Conscious Business

**RESTON AREA ROCKERS** We meet 2x/mo, once in-person and once on Zoom. We meet for lunch on the 2nd Friday 11:30 to 1:00 pm at various locations in the Reston area. We meet on Zoom on the 4th Friday 9:30 to 10:30 am. Visit https://teamnetwork.affnetz.us/events for updates and details. NOTE: We welcome visitors, however, we are an "Exclusive Business Category" Networking group, therefore we vet all guests. Questions? Call Curt at 301-260-0060 Thank You! You can find the Reston Area Rockers and other Team Network groups and events at https://www.teamnetwork.com. Our group is made up of local area business people who wish to grow their business by developing relationships that grow partnerships and increase business through collaborative problem solving and education and introductions in a unique and stimulating environment. If you want to get on top of the latest thinking and hottest topics, and turn this intelligence and collaboration into game changing results for your business please join us. For guests, the first two meetings are free, then joining is required.

**Meet David Blanchard, Blanchard's Coffee Company** David Blanchard is the founder and president of Blanchard’s Coffee Company, a specialty coffee company based in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from the University of Richmond in 2002, where he studied business and competed on the track team. Shortly after graduating, David and his wife, Kelly, started Blanchard’s with a small roaster and a big belief in building something meaningful from the ground up. Over the past two decades, Blanchard’s has grown from a home-roasting operation into a multi-location café and wholesale business, while staying rooted in hospitality, community, and values-driven leadership. David remains deeply interested in entrepreneurship, culture, and the long view of building businesses that last. **The Discussion.** This series of hybrid events is perfect for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early-stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design. At each session, business founders serve as guest speakers share about their career, their firm's business model, as well as the successes and challenges in the product development process. Participants learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights, and connect with other entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and investors. **Logistics.** A light lunch is served, as entrepreneurs connect with one another, learn from peers, and contribute to the conversation: * Friday, April 10, 2026 * 11:30am EST - Coffee & Connection * 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST - Presentation & Discussion No pre-registration is required. Join us: Robins School of Business 102 UR Drive, iLab Room 123 University of Richmond, VA 23173 **Parking.** Free parking is available in the U5 and U6 lots immediately adjacent to the Robins School. Please enter the main foyer, turn to the left and proceed to room 123 (EY Innovation Lab) on the ground floor. Please note that visitors have a two-hour parking window. Please sign in when you enter the room, providing your license plate number. **On Zoom Webinar:** https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89608419334?pwd=am0F9r85xPfh7aBaxtdUDILYsvNAwJ.1

Please RSVP Here: https://mason360.gmu.edu/aiclub/rsvp_boot?id=2297350 # How AI is Transforming How Software Developers Build Software in Silicon Valley (and Notion Best Practices) Erdem Alparslan, Notion's Head of Developer Experience, will speak to the [George Mason AI Club](https://mason360.gmu.edu/aiclub/home/) about how AI is transforming software development in Silicon Valley. This is open to the public and you are invited! You need to sign up at the link below, an RSVP on meetup is not enough. Limited seats available, so sign up now! **Update:** There is now also a virtual join option: Feel free to join there - [https://meet.google.com/wms-qrxy-qbq](https://meet.google.com/wms-qrxy-qbq) Please RSVP Here: https://mason360.gmu.edu/aiclub/rsvp_boot?id=2297350

* **Are you seeking your own answers to everyday questions?** * **Would you like to connect more deeply with the source of life?** Join us for the **Friday HU Chant** and discover how this simple, sacred sound can bring **love, happiness, and inner stability**. **What to Expect:** * 20 minutes of chanting HU, either aloud or silently, whichever feels right for you * Gentle contemplative time afterward * Friendly conversation with others of like heart Everyone is welcome—whether you’re new to chanting or have been practicing for years. Come and experience the uplifting sound of the HU!

❤️♠️❤️ Speak & Spades - A Night of Cards & Conversation ❤️♠️❤️ Welcome to our 1st official Speak & Spades Night! Come out to a new venue in Downtown Silver Spring - Comma's Food Hall inside City Place Mall. ♠️ Spades games will be available from 6pm to 10pm! Play cards, eat, drink, & socialize! Enjoy a variety of reasonably priced restaurant options. ❤️ Optional: Around 7:30pm, take a break from Spades...and take some time to Speak. Engage in an open and casual conversation between men and women. 👨🏾‍🏫 Led by Life Coach, Kool KT, discuss dating, relationships, love, marriage, and more. Speak your mind and learn how the other side thinks. 🌟 Singles and couples are both welcome to Spades and to Speak! Bring questions, share stories, and gain insight. 😀 Play a game of partnership and maybe learn how to find your permanent partner! 🍷 Happy Hour Specials all night! 🎶 A Live DJ will be playing music 🚗 Parking available in Ellsworth Garage (connected to the venue) 📷 See the photo section for details 🌜Join us for a night of cards and conversations! You won't forget it!🌛 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

🚀 **Tech Fluent: Build with AI — Hands-On, No Experience Required** 📅 April 10 \| 📍 Washington\, DC \(National Union Building\) If you’ve been *AI-curious* but haven’t actually built anything yet, this is exactly the kind of experience we’ve been talking about in **AI in Practice**. This is **not** another theory-heavy session. It’s a **hands-on, interactive workshop** where you’ll actually *build something* — alongside other professionals exploring how to apply AI in real-world workflows. 👉 **What to expect:** * AI 101 + how these tools actually work (beyond the hype) * Guided, hands-on build session — you’ll create something real * Practical sessions on design, workflows, and the future of work * A cross-industry group (legal, finance, architecture, small business, etc.) * Wrap-up happy hour to connect and share what you built 💡 **Great fit for AI in Practice members if you:** * Are actively exploring how to apply AI in your work * Use tools like ChatGPT but want to go *deeper and more practical* * Want to move from *ideas → actual implementation* * Are not a developer (this is designed for you) ⚠️ If you’re already highly technical (building complex systems, deep dev work), this may feel introductory — the focus is on *practical upskilling for non-technical professionals.* *** 🎟️ **Registration & Details:** [https://varia.law/techfluent](https://varia.law/techfluent) 👉 **Important:** When you sign up, note **“AI in Practice”** in the application to receive a **$25 discount code** *** 🍻 **Bonus:** We’ll also have a casual **post-event happy hour** — great chance to connect with others actually *doing* AI, not just talking about it. *** Spots are intentionally limited (≈25–40 people), so if you’re interested, don’t wait. See you there.

* **Would you like to look deeper into the source of life?** * **Do you want to find your own answers to everyday questions?** * **Singing HU can bring you Love, Happiness, and Stability** **You’re warmly invited to join us at our** **Friday HU Chant at 7:00 pm** **You will be welcome to chant out loud or simply listen, whatever is right for you. The chant lasts about 20 minutes, followed by brief contemplative time and conversation with others of like heart.** **Attend In-Person at:** **The Maryland Eckankar Center** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **(Doors open at 6:30 pm)** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301)439-2120** **MEC@eckankarmaryland.org** **Presented by the DC & Maryland Satsang Societies, Inc. Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2025 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.**

**[In-person workshop this Sunday April 12 from](https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tealcenter.com%2Fclasses-and-events%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5e545437b3164b8784ce08de9353ce80%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639110185315023244%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0DG2Bv%2BbsMUN8NHyiauE%2FiR24l5nlOhmqcgeG%2F5iN18%3D&reserved=0 "Protected by Outlook: https://www.tealcenter.com/classes-and-events/. Click or tap to follow the link.")**  **[1 to 5 pm ET at the Teal Center, Arlington VA.](https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tealcenter.com%2Fclasses-and-events%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5e545437b3164b8784ce08de9353ce80%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639110185315042488%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=19OJz3FqqTNPxU3bALNuaFRFifrBQL0s9khVo8VLdjQ%3D&reserved=0 "Protected by Outlook: https://www.tealcenter.com/classes-and-events/. Click or tap to follow the link.")** *Systemic constellation* work explores the path of inner freedom and fulfillment by uncovering and releasing trauma. Harrison is honored to be the guest facilitator (standing in for Randy) at the Teal Center for this monthly event. As pointed out on the Teal website the constellation process: *"...doesn’t just uncover wounds; it reconnects you to inner resources—strength, belonging, dignity, ancestral support—that were always present but obscured.* *From this place, genuine movement becomes possible. The work tends to feel less like “fixing” and more like remembering who and what you already are, creating conditions for profound healing, clarity, and moving forward."* **[The course is 65 USD](https://www.tealcenter.com/classes-and-events/)** Your workshop facilitator is **[Harrison Snow.](https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchangedynamicsinternational.com%2Fharrison-snows-bio%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5e545437b3164b8784ce08de9353ce80%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639110185315067681%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=U34UZK3UfL0AfKBHYY6HZwbr5rA89wu9PanJgcVjdk8%3D&reserved=0 "Protected by Outlook: https://changedynamicsinternational.com/harrison-snows-bio/. Click or tap to follow the link.")** He has over 20 years in depth experience **[facilitating systemic constellation work](https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchangedynamicsinternational.com%2Ftestimonials%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5e545437b3164b8784ce08de9353ce80%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639110185315079992%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nLsKclGAVsoDg%2B%2FZJyffkPuCpZmXeB5qHzch92nJTVs%3D&reserved=0 "Protected by Outlook: https://changedynamicsinternational.com/testimonials/. Click or tap to follow the link.")** as a coach and group facilitator and 50 plus years of meditation practice. Check out his book on systemic work for leaders, ***[Confessions of a Corporate Shaman: Healing the Organizational Soul.](https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fa.co%2Fd%2FgVeGu1S&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5e545437b3164b8784ce08de9353ce80%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639110185315092457%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xzboJJW8zTPgNOX8b4ZaRj99BnxK59g5xZFm%2ByA0EzA%3D&reserved=0 "Protected by Outlook: https://a.co/d/gVeGu1S. Click or tap to follow the link.")***

**Welcome to Flourish Collective meetup!** Join us for a time of **inspiration, connection, and empowerment** with Christian businesswomen who are ready to grow in both their faith and their businesses. We’ll start with a brief introduction and **icebreaker activities** to help you connect with others in the group. Then, we’ll dive into a **motivational session** on **combining faith with business**—how to lead with purpose, integrity, and impact in today’s world. Whether you’re just starting your business journey or are a seasoned entrepreneur, you’ll leave feeling encouraged and equipped to take your next steps! We'll also spend time in **prayer** and discussing how we can support each other’s businesses and walk together in faith. *** ### **Agenda:** * **10:00 AM - 10:30 AM** – Welcome & Introductions * **10:30 AM - 11:00 AM** – Icebreaker Activities (get to know each other) * **11:00 AM - 11:30 AM** – **Inspiring Talk** on Integrating Faith and Business * **11:30 AM - 12:00 PM** – Prayer & Business Support Circle (share your challenges & successes) *** ### **Why You Should Attend:** * **Connect** with like-minded Christian businesswomen who share your passion for success and purpose. * **Learn** how to integrate your faith into your business for greater impact and fulfillment. * **Grow** spiritually and professionally as we build a supportive community together. *** ### **What to Bring:** * An **open heart** and willingness to connect. * Your **business ideas, questions, or challenges** you want to discuss with the group. * A **positive attitude** ready to grow and inspire others! ### **Blessings!** **Helen Ogbu, CPA**

Michelle Waldman, founder of [Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary](https://rosiesfarmsanctuary.org/), will join [Pro-Animals DC](https://proanimaldc.org/) and the [Veg Society of DC](http://www.vsdc.org/) for a deeply personal talk about how heartbreak over animal suffering became the doorway to action. Michele is both the Founder of Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and a licensed Psychotherapist. She shares how she transformed her grief into a vision for Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. This talk will explore how grief became a blueprint for healing and real-world change, and how her vision became a reality. Coffee, bagels, and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share. Veg Society of DC is pairing up with Pro-Animals DC to offer occasional educational programs, so watch for more presentations. After registering here, please [register on their site](https://stampede.proanimal.org/event/1764634382939x246683721837576200) as well. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at all of our events. **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Serving our community by teaching financial literacy is paramount towards long term success. You will learn three main concepts towards building generational wealth. The five engines of revenu that will forever impact your. Lastly, be introduced a path to entrepreneurship that can transform your life and exceed expectations beyond your imagination Come and acquire this free education and walk out with a new drive! Dress code: Business Casual

## **Stop losing revenue to avoidable marketing errors! Join us to discover 3 critical mistakes that cost small businesses customers and how to fix them fast.** Does your enterprise need more clients? Many business owners make simple errors that keep their best prospects from ever finding them. Join the Effective Management Association on Saturday, April 11th, as award-winning businessman Hans Hillestad (Co-Owner of Xpress Promotion Inc.) pulls back the curtain on the **marketing 'dos and don’ts' he used to help a dental practice grow into a $6-million business.** His company has since helped hundreds of other practices grow and is currently listed as an Inc. 5000 company.

Kathy Murphy, an Executive Recruiter and Talent Advisor, will be repeating a class called "Living in the Solution Space". Prior job seekers who attended this class said it was life-changing. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- At the end of this seminar/webinar, there will be a brief Christian story. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- IF YOU ARE NEW TO Career-Confidence.org and want to learn about us via our team, here are some videos that we have done. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to our channel and LIKE our videos. \-\-\-\-\-\- Career-Confidence.org, Laura Hamilton and Robert Brandau both long-time recruiters give you an overview. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Bruce, Silvia, and Mary Beth talk about the impact of Career-Confidence.org on their job search. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo) \-\-\-\-\-\- Tim Jack, one of our current volunteers and attendees [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-qfaDVDMU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-qfaDVDMU) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Doris McMillon of our Board of Directors [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Kim DeWitt Succinctly Talks about our Team [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Cecilia and Nate – 2 of our Alumni give an overview of Career-Confidence.org. perspective. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Sara's Experience with Career-Confidence.org - Surprise Ending – Pre-Covid [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s)\`

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

**Connected Westerville Night of Networking** *April Edition: The Introduction Economy* You've been to the networking events. You've done the small talk. Collected the cards. Forgotten the names. And walked out feeling like you just wasted two hours of your life. The problem isn't you. It's the format. Most networking events put you in a room and tell you to figure it out. So everyone defaults to elevator pitches and business talk, and nothing real gets built. Here's the truth about networking that most people miss: Your network isn't just who you know. It's who thinks of you when they're talking to someone else. *That's* The Introduction Economy. And it only works when relationships are real. There's a reason people who come once keep coming back. It starts with seven minutes that feel nothing like networking. Then we open it up. Free networking. More conversations. More momentum. This is a room full of corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, creatives, and career builders in the Westerville and Columbus area. The mix is the magic. You might never do business with everyone you meet tonight. But someone in this room will think of *you.* **By name**. So, the next time someone needs exactly what you do, you get the recommendation. **April 14th. RSVP now.** **When:** Tuesday\, April 14th \| 6:15 PM \-\- 8:00 PM **Where:** Vineyard Community Center \| 6000 Cooper Rd\, Westerville\, OH 43081

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Soccer + vegan deli eats = the perfect Saturday ⚽🌱🔥 We’re kicking things off with soccer (all levels welcome!) and then heading to Vida’s Plant-Based Butcher for some seriously good food—Vida’s Reubens, Philly cheesesteaks, Chipotle Cheddar Melt and classic deli sides. Whether you’re playing, socializing, or just here for the food, this is a great way to meet like-minded people and enjoy the day! Game → Food → Good vibes 📍 Soccer - Park of Roses 3923 N High St Columbus, OH 43214 📍 Vida’s Plant Based Butcher 1724 Northwest Blvd Unit C Columbus OH, 43212