Meet Joseph (JP) Papich: LSPAA's October Alumni Spotlight
Joseph (JP) Papich, LSP Class of 2019 is known to his classmates as 'JP from W3'. Now he's embarking on a new community adventure with several LSP alumni at his side. Read more about JP, what made his LSP experience memorable, and what he's up to now.
How have you been involved with LSP since graduation?
W3 Insurance is an annual sponsor of LSP so one of our advisors is always around. Weyman T. Willingham was in the inaugural class. Manny Carmona was in the class of 2023, and for the 2024 class, W3 Insurance will be a Presenting Sponsor.
What was your greatest takeaway from your LSP experience?
I am rarely at an event around town where there is not a fellow LSP alum. In meetings, I know the LSP grad is willing to look beyond him/her self to think of others. In social gatherings, I know there will be an instant connection and good stories to share. I’m extremely grateful for the lessons learned and friendships made during the program.
Have you visited your class project since its completion? If yes, how did it feel to revisit your work?
Yes! Our class project was a garden at Academy Prep and I am a board member at the James B. Sanderlin Neighborhood Family Center right next door. I can drive by the garden any time and it becomes a bright spot in my day.
What is your professional job and what do you do in it?
I'm the Assistant Vice President, Employee Benefits Advisor at W3 Insurance. I help non-profit organizations and private companies gain greater control of their health plan spending. My role is to clarify a complex healthcare delivery system and to give advice that enables employers and employees to confidently make beneficial health plan decisions.
What are your free time hobbies?
My husband and I really enjoy kayaking. We’re working our way through Florida’s waterways and as a result we’re learning more about the state than we ever thought we’d get to.
What’s next for you?
Right now, I am working to launch 100 Good Guys – St Pete. It’s a giving circle based on the idea that 100 Guys x$100 = $10,000 to donate to a local non-profit.
What inspired this new venture?
I was inspired by my LSP classmate Christina Noordstar who co-founded 100 Women Who Care – St Pete. At their last quarterly meeting they were able to donate $37,000. I hope our group will grow beyond 100 members someday too.
Each quarter we meet for 2-3 hours at a local brewhouse to hear three non-profit pitches, vote to donate our combined funds, and socialize. That program is short but members have the opportunity to get more involved with any non-profit that inspires them.
100 Good Guys has a Steering Committee that includes Jeff Baker (LSP 2016), Mark Sprague (LSP 2020), Dex Fabian, and me. After our first meeting in December, we’ll put a Selection Committee together so we can have a proper application process for non-profits that would like to pitch.
Click here to learn more about this community opportunity to join fellow LSP alumni and give back.
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Join us in thanking JP for his time and engagement with the LSP Alumni Association and the greater St. Petersburg community.