From Legal Lens to Lasting Impact: A Gen Z Perspective on Purpose, Balance, & Belonging
In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we continue our Gen Z Insights Series—spotlighting rising professionals shaping the future of associations from the inside out. This special series is made possible by our partners at Highland.

Host Keaveny Hewitt from OnWrd & UpWrd sits down with Rachel Grace Leman, Specialist, Program Development at the Association of Corporate Counsel. With honesty, energy, and thoughtfulness, Rachel shares how her Gen Z perspective is helping reshape the way associations think about meaning, engagement, and professional growth—from mission alignment to mental health to making room for vulnerability at work.

If you care about cultivating next-generation leadership, creating healthier work cultures, or just want to better understand what Gen Z really values—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

Key Highlights:

More Than a Job: Why values alignment and workplace transparency are non-negotiables for Gen Z.

Mental Health & Meaningful Work: How Rachel’s professional journey has been shaped by her experiences with burnout, identity, and mental well-being—and how associations can show up better for their people.

Safe to Grow: What it takes to create a culture where younger professionals feel safe enough to ask questions, take risks, and speak up.

Inside the Legal World: How Rachel’s work at ACC offers a unique lens into one of the most tradition-bound professions—and what Gen Z is bringing to the table.

The Power of Vulnerability: Why authenticity matters, and how Rachel is redefining what professionalism can look like in today’s workplace.

Advice for Association Leaders: Practical ways to support and retain younger team members—starting with listening, investing, and letting them lead.

🎧 Tune in now for a smart, heartfelt, and hopeful conversation that bridges generations and reimagines what a career in associations can be.

Resources:
🌐 Learn more about our series partner Highland: www.highlandsolutions.com
📊 Explore the Young Professional Membership Index: http://ypmi.report

The YPMI offers a quick, 15-minute organizational snapshot that helps association leaders identify gaps in young professional engagement and benchmark their performance against peers. It’s free to take—and packed with immediately actionable insights.

Stay Connected:

Coming Soon:
This May, we’re continuing the conversation with Gen Z professionals who are shaping the future of associations. From redesigning membership models to rethinking workplace culture, our Gen Z Insights series highlights the real stories, bold ideas, and fresh perspectives that are driving innovation across the association sector. These episodes offer an inside look at what’s next—straight from the generation leading the charge.

This special series is brought to you by our friends at Highland, where strategy meets research meets action.

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