moving here. New ideas are shaping the future of our city. In the middle of all that change, organizations like PYP matter because they give young professionals a voice. They create space for people who care deeply about Pensacola and want to help shape what comes next.

To any young professional wondering whether to join, my honest answer is simple: Why wouldn’t you? You never know which conversation could become a friendship, which connection could open a door, or which opportunity could completely reshape your perspective on your city and your future.

I joined PYP looking to expand my network. What I found was community, friendship, leadership growth, and a deeper connection to the city I call home. And for that, I will always be grateful.

About the 20 Years of Impact Series:

For 20 years, PYP has connected people, developed leaders, and strengthened our community. Through our 20 Years of Impact series, we're highlighting the stories, memories, and experiences that have shaped our journey. Read the stories and celebrate our legacy at pensacolayp.com/20th