Black History Month: Local CEO creates premier networking company
The Brief
February is Black History Month and we are celebrating people and organizations in our community making a difference.
A Philadelphia native who launched a networking company three years ago, focusing on connecting Black and Brown professionals is being highlighted.
PHILADELPHIA - Senzwa Ntshepe is the CEO of The Connect, Philadelphia's premier networking group for Black and Brown professionals.
The mission of The Connect is to create city ecosystems where professionals can thrive socially, professionally, and philanthropically. The organization helps Black professionals build community while also helping to facilitate access to career opportunities by bringing together people from diverse industries.
What they're saying
"The Connect is birthed off of need," said Ntshepe. "A lot of folks were leaving Philadelphia to seek better social and professional opportunities elsewhere. We really say that we like to connect folks to capital, conviction, and community. And community is really at the center of everything that we do."
"When Black and Brown folks have felt threatened or have felt uncomfortable, community is always what saved them," he continued.
"We strive to create a space where it feels like home," said Stephon Braithwaite-Martin, The Connect's Chief Growth Officer. "Where you're meeting strangers, but it feels like family. It is paramount that our Black folks are able to find communities they feel safe in. That we can be our own multifaceted selves."
Big picture view
The group achieves their mission through year-round events such as their Black Excellence Gala, engaging conversations, and Friday night's LikeMinded Black History Month Mixer.
"They know that people feel a little bit nervous," said Ashley Lyles, CEO of A+ Event Consulting. "I think they make it a point to make events very engaging and friendly and open and we always have fun."
What you can do
The Connect has expanded to Washington, D.C. and a chapter will soon launch in Memphis, Tennessee. It is free to become a member. You can find more information on The Connect's website, here.
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