Tech Cocktail and DCYE Holiday Party!

As if this week has not been eventful enough, I attended two networking type holiday parties. Tuesday night I got a chance to attend the Tech Cocktail event held at the very cool Disruption Corporation building in Crystal City, VA. It is a very creative space. Disruption Corporation for those who don't know is a company that offers research, investment and advice to the private market. They actually invest in a select number of startups. Not only do they invest in them, and their product in development, but they give them and their team a space to work within their building while they are funding them. One of my favorite parts of the whole night was taking multiple rounds of pictures at the photo booth they had onsite. The coolest part is that the photo booth is there all the time. Talk about a way to have fun at work! 

Oh funny story....I attended this event as the date of someone who I met at the Modev conference. Within the first 30 minutes of me being there the friend who I came with accidentally spilled a drink all over me. Thank goodness I chose to wear the outfit that did not stain. You could not even tell that anything there had been an accident. Beside it being embarrassing, which quickly faded away, I had a great time. 

Wednesday I attended the DC Young Entrepreneurs Holiday Party at the WeWork space in Dupont Circle. If you are not familiar with WeWork let me bring you up to speed. WeWork is a coworking space for startups and entrepreneurs. It's a space where people can rent out office space either for themselves or their whole team and work without the need to pay for an overly large and expensive office space. I absolutely love them. I have been to two so far, The Wonderbread Factory location and the Dupont Location. 

There was a contest to win a free DCYE shirt for the team that won the picture challenge contest. Guess who won........ME! We found this really cool space around the building to take a picture in. We loved this space so much that we went back to take more pictures even after we won our prize. 

It has been a busy yet fun week to say the least. I am having fun along this journey. It is definitely not always easy or comfortable, especially when throwing yourself out there and meeting new people, but one thing I have noticed is that each time it becomes a little easier! 

Expanding My Network: Modev Conference

Last Thursday and Friday I discovered a whole new world. I just want you all to know that right now as I type, I am reframing myself from breaking out in song and dance as I reminisce on my lovely childhood memories from the Disney movie Aladdin. It was so magical right!?

After winning a free All Access ticket to a conference called Modev a few weeks ago at a Meetup event that I attended, I was so excited yet nervous at the same time. I am a graduate student studying Organizational Management with a concentration in Organizational Development. What the heck was I doing attending a conference all about mobile development, you might ask??? Well, in my interest and quest to become an entrepreneur and start a business, I know that I also want to incorporate technology into whatever business that I am launching.

 I graduated from a Science and Technology program in  high school and even though I am way behind with what is going on in the field today, I figured the best way to learn and gain opportunities to work with techies and developers is to go where they are. Needless to say, I met some great people. While, I received great content, even more valuable are the connections and friendships that I have gained since attending this conference.

I am learning so much in such a short period of time just by getting out there. I was very nervous at the beginning because taking this step was definitely outside of my comfort zone,  but the most important thing is that I am taking steps in the right direction and doing the right things. I know that everything else will follow.

Here is a look into my amazing experience from Modev! After speaking with the organizer, I am looking forward to now being a volunteer at future Modev events :)

This panel of Women in Tech leaders was awesome! 

This was on the last day of the conference right before the holiday party started :)

I met some totally awesome people. Millennial love. 

This ended up being the Modev crew for the remainder of the night. Once the conference we over we actually went to this great Thai place and then out Salsa dancing. It was such a fun night and a great experience. 

Head shots and Action shots for Entrepreneurs!

This night was so much fun! I got to do work and get incredible pics taken in a beautiful and clean space. Today there are so many great resources available for startups and entrepreneurs. I believe that people are truly beginning to believe how hard starting a business from the ground up can be and are therefore providing help in tremendous ways. The true test is whether us hungry, excited and sometimes overly critical and frustrated entrepreneurs are taking the time to pull ourselves away from work to take advantage of these things. My involvement in the meet up groups I have joined has been such a breathe of fresh air for me as a current student and inspiring entrepreneur in so many ways. I am a definitely a believer, and I will continue to immerse myself in these type of events! How about you? 

Why Meetup Groups are Awesome For Your Development!

Attending Meetup events has become such an intrecal part of my growth and development throughout my entrepreneurship journey as a student. If you don't know what Meetup groups are just visit meetup.com and let the games begin! But seriously, the people I have met and networked with, the amazing information and knowledge that I have received on all types of topics from mobile app development, building a good ecosystem as an Entrepreneur and not to mention the free food (that's the student in me talking!) and the cool places I have been able to visit as a result of involvement with meet up has  been priceless!

My mom plays so many roles in my life from mother, supporter, coach and mentor! I am really appreciative of the active role both she and my dad so willingly play in my life, but that is a whole other post in itself. I was talking to her a few weeks ago and she mentioned that it would benefit to me to get around other people who are striving for the same goals that I am. Individuals who have skill sets and resources that will allow us to benefit from each other.

This is information that she has mentioned to be before, but this time was different. It stuck this time! That night I began searching for meet up groups in my area that aligned with my interests of Entrepreneurship, Startups, Mobile app and Tech development. I joined about 3 new meet up groups and actually attended my first free event the next evening.

From there it has been great event, after great event. Today is Thursday and this week alone I have attended 3 events, all free, and all packed with great takeaways and opportunities for further development and networking. As a student I am so happy that I am using the time now, while I am still in school and not working full time to explore these options.

There is something very unique that I have noticed. From all the events that I am attending I am always one of the only students ever in attendance. The feedback that I always seem to get when meeting and introducing myself to people is that you are smart for getting out there early, before graduating. The reality is that most people wait until they graduate to begin their business. Many of them may have the idea while in school, but they do not begin executing it until after graduating. They wait until they no longer have the time to explore because they are stressed about money and feel pressed by there responsibilities such as rent, mortgage, car expenses and student loans. My advice to all students is to start your business while in school. Attend events, ask lots of questions and begin building a team and network that will greatly add to your longevity and success as a student, professional and entrepreneur.