Doctorate

The public sphere is currently dominated by a handful of social media platforms — for example, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit — all built on centralized networks. Centralized networks concentrate decision-making and infrastructure in a single entity that manages user identity, data storage, policy enforcement, and content curation. This concentration of control grants platforms enormous power over online communication and public discourse. Yet these platforms are operated by unelected actors accountable primarily to shareholders rather than the public. I argue that operators of platforms built on centralized networks can’t legitimately exercise power over the public sphere. By contrast, platforms built on decentralized networks — which distribute control over identity, data, and policy across independent nodes interoperating through open protocols — can in principle exercise their power legitimately. The upshot is that legitimate platform governance requires migrating to decentralized architectures. Chris Howard https://www.mcgill.ca/philosophy/chris-howard Associate Professor Department of Philosophy McGill University About the Speaker: I'm an Associate Professor of Philosophy at [McGill University](https://www.mcgill.ca/philosophy/), where i direct the [Philosophy, Technology, & Policy Lab](https://www.mcgillptplab.com/). My earlier work was in normative ethics & metaethics. Now I work on questions about power, legitimacy, & governance in digital infrastructure. I'm focused on the illegitimate power of centralized social media platforms & AI systems, & on the prospects for legitimate decentralized alternatives. Before joining McGill, I was a research assistant professor at [UNC-Chapel Hill](https://philosophy.unc.edu/) & core faculty in the [UNC/Duke program in philosophy, politics, & economics](https://ppe.unc.edu/). **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \*** This is a talk with audience Q&A presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics that is free to attend and open to the public. The talk will also be streamed online with live chat [here](https://www.youtube.com/live/NGJrCWCnkyY). About the Centre for Ethics (http://ethics.utoronto.ca): The Centre for Ethics is an interdisciplinary centre aimed at advancing research and teaching in the field of ethics, broadly defined. The Centre seeks to bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge of diverse scholars, students, public servants and social leaders in order to increase understanding of the ethical dimensions of individual, social, and political life. In pursuit of its interdisciplinary mission, the Centre fosters lines of inquiry such as (1) foundations of ethics, which encompasses the history of ethics and core concepts in the philosophical study of ethics; (2) ethics in action, which relates theory to practice in key domains of social life, including bioethics, business ethics, and ethics in the public sphere; and (3) ethics in translation, which draws upon the rich multiculturalism of the City of Toronto and addresses the ethics of multicultural societies, ethical discourse across religious and cultural boundaries, and the ethics of international society. The Ethics of A.I. Lab at the Centre For Ethics recently appeared on a list of 10 organizations leading the way in ethical A.I.: https://ocean.sagepub.com/blog/10-organizations-leading-the-way-in-ethical-ai

The Toronto Accolades Chorus is performing at a private function. Please check our other events for new membership information and regular rehearsals

The Ethereum Developers Meetup in Toronto (and surrounding area) is back for 2026! Our first guest of the year will be [Jan Gorzny](https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jangorzny), co-founder of the Ethereum Layer 2 [Zircuit](https://www.zircuit.com/), the safe haven for onchain finance. We have a second guest confirmed last minute who unexpectedly showed up in Toronto! [Willem Olding](https://www.linkedin.com/in/willem-olding/) of Boundless Network, will be showcasing some work from Signal Ethereum, ZK-proofs of Ethereum consensus. Jan is a co-founder of Zircuit. He is an experienced researcher in algorithm design and formal methods and is interested in all things rollups, plasma, and beyond. At Zircuit, Jan's research is focused on sequencer-level security, minimizing proof generation time, and developing novel methods to check the correctness of zero-knowledge circuits. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo in 2022. Willem has worked in crypto since 2018, and on Ethereum since 2021. For much of this time his focus has been on verifiable computation in the form of state channels, fraud proofs, and ZK proofs. He currently works as a protocol engineer at Boundless Network, a spinout company of RISC Zero. Regardless if you're new to the Ethereum community or have been in this community for years, we'd love to get Toronto, Waterloo and surrounding area Ethereum builders bonded together to create and build synergies. Please join us for some refreshments and enjoy a couple hours surrounded by like-minded builders of Ethereum. RSVP here and follow our Luma group calendar here: https://luma.com/ethereumdevelopers

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone ! Welcome to our new location : The Urban House Kitchen & Bar on Queen St East! If you're available, please join us on the SECOND FLOOR of Urban House Kitchen & Bar, for your favourite Film and TV Networking evenings. Rain, Shine or Blizzard, WE WILL BE THERE! If you want to make sure you're receiving this invitation by email every month, please register for FREE at [https://tinyurl.com/TFIJan2026](https://tinyurl.com/TFIJan2026) Of course, if you feel sick, have a fever, a cough, or don't feel comfortable with attending such an event post COVID times, please, don't put yourself and others in a bad position, and wait for the next one, because there will always be a next one. :D Bring your smiles and business cards! See you there ! DISCLAIMER : The organizers are not responsible for the potential stupid behaviour of some people, and you and us know that there is always a possibility of these happening, so by RSVPing to this event, you assume all responsibility and won't be able to hold the organizers responsible if anything happens that is related to your decision of attending. ================ JANUARY Toronto Film and TV Industry Social Evening Thursday, Jan 29th 2026, 6PM The SECOND FLOOR at Urban House Kitchen & Bar 718 Queen St E. Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

The Future of Software Needs Product Leaders Who Build With Purpose Join GitLab and Obsidi® for an exclusive Tech Talk in Toronto—designed specifically for mid- to senior-level product managers who are shaping the next era of technology and want to accelerate their impact. As a global DevSecOps leader, GitLab is transforming the way products are built, shipped, secured, and scaled in a fully remote-first world. This event explores how GitLab’s AI-driven development, secure product practices, and inclusive culture are setting new standards for product leadership across the industry. This isn’t just a tech conversation—it’s a career catalyst. Connect directly with GitLab product leaders, hear how they navigate complex roadmaps at global scale, and discover what it takes to lead product with clarity, influence, and vision. **Why Product Managers Should Attend** * **Advance your career trajectory** \- Engage with GitLab’s product recruitment team\, explore open roles\, and uncover how your experience aligns with their global product strategy\. * **Learn from product leaders building at scale** \- Gain insights from GitLab’s senior product and engineering experts on leading AI integration\, driving security\-first product decisions\, and building in a DevSecOps world\. * **Expand your influence and network** \- Connect with fellow product professionals and innovators across the Obsidi® community who are charting new paths in tech leadership\. 💻 Can’t attend in person? Join virtually and take part in the conversation online. **[CLICK HERE](https://app.obsidi.com/event/8ce930f5-5e50-433f-8b0b-b747518fd855?utm_source=obsidi&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=TechTalk-2026-jan-29&utm_content=meetup-hyperlink&utm_obsidi_source=events)** to register

*Games Schedule* Wednesday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 3 / 5 NLH - $500 Free Roll Thursday Event: - 1 / 2 NLH - Deep Stack - Min 100 - Max 1000 - $500 Free Roll Friday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 1 / 3 PLO - $500 Free Roll Saturday Event: - 1 / 2 NLH - Deep Stack - Min 100 - Max 1000 - $500 Free Roll Sunday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 2 / 2 PLO - $500 Free Roll Monday Event: - 1 / 3 NLH - 3 / 5 NLH - $500 Free Roll

Join us for an evening of French conversation at B Espresso Bar in the atrium of the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music (near St. George station)!
We welcome all levels of French, and it's free\*.
Venez pratiquer votre français! \*While there is no fee to attend this event, guests are expected to purchase something from B Espresso Bar, in accordance with RCM's restrictions on usage of the cafe atrium space. **Building location:** The Royal Conservatory is at 273 Bloor St W, between Varsity Stadium and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). There are entrances off Bloor St. and Philosopher's Walk. If you enter from Bloor St through the large glass doors, follow the hallway on the left beside the staircase and turn left at the end. (Closest TTC: St. George) **Notes and restrictions:** The host may or may not attend this event. Attendees are encouraged to seat themselves at two or more adjacent tables, as needed. Please form groups of 6 people at each table; do not rearrange chairs and tables to accommodate more people, as this obstructs the narrow walking space. Guests are expected to order something from the cafe, and are asked to please refrain from bringing outside food or drink. Attendees must leave the building at 8pm when the cafe stops serving. **Contributions:** If you are a regular with us and would like to support the group, please send any contributions by e-transfer to [diskutomeetup@gmail.com.](http://diskutomeetup@gmail.com.) The yearly donation goal and amounts received year-to-date will be tracked anonymously on [this google sheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18GfqYsis8Cf2XGg4KsKQJsY_0Fv3bsSQHwJAxvC1Km8/edit?usp=sharing). Thank you so much for your support.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** Get your history fix, and get February off to a good start, with this special double tour. It combines both U of T and historic Yorkville in one shot. On March 15, 1827, a royal charter was issued by King George IV, for the establishment of King's College. The charter was the result of the efforts of John Strachan, the Anglican Bishop of Toronto, the College's first president. King's College was a religious institution tied to the Church of England and the Family Compact. In 1849, the newly elected government of Canada voted to rename the College, University of Toronto and broke with the church. Strachan resigned to open Trinity College as a private seminary. University College was created as a branch of University of Toronto. During the American Civil War, the threat of Union blockade prompted the creation of the University Rifle Corps, which saw action against the Fenians on the Niagara border in 1866. Founded in 1830 by Joseph Bloor, and William Botsford Jarvis, the Village of Yorkville was muddy York's northern residential suburb. With historic establishments like The Red Lion Inn, Yorkville Town Hall or even the fierce political radical William Lyon Mackenzie, it was here that notoriety was achieved, in Yorkville itself. Omnibus horse drawn streetcar service started in 1849 to connect the old St. Lawrence Market in Toronto with Yorkville, and by 1853, the population of the village had reached 1,000 residents. By the 1870s, Potter's Field, a cemetery stretching west of Yonge Street at Bloor Street was closed, and the remains moved to other area cemeteries. Yorkville was growing fast, and soon Toronto was ready to pull the neighbourhood into its orbit. On February 1, 1883, Yorkville's name changed officially. It was now known as St. Paul's Ward! This walking tour is for all fitness levels and skills. Please dress for the weather. The extensive walking tour begins at the Queen's Park SUBWAY Station at the **southwest corner** of University Avenue and College Street adjacent to the Tim Horton's at the corner. The walk ends at the Toronto Reference Library at Yonge Street and Asquith. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

***Tickets must be purchased in advance!*** [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-hottest-content-creators-influencers-ugc-social-night-tickets-1980332824788?aff=Fbinterest](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-hottest-content-creators-influencers-ugc-social-night-tickets-1980332824788?aff=Fbinterest) ## 🔥 Toronto’s Hottest Content Creators, Influencers & UGC Social Night Looking to meet **Toronto content creators, influencers, and UGC creators** in a fun, high-energy, no-pressure setting? Welcome to **Toronto’s Hottest Content Creators, Influencers & UGC Social Night** — an exclusive evening designed for creators who want to **connect organically, create content, and vibe** in one of the city’s hottest venues. ## 🎥 Who Should Attend ✔️ Content creators & UGC creators ✔️ Influencers (micro to macro) ✔️ Videographers & photographers ✔️ Social media managers ✔️ Brand founders & creative entrepreneurs ✔️ Anyone building a personal brand online Whether you’re growing your first 1,000 followers or managing multiple brand deals, this night is about **community, creativity, and connection**. ## 🍸 What to Expect ✨ A stylish Toronto venue with great lighting ✨ A fun, welcoming crowd of creators ✨ Music, drinks & social vibes ✨ Opportunities to meet collaborators, models & photographers ✨ A space to shoot content, network naturally & enjoy the night No awkward networking. No pressure. Just good people and great energy. ## 🎟️ Ticket Options 🎫 **Early Bird** – Limited quantity 🎫 **General Admission** 🎫 **2-for-1 Creator Tickets** (perfect for bringing a friend) Tickets are limited to maintain a curated experience. **Join Our Community** Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/stellarsocialsbylimitless](https://www.instagram.com/stellarsocialsbylimitless "https://www.instagram.com/stellarsocialsbylimitless") Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/people/Stellar-Socials-By-Limitless/61567104153339/](https://www.facebook.com/people/Stellar-Socials-By-Limitless/61567104153339/ "https://www.facebook.com/people/Stellar-Socials-By-Limitless/61567104153339/") **Notice of Photography**: Please note that photos and videos will be taken during the event for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. If you prefer not to appear in media, kindly notify one of the event organizers.

**RESERVING on MEETUP does NOT confirm your spot**. Please Text 416-500-8946 or email admin@JLSoccer.com ONLY to RSVP. DO NOT SHOW UP WITHOUT SIGNING UP IN ADVANCE. YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY. **HOW TO SIGN UP:** http://www.torontoindoorsoccer.com/ TORONTO'S BEST INDOOR PICKUP SOCCER PROGRAM HOSTED BY SOCCER TORONTO EST. 2008 **\*\* FALL/WINTER SCHEDULE \*\*** * Mondays 10PM-12AM * Thursdays 10PM-12AM Pickup soccer is held every week at the newly renovated METRO GOLF SPORTSPLEX located at 125 MILNER AVENUE (MCCOWAN & 401). There are lots of regular skilled soccer players who attend on a weekly basis along with new players who are welcome, and there is always a game! New players each match! This pickup soccer program is hosted by Soccer Toronto and has been AROUND SINCE 2008. **\*\*\*\*\* IMPORTANT INFO \*\*\*\*\*** • **FORMAT:** 7 vs 7 OR 8 vs 8 • **LEVEL:** All players welcome (Beginners to Advanced) • **COST:** $25/player. *Payment must be made in advance via email money transfer sent to:* *admin@JLSoccer.com* • **FULL INFO:** www.torontoindoorsoccer.com (Rules) • **HOW TO SIGN UP:** Text 416-500-8946 or email admin@JLSoccer.com **\*\*\*\*\* MORE INFO \*\*\*\*\*** Indoor turf shoes recommended (No cleats). Shin guards recommended. Jerseys/Pinnies/Ball are all provided. Show up ready to play! Bring water. Meet the organizer on the first field when you enter the facility. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Please reserve at least 1-2 days in advance to ensure availability. It's first come, first served. Space is limited!

The future of software needs product leaders who build with purpose. Join GitLab and Obsidi® for an **[exclusive Tech Talk](https://app.obsidi.com/event/8ce930f5-5e50-433f-8b0b-b747518fd855?utm_source=obsidi&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=techtalks-2026-jan-29&utm_content=meetup-hyperlink&utm_obsidi_source=events)** in Toronto—designed specifically for mid- to senior-level product managers who are shaping the next era of technology and want to accelerate their impact. As a global DevSecOps leader, GitLab is transforming the way products are built, shipped, secured, and scaled in a fully remote-first world. This Tech Talk explores how GitLab’s AI-driven development, secure-by-design product practices, and product-led culture are redefining what excellence looks like for today’s product leaders. This isn’t just a tech conversation—it’s a career catalyst. Connect directly with GitLab’s product leaders, hear how they navigate complex roadmaps at global scale, and discover what it takes to lead product with clarity, influence, and vision. Build smarter. Lead stronger. Ship with purpose — at GitLab. 💻 Can’t attend in person? Join virtually and take part in the conversation online. **[CLICK HERE TO REGISTER](https://app.obsidi.com/event/8ce930f5-5e50-433f-8b0b-b747518fd855?utm_source=obsidi&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=techtalks-2026-jan-29&utm_content=meetup-hyperlink&utm_obsidi_source=events)**

❄️⛳️ **Don Valley Golf Course Winter Walk** **Yes, we’re walking a golf course. In winter. Because we can.** Did you know that in the winter you can actually **walk the paths of Toronto-owned golf courses**? No golfers, no carts — just wide open space, fresh air, and a completely different way to experience the city. It feels a little bit sneaky, a little bit special, and very *“I didn’t know you could do that.”* Join us for a **short, easy 90-minute winter walk** through **Don Valley Golf Course**. It’s something different, surprisingly peaceful, and a great excuse to get outside when most people are hiding indoors. The trails may have snow, the air will be crisp, and yes — **it will be cold**… but that’s part of the fun. There is **no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing options**. Dress properly and you’ll be totally fine — maybe even smug about it 😏❄️ Miss this and you’ll later say, *“Wait… you walked a golf course??”* *** 🍗 **LUNCH AFTER** After the walk, join us for **lunch at Swiss Chalet** — always a group favourite with warm food, fair prices, and cozy winter vibes. *(You don’t have to join for lunch, but it’s highly recommended.)* *** ⚠️ **IMPORTANT NOTES** • If the **TTC is closed** this weekend, we’ll move the event to another date • This walk happens in **cold and snow** • **Do not sign up** if you’re not ready to walk in winter • Event will only be cancelled if it reaches **-20°C** *** 📍 **MEETUP LOCATION** I’ll be waiting **near the Shell gas station**, wearing my **famous Moose Hat** 🦌 (Easy to spot, even in a snowstorm.) *** 🎒 **WHAT TO BRING** • Water • **Good boots** (very important) • Gloves & hat • Something warm to drink ☕ • A snack *** ⏰ **LEAVING TIME** Any time you like — stay for the full walk or head out when you’re ready. 👀 **NOT SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT?** You can **just show up** or decide on the day. Winter plans don’t need pressure. *** 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) ⚠️ **NOTE:** Sometimes things happen and I may need to cancel — please keep an eye out for updates. *** ❄️ Wide paths. Winter air. A golf course with no golfers. This is one of those walks people don’t realize they want… until they do. **Organizer:** Mathew 📧 **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

In modern Java applications, distributed systems are everywhere, and so are failure modes. But how do you know when your cluster is fragile, or if it’s on the brink of breaking? This talk dives into practical observability and resiliency techniques for distributed Java environments. We’ll highlight key patterns, failure signals, and metrics that matter, backed by a live demo using Hazelcast, Chaos-mesh, Prometheus, and Grafana. You’ll learn: Core Patterns – Leader election, partitioning, replication Metrics That Matter – Backup count, member count, JVM health, Golden Signals Failure-Aware Design – Resilience patterns, chaos testing principles Live Demo – Deploy a working cluster, simulate node failure, and explore metrics to observe how data integrity holds as the system nears its fault tolerance threshold Ideal for Java developers, architects, and SREs, this session blends theory, tools, and real-world failure scenarios to help you build distributed systems that stay online—even when things go wrong. **About the venue** Free Times Cafe has bistro-style seating and a full food and drink menu. Please consider helping to support the venue by planning to have supper during the talk. **Speaker Bio** Joe Sherwin is a Principal Solution Architect at Hazelcast with 22 years of experience in the design, development, and implementation of application systems within multi-tier distributed computing environments. Working with clients such as Vanguard, Fannie Mae, Federal Reserve Bank, Citi Group, Bear Stearns, Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, Comcast Corp, Webster Bank, Gartner Group, The Hartford Life Company, IBM Global Services, Mass Mutual, Lincoln National Financial Corporation, Bank of America, and Barnes & Noble Online Group, Mr. Sherwin has been instrumental in the development of large-scale mission-critical E-commerce, insurance, and financial systems. He has experience architecting & implementing solution using CORBA, RMI, Java EE compliant distributed Object architectures, in-memory high transaction/low latency solutions using Hazelcast IMDG®, GemFire, Ehcache & Oracle Coherence, and solutions deployable on IaaS or PaaS platforms like Cloud Foundry, Amazon Web Services, Rackspace or Heroku.

We are meeting at the Multifaith Centre every Friday evening from 7 pm to 9 pm in the Third Floor Quiet room, for periods of 8-fold moving exercise, sitting meditation, and walking meditation in the tradition of Chan Buddhism. The session ends with a tea-sharing and discussion. All are welcome and this event is free of charge!

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Hear how 3 investors went from broke to 8 figures and learn what’s working now in real estate, private money, and scaling your business. 🎟️Register **[HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/broke-to-8-figures-live-panel-open-qa-tickets-1969996398258?aff=cicmeetupapp)** ## **Broke to 8 Figures: Live Panel + Open Q&A with 3 Young Investors Who Built Real Wealth Through Real Estate** A decade ago, none of them were “set.” 10 years ago, these three weren’t millionaires. They weren’t influencers. They were broke, doubting themselves and fighting to make their first deal work…just like a lot of people trying to get into real estate today. Now, two of the Columbus Investors Club’s founders, **Tiffany and** **Josh High**, sit down with **Austin Rutherford**… a fellow Columbus native who went from parking cars as a valet to owning a **$30M+ real estate portfolio.** Together, they’ve flipped and wholesaled **thousands of homes**, raised **millions in private money**, and built businesses that run without them in the day to day… creating both wealth and freedom before 35. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a real conversation about what it actually takes to build something that lasts… the fears they had to face, the habits that changed everything, and the systems that got them there. You’ll laugh, you’ll take notes, and you’ll walk away seeing what’s truly possible no matter where you’re starting from. **What You’ll Learn** * How three broke twenty-somethings built 7–8 figure real estate businesses * The mindset shifts that separate wishful thinking from real wealth * How to raise private money even if you’ve never done a deal * What’s working right now in flipping, wholesaling, and building a portfolio * How to create financial and time freedom through systems and people **Open Q&A - Ask Them Anything About** * Raising private money with confidence * Finding and structuring profitable deals * Getting past fear, self-doubt, or “I’m not ready yet” * Scaling your business without burning out * Building a team that actually performs **Who You’ll Hear From** **Austin Rutherford** – From valet to a $30M+ rental portfolio. He has flipped and wholesaled hundreds of houses alongside his rental portfolio and recently got into commercial deals. **Tiffany & Josh High** – Founders of **Heels Homes** and **Results Driven REI**. They’ve built multiple 7- and 8-figure companies, including a fully virtual real estate operation closing 250+ deals a year. Through Results Driven REI, they help experienced investors install the people, processes, and infrastructure needed to build a truly self-managing company. **Event Details** **Location:** *To Follow* **Date & Time:** January 29th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) 🎟️Register **[HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/broke-to-8-figures-live-panel-open-qa-tickets-1969996398258?aff=cicmeetupapp)**