Pradeep Rajendran (second from left) attends a YPN Leadership 100 event with St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley (left) and others.

Some of the St. Louis region’s most creative minds are part of the RBC’s Young Professionals Network Leadership 100. But who are they and how are they helping to shape a stronger St. Louis? That’s what we’re addressing in our blog series, “Meet the YPN Leadership 100.” Over time, we’ll introduce you to members of our YPN community who are providing exceptional leadership, service, culture and innovation to our area.

Today’s featured YPN Leadership 100 member is Pradeep Rajendran, a senior IT project manager and consultant at AT&T. Pradeep graduated from the University of Madras, India, and earned advanced degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He volunteers with the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

Learn more about Pradeep in our interview below!

You wear many hats. How would you introduce yourself to a new YPN member?

I usually just go by my profession. However, during the conversion, I invariably find out that we have a common interest or there is some service or connection I can facilitate through other organizations I am involved in.

What do you enjoy about belonging to organizations like YPN?

Organizations like YPN allow peers across different industries and professions to connect and collaborate. When like minded people are brought together, good things start to happen. One example is the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, which was started with the support of RBC. Its board is made up of many YPN members, including myself.

Describe a favorite project that you’re currently working on.

I am part of a small group of people creating a startup support organization affiliated with Arch Grants. The project is in its very early stages, but I am really excited about its potential to attract and — more importantly — retain startups in St. Louis.

Why should someone base their business in St. Louis?

Two words: affordability and community.

St. Louis has a low cost of living compared to other big cities. Most startups are on a shoestring budget, so why pay $2000 for a small studio apartment above a noisy restaurant in those cities when you can live like royalty in beautiful St.Louis brick buildings while you make your first million?

Equally important is community. St. Louis has people who are excited about startups and will do whatever they can to help your startup succeed. The startup support system is very strong in St. Louis and is growing stronger. With organizations like RBC, Arch Grants, Capital Innovators, T-Rex, Cultivation Capital, ITEN and more, startups have everything they need to succeed.

What’s one St. Louis tradition that everyone must experience?

There are many, but I love sledding on Art Hill. It is impossible not to be happy when sledding. I enjoy the camaraderie among strangers united by the goal of flying down the hill at high speeds and getting a face full of snow.

For more information about Pradeep’s projects, email him at pradeeprajendran@yahoo.com.

• Read about YPN Leadership 100 members Tara Pham and Steven Harris.