Gather & Grow #3
Building connections in your backyard and across the globe
The job hunt can feel like a solo mission, right? That’s why we’re back with the next installment of our “Gather & Grow” series! Our mission? To light up those pathways for in-person connection, showcasing events from around the globe that cover a diverse range of topics and themes.
Remember our team is mostly based in the DC area, so it’s easy for us to miss out on incredible events happening elsewhere. But that’s where you come in! If you know of an event you believe others in our community would find valuable, please reach out and let us know!
Monday, October 13th
Chevy Chase, MD: Studio Art & Family Fun
Looking to do something fun with your kids? Join we are wellfed. and Pivoting Parents for a night full of pizza, shaved ice and art!
Tickets are limited but you can register here.
Wednesday, October 15th
Global Opportunity: Impact First (Virtual)
Impact First brings together iNGOs, international agencies, governments, and the private sector for a free, fully virtual one-day event focused on learning, collaboration, and showcasing the latest trends in digital development. Join a global audience for dynamic programming from 8 AM - 1 PM EST / 13:00 to 18:00 GMT.
This year’s Summit features thought-provoking panels, practical workshops, and interactive networking. It’s where changemakers share bold ideas and proven approaches to advance inclusive, sustainable development.
Thursday, October 16th
London, UK: World Food Day - Securing the Future of Food
Join Venture Café London as they partner with the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) to explore how cutting-edge science and bold innovation are shaping the future of food systems. This special edition Thursday Gathering, from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, coincides with World Food Day and the 80th anniversary of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The event will spotlight breakthrough ideas in AgriTech, food security, and synthetic biology, with lightning talks, panels, hands-on demo stations, a food tasting, and a workshop on the History of the Potato. Whether you’re a scientist, founder, investor, or simply curious, this is your chance to connect with innovators and learn what’s next!
Friday, October 17th - Sunday, October 19th
Dallas, TX: Hay Festival Forum 2025
Step into a world of different experiences at Hay Festival Forum Dallas 2025! Taking place across the Bishop Arts District from October 17–19, the program features 30 events with writers, musicians, and activists in conversations, performances, and book clubs.
Hay Festival Global brings together diverse voices from the worlds of art, literature, science, politics, music, and comedy to listen, talk, debate, and create.
Explore the program and get your passes.
Saturday, October 18th
Los Angeles, CA: Free Financial Planning Day!
The annual Pro Bono (free) Financial Planning Day is back at the Downtown Los Angeles Central Library, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM!
Don’t miss this opportunity for a free, private consultation with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® on various personal financial issues, including debt management, retirement planning, investment strategies, income taxes, insurance, and estate planning. Plus, there will be free credit checks and workshops throughout the day.
Learn more and sign up for a financial planning session here.
Saturday, October 18th
DC Area: Country of Service Cooking Class with RPCVNexus
Looking to support a great cause and get some tasty Southern and Afro-Caribbean eats? Then head to Eastern Market and chow down!
Ticket covers the cooking class, your meal, plus a drink. Proceeds from the event help RPCVNexus provide career resources and mentoring support for Peace Corps Volunteers who are looking for support after completing their service overseas.
Tickets are limited so reserve your spot today!
Monday, October 20th
DC Area: Wonderlust Storytelling Competition
Wonderlust is a unique storytelling competition and cultural celebration where eight storytellers are paired with an actor and a coach to translate their story from words to the stage. Applications are open to anyone who has lived abroad for at least one year, and the story categories include: We Like to Party, Intercultural Romance, Lost in Translation, You’re Not in Kansas Anymore, The Town Gossip, and We All Bleed Red.
The event is on November 15th at 7:00 PM at Joe’s Movement Emporium, but the application deadline is October 20th.
Interested in telling your story? Submit your application here.
Monday, October 20th – Friday, October 24th
DC Area: DC Startup & Tech Week
Celebrating a decade of impact, DC Startup & Tech Week (DCSTW) returns with one of its largest programs to date! Drawing over 8,000 attendees from across the U.S. and internationally, expect hundreds of sessions, founder showcases, pitch competitions, and curated networking across Washington, D.C. This milestone cements the city’s standing as a global hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and capital.
DCSTW is the region’s largest entrepreneurship and innovation conference, uniting founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders to catalyze growth, partnerships, and investment throughout the DMV and beyond.
Check out more information and get your tickets here.
Tuesday, October 21st
Global Opportunity: Bouncing Back After a Layoff (Virtual)
Layoffs can be disorienting and scary to experience, but they can also be a turning point for your career. Join Radhika Bhatt (Saathe Studio), Joe O’Connor (Career Pivot), and Kyle Dietrich (Grounded Idealist) for an honest and supportive conversation about how to navigate career transitions with resilience and strategy.
This event is open to anyone who has recently experienced a layoff, including federal employees, tech workers, nonprofit workers, and anyone else who has been impacted. Whether you’re in the middle of a transition or simply preparing for what’s next, this discussion will leave you with clarity, encouragement, and practical next steps.
Wednesday, October 22nd
DC Area: APSIA Alumni Networking
Join alumni from across all member schools in the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) for a networking event in DC! Alumni from any APSIA member school are welcome, whether you are looking for contacts, a job, or just looking to offer support.
This event runs from 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM at the Mary Graydon Student Center American University. So start your morning with free coffee, doughnuts, and new connections.
Check this link for more details and sign up to attend.
Friday, October 24th
DC Area: Everyday Democracy
Civic leaders across the country will be gathering at the Everyday Democracy Forum hosted by New America’s Political Reform Program, New America’s Education Policy Program, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE), Campus Compact, and Democracy Notes.
The program will feature back-to-back fireside chats with experts who are advancing participatory governance in communities around the United States. From local democracy forums to grassroots coalitions, panelists will discuss how they are building trust, collectively solving everyday problems, and strengthening civic life at the local level.
Friday, October 24th – Saturday, October 25th
Abuja, Nigeria: Focus Africa Annual Leadership Summit
Theme: “Leadership in Africa: The Shared Role of Government, Businesses, Institutions and Citizens in Driving the Continent’s Economic Development.”
The Focus Africa Annual Leadership Summit is one of Africa’s premier gatherings for leaders across government, business, traditional institutions, civil society, and international development. This year’s edition will take place in Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together influential voices committed to shaping Africa’s economic future.
Saturday, October 25th
Los Angeles, CA: The Impact Exchange Mixer
Head to the Capital One Café for a night of networking and collaboration at The Impact Exchange Small Business & Non Profit Mixer! Connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the world. Whether you’ve been in business for years or are just starting out, this event is the perfect opportunity to share ideas, gain insights, and build relationships within the community.
RSVP for The Impact Exchange Mixer.
Thursday, October 30th – Friday, October 31st
Capetown, South Africa: Sustainability Week Africa
As the continent that contributes least to global emissions but is affected the most by a warming planet, Africa deserves both progress—and profit—from sustainability.
The 2nd annual Sustainability Week Africa aims to amplify Africa’s voice in the global climate debate while helping to attract investment for the continent’s economic take-off. With a practical focus on how African governments, businesses, and communities can benefit from going green, this event is about driving action for the continent’s energy transition in a just and equitable way.
Learn more and register to attend here.
Now – Wednesday, December 31st
DC Area: Remembering USAID Through the Arts
Lily Kak, Mihira Karra, and Clinton White are organizing a month-long art exhibition called Remembering USAID Through the Arts. This exhibit will tell the story of a shared experience of USAID employees, implementing partners, and their families and friends who supported the USAID mission with passion, compassion, and commitment to help save lives and build a better world.
The exhibition will take place in March 2026 at the Compass Atelier, but anyone interested in having their art showcased as part of the exhibition can reach out to the team starting October 1st.
If you’re interested in getting involved reach out to Lily Kak, Mihira Karra, or Clinton White directly.
Your Turn!
We’d love to hear from you if you attend any of these events! Share your takeaways and new connections with the community.
We’re dedicated to making this a consistent feature, a dedicated space for fostering connections. So, if you know of any events that would benefit members in your area (or globally), please send them our way! Let’s continue to build a stronger, more connected community together.