Ecosystem
Meet other local people interested in Ecosystem: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Ecosystem group.
7,006
members
3
groups
Largest Ecosystem groups
Newest Ecosystem groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out ecosystem events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the ecosystem events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find ecosystem events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Ecosystem Events Today
Join in-person Ecosystem events happening right now
One Year Anniversary of Vegan Potlucks and Games + Karaoke
NOTE: IF YOU HAVE COLD/ FLU SYMPTOMS PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND THE EVENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
We are celebrating one year of vegan potlucks and fun through the Scarborough Vegans (Facebook) group!
This potluck will start with an arrival time by 12:15 p.m. We will start eating at 1 PM SHARP followed by games and karaoke.
If you have a game please bring it! I will bring a few.
PLEASE bring enough food for 4-6 people. Bring your own utensils, plates, bowls, and cup as the centre does not always have an adequate supply of these. You are responsible for your own clean-up and if you borrow the items at the centre please clean them.
To find the room: Go through the main doors from the parking lot on the north side of the building. Before you get to the next set of doors (that are straight ahead), turn left through this door (there should be a sign that says Scarborough Vegans); and now go to almost the end of the hallway and it will be on the right hand side.
All are welcome veg-curious, vegetarian, and vegan as long as what you bring to the potluck is vegan!
We hope that you will join us!o
Hike Mount Nemo
**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-mount-nemo)**
***Mount Nemo, one of the most popular scenic spots in the GTA, offers breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment while being conveniently close to the city.***
Despite its proximity, the area feels beautifully removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As we hike along the ancient limestone formations that shape the escarpment, we’ll be on the lookout for *Eastern Cedars*, some of the oldest living trees in the world.
This is a fun 7 km hike that's accessible but super interesting — you'll feel truly connected with the escarpment as you walk through cracks in the rock and alongside ancient forest that goes all the way to the cliff edge.
On this hike you can expect:
\- Ancient cedar trees
\- Sweeping panoramic views
\- Dramatic escarpment ridge formations
\- Scramble up rocks & wooden ladders
**Depending on snow levels we may be required to use snowshoes or ice spikes. We have a limited quantity available that you can grab at check-out. Ice spikes are free to borrow and snow shoes can be rented for a small fee.**
**Highlights**
**Scenic hike -** Walk through some of Ontario's oldest forests and enjoy the varied terrain and ecology.
**Local mountain -** Only 45 minutes west of Toronto, Mount Nemo is the perfect accessible hike for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and people who want to just dip their toes in what Ontario nature has to offer.
**Panoramic escarpment views -** Once at the top of Mount Nemo, enjoy some beautiful views.
**Event cost: $40+HST - optional transport available.**
**Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-mount-nemo)**
**About Wilderness Union**
Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people.
Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad.
Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming!
***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***
Hidden profits in DISTRESSED real estate seminar
**Canadian real estate investment educational CLASS online LIVE**
You are invited to an **exclusive, high-level Canadian real estate investment educational CLASS** for serious action-takers ready to bypass the frozen MLS market and building wealth. This is the **time-sensitive knowledge** Canadian insiders use to find properties for pennies on the dollar.
**WHAT YOU WILL LEARN**
* Stop competing and start dominating. The **"Backdoor Method"** is a legal, covert blueprint that gives you direct access to the properties mainstream investors never see: ***Tax liens, court-ordered sales, civil enforcement auctions, and bank defaults.*** It’s not about finding what’s *for sale* it’s about **finding what’s *in distress* before the public ever gets a whiff..**
* **Virtual Wholesaling Secrets:** Discover the techniques to flip contracts for **instant, massive profit**—without ever tying up your own capital or owning the asset.
* **Hard Money / Private Lending Unlocked:** Access the aggressive, short-term, **equity-based financing** that funds distressed deals in 3-10 days a critical skill for high-speed investing.
**WARNING:** This is NOT for hobbyists. This is a rigorous, professional blueprint for those ready to execute and build serious wealth. This knowledge is time-sensitive as the market shifts.
***
### ⚠️ **IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED**
**Date:** Sunday, March 15th, 2026
* **Time:** 2:00 PM - 4:35 PM EST
* **Availability:** 97% SOLD OUT **ONLY 3 SEATS LEFT**
**CLAIM YOUR FINAL SEAT:**
* **E-TRANSFER $112** to: wwbpayments@gmail.com
* **TEXT Your Name & Email (WhatsApp Only):** 416-409-7300
***Proudly serving and guiding Canadian real estate investors successfully since 1993.***
Embrace and Master Unexpected Gifts of Life - An ECK Light & Sound Service
**Note:** this is a hybrid (in person AND online) event and will be followed at **12 noon** by a recorded talk and interactive discussion:
**“Fulfill Your Potential as Soul” a talk by Sri Doug Kunin, a God-Realized Spiritual Teacher”**
***Please join us.***
**ONTARIO PROVINCIAL ECK Light & Sound Service - Hybrid event**)
· **Find new attitudes and practices for navigating unexpected changes**
· A**waken your creative ability to solve problems and grow spiritually.**
“Often people are afraid to follow their inner guidance. It sounds like such a foolish thing to do, especially if they have to face other people and explain why they are doing what they are doing.
Yet showers of love rain down upon us simply because we are Soul, a divine spark of God. Its Voice, which showers the love, is the pure Light and Sound.”
—Harold Klemp, ECK Wisdom on Inner Guidance, p. 5-6
You are warmly invited to attend the Provincial ECK Light and Sound Service **online** or **in person**.
Date and time:
**Sunday, March 15, 2026**
**10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m**
Please note: All the ECK Light and Sound Services in 2026 will be hybrid (In-person and on Zoom)
**In-person**
**York University Glendon Campus, Centre of Excellence, York Hall A, Room YH A002, 2275 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M4N 3M6.**
Please stay for light refreshments afterward.
**online by Zoom**
[https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario/zoom/)
It will take you directly to the Ontario ECKANKAR page where you will find the Zoom link and call-in numbers. The Zoom link allows for up to 300 attendees and will be active at 10:15 a.m.
**An ECK Light and Sound Services** is a wonderful way to experience:
· **the Sound and Light of God**
· **the [HU](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/) (a love song to God)**
· **the inner guide known as the Mahanta**
Come and hear about others' adventures of walking the spiritual path, on the road home to God, as well as original creative arts. You will have the opportunity to experience a simple spiritual exercise that can open your heart to live to your fullest potential.
You are welcome to invite seekers, family and friends to attend. If the region or country you live in forbids you from attending this spiritual event, please follow the laws of your home country.
These are free events; however, your donations are most gratefully received! You can leave your donation in the donation bowl on the table OR send your e-transfer donations, using online banking to: [[provincialdonations8093@gmail.com](mailto:provincialdonations8093@gmail.com)]([mailto:eckontdonations@gmail.com](http://mailto:eckontdonations@gmail.com/)).
To learn more about **Eckankar, *the Path of Spiritual Freedom***, here are a few resources:
· [Spiritual Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/eck-soul-adventure-magazine) Magazine
· [ECK Soul Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/ebooklets) eBooklets
· [HU ](#huapp)App
· [Eckankar Soul Adventure Podcast](https://www.eckankar.org/podcasts/)
· [Discover Eckankar and Advanced Spiritual Living](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wdetsToXHUuR0qMb4Q6Jbn9NsVsjeGGv9-pv3zeN5OJIPvDhF1JBeIKusW1USqWw1Zp1ZaTnQ2RhVdFiFR40cVWLJP69hwDJ6gkdu5rdjrHK5ObZ_tis6cbANWZbNVk8wg0JtH1bJjx9dHaeOUj0-Q==&c=waEPfx7zdz0PenP4PzCIxF7D6_bctEUp7HtZ4PABLxdcfU32QqrKhA==&ch=9rbFp1H_WsWh30zsiD-UiviJOyeYlHNExu3S_FmLkW30Rt5s5OD87Q==) Video
Graphics courtesy of [Eckankar](https://www.eckankar.org/), The Path of Spiritual Freedom
The Toronto PATH and Lunch
Come and join us for a walk through the PATH, Toronto's underground pedestrian walking network.
We're doing something different while the forest trails start to transition from winter to summer.
We will meet at Union Station in the Great Hall (see pic). We will make our way north to the Eaton Center. From there, we will head south, completing a loop as we make our way to The Old Spaghetti Factory ([https://www.osf.com/](https://www.osf.com/)) for a late lunch. We will make changes to the route in order for us to arrive at the restaurant on time (2pm).
Plenty of breaks along the way and if you haven't attended one of our events before, come out and meet the group.
The PATH is a mostly underground pedestrian walkway network in downtown Toronto that spans more than 30 kilometers of restaurants, shopping, services, and entertainment accommodating more than 200,000 business-day commuters as well as tourists and residents.
For more information, visit:
[https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/visitor-toronto/path-torontos-downtown-pedestrian-walkway](https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/visitor-toronto/path-torontos-downtown-pedestrian-walkway)
**LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND LIABILITY INFORMATION:**
By RSVP'ing and paying the event fee (if applicable), you are confirming that you have read, understand and accept the following:
1. GTA Hiking Meetup is a private group. Attending events is voluntary by you as a member. Participation in any activity with us is at your own risk.
2. By joining this event as a member you agree to indemnify and hold harmless its organizers, co-organizers, assistant organizers, event hosts, and other members from all claims or liability of every type (including court costs and legal fees) for injury or death to any person or for damage to property, loss of personal property or any other wrongful act arising out of or relating to your participation as a member. This agreement applies to you and to other persons (as your guests) who may accompany you in these endeavors.
3. You also agree to hold the organizers as well as other group members harmless. By participating voluntarily in the group, you expressly waive any and all such claims against each and every other member in the group, including without limitation any and all claims against the group organizer, co-organizers, assistant organizers, and event hosts.
Ecosystem Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Toronto Vegan Climbing - Basecamp Bloor
Join us at our vegan-friendly social climbing session!
We welcome all vegans, vegetarians, or anyone who is curious about the lifestyle and/or interested in eating more plant-based.
No climbing experience is necessary. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time climber, all are welcome. We will be bouldering, top roping, and using autobelays - feel free to join whichever activity you're interested in!
For those who are climbing for the first time, not to worry as it is quick to pick up and we are happy to provide some pointers on technique. You can boulder or use the autobelays after getting a quick orientation from the staff at the gym. For top roping, we're happy to belay any of our attendees.
**Fees**:
* $28 admission fee, plus rentals
Climbing shoes are strongly recommended (disclaimer: rental shoes are not vegan as they contain suede/leather). Harnesses are only necessary for top roping and autobelay, however this gym is primarily a rope climbing gym.
* Shoe rental: $7.00
* Harness rental: $7.00
Remember to sign the [waiver](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5f121ea156df1/web/) before you hit the rocks! You can sign the waiver online or in person once you arrive. Make sure to arrive at the Bloor location, there are multiple Basecamp locations!
Happy climbing! 🧗♂️🌱
Note: Clean indoor shoes are allowed to be worn, however we highly recommend using climbing shoes otherwise your experience will be negatively impacted.
Love and Reflect Social
This is our first time hosting this event and we’re excited to create a warm, intimate space for anyone on the journey of self-love and personal growth. Whether you’re exploring your own challenges, celebrating what you’ve overcome, or want to support others, this event is a safe space to open up, share, and connect. There is no judgment here, just reflection and meaningful conversation. Spaces are limited to keep the experience intimate and welcoming.
⸻
Why Attend
If you’ve ever wanted a space where being yourself feels natural, this is it. Whether you are an introvert, a social butterfly, or just curious to try something new, the Love & Reflect Social gives you a chance to connect meaningfully, learn from others, and celebrate growth together.
This event is designed for anyone on the journey of self-love, navigating struggles, or looking to grow through connection. You will leave feeling inspired, supported, and reminded that personal growth doesn’t have to be a solo journey.
⸻
What to Expect
At Love & Reflect Social, we go beyond just meeting new people. You will:
• Participate in interactive social games that help break the ice and encourage real conversation
• Share personal experiences about challenges you’re facing and celebrate what you’ve overcome
• Engage in small group discussions that foster empathy, reflection, and meaningful connections
• Learn practical tips and insights from others on how they navigated similar challenges
• Experience a safe, structured space that makes it easy to meet new people naturally
• Enjoy the cozy, welcoming environment at Creeds Coffee Bar with comfortable seating, music, and an intimate vibe
This is a chance to connect deeply, laugh, and feel seen by others who are also exploring self-love and personal growth. Most attendees arrive as strangers, but by the end, you will feel like you’ve known each other much longer.
⸻
Who Should Come
This event is for anyone interested in meeting new people, exploring personal growth, and connecting with others in a supportive environment. Ages 19–40 are the usual crowd, but all adults are welcome. This is not a dating event, and respect for all attendees is expected.
⸻
Dress Code
Come as you are, comfortable, casual, and expressive. Attendees are expected to treat everyone with respect and contribute to a welcoming, positive environment.
⸻
Hosted By
Shahana Syed, Mental Health Coordinator, will guide the activities and facilitate conversations to ensure everyone feels safe, included, and supported throughout the event.
"Get Spiritually Creative!" Ontario Eck Light and Sound Service
* **Discover the creative power of Soul to enrich your life.**
* **Learn how to tap into your innate creative talents--God's gift to you.**
(ONTARIO PROVINCIAL ECK Light & Sound Service - Hybrid event)
[Eckankar Ontario Spiritual Events](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html)
[Eckankar Free Books](https://www.eckankar.org/freebook/wisdom/)
"Creative people who cherish the gift of life often slip into the secret chambers of the creative mind. Their solutions are well-rounded, more sensible than those of people who rely solely upon reason as their mainstay. Gratitude unseals fountains of creativity, because a grateful person is relaxed. This allows him to take stock of these circumstances with an objective mind. A creative person often gets three-dimensional answers to his problems."
—Harold Klemp, *The Language of Soul*, p. 66
You are warmly invited to the Provincial ECK Light and Sound Service which you can attend **online** or **in person**.
Date and time:
**Sunday, March 15, 2026**
**10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m**
Please note: All the ECK Light and Sound Services in 2026 will be hybrid (In-person and on Zoom) with the in-person portion held at:
**York University Glendon Campus, Centre of Excellence, York Hall A, Room YH A002, 2275 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M4N 3M6.**
Please stay for light refreshments afterward.
To attend online by Zoom and see the upcoming events:
[https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario/zoom/)
It will take you directly to the Ontario ECKANKAR page where you will find the Zoom link and call-in numbers. The Zoom link allows for up to 300 attendees and will be active at 10:15 a.m.
**ECK Light and Sound Services** are a wonderful way for anyone to experience:
* **the Sound and Light of God**
* **the [HU](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/) (a love song to God)**
* **the inner guide known as the Mahanta**
Come and hear about others' adventures of walking the spiritual path, on the road home to God, as well as original creative arts. You will have the opportunity to experience a simple spiritual exercise that can open your heart to live to your fullest potential.
You are welcome to invite seekers, family and friends to attend. *If the region or country you live in forbids you from attending this spiritual event, please follow the laws of your home country.*
These are free events; however, your donations are most gratefully received! You can leave your donation in the donation bowl on the table OR send your e-transfer donations, using online banking to: [provincialdonations8093@gmail.com](mailto:eckontdonations@gmail.com).
Please stay for light refreshments afterwards.
To learn more about spirituality, here are a few resources:
· [Spiritual Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/eck-soul-adventure-magazine) Magazine
· *[ECK Soul Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/ebooklets) eBooklets*
· [HU ](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/#huapp)App
· [Eckankar Soul Adventure Podcast](https://www.eckankar.org/podcasts/)
· [Discover Eckankar and Advanced Spiritual Living](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wdetsToXHUuR0qMb4Q6Jbn9NsVsjeGGv9-pv3zeN5OJIPvDhF1JBeIKusW1USqWw1Zp1ZaTnQ2RhVdFiFR40cVWLJP69hwDJ6gkdu5rdjrHK5ObZ_tis6cbANWZbNVk8wg0JtH1bJjx9dHaeOUj0-Q==&c=waEPfx7zdz0PenP4PzCIxF7D6_bctEUp7HtZ4PABLxdcfU32QqrKhA==&ch=9rbFp1H_WsWh30zsiD-UiviJOyeYlHNExu3S_FmLkW30Rt5s5OD87Q==) Video
*Graphics courtesy of* [Eckankar](https://www.eckankar.org/)*, The Path of Spiritual Freedom*
Sponsored by Eckankar Canada in Ontario
Sunday PUB-NIGHT/iNtuitive Banter @ The Pint
Join your community of fellow Intuitives and MBTI nerds for a casual evening of engaging conversation.
We get together every second Sunday – with a mix of regulars and new friends. There is no fee to attend, though we ask that you support the venue by ordering something to eat or drink.
**Feel free to contact event host B. via Facebook/Meetup messenger, or text/call 416-712-8635 for directions**.
About the venue: The Pint Public House
Nearest Subway: Union Station
Map / Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G5GfXDSQXeifJ5ot5
We make an effort to find pubs that are quiet and introvert friendly, with a section to ourselves. We make no effort to muffle our extroverts, but should they get out of hand, our resident INTJ will use their death stare, to pull them back in line.
Stoa of Ontario Monthly Meeting
We are a monthly meetup where we get together and discuss Stoic Philosophy and it's practical application to life. All are welcome, including those new to Stoicism and everyday practitioners. Out meetups are casual and we typically discuss a new Stoic quote each month. The meetup is held at one of our member's home in Toronto for a few hours each month.
A little about Stoicsm, simply put, Stoicism was designed to help people live their best possible lives.
It’s a philosophy of life that maximizes positive emotions, reduces negative emotions and helps individuals to hone their virtues of character.
At any moment, in any situation, and at any stage of life, Stoicism provides a framework for living well. It reminds people of what is truly important, providing practical strategies to get more of what is valuable.
Stoicism was deliberately created to be understandable, actionable and useful. Practicing Stoicism doesn’t require learning an entirely new philosophical lexicon or meditating for hours a day. Instead, it offers an immediate, useful and practical way to find tranquility and improve one’s strengths of character.
🌞 Sunday Itinerary: Breakfast + Nature Reset
🍽️ Breakfast Meetup
Location: Saravaana Bhavan,
Woodside Square Mall - McCowan Entrance, 1571 Sandhurst Cir Unit 153, Scarborough, ON M1V 1V2·3.8 km
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What to expect:
South Indian breakfast classics (dosas, idlis, vada, filter coffee)
Easy conversation, no rush
A relaxed start to the day — phones down, people present
This is not a “grab-and-go.” This is a sit, savor, and connect kind of breakfast.
🚗 Transition Time
12:00 – 12:30 PM
Wrap up breakfast
Short drive to Rouge National Urban Park
Carpool if possible (always boosts bonding points)
🥾 Nature Walk / Hike
Location: Rouge National Urban Park
Time: 12:30 – 2:00 PM (flexible)
Hike details:
Easy, beginner-friendly trails
Forest paths, river views, fresh air
Walk-and-talk pace — not a bootcamp
What to bring:
Comfortable shoes
Water bottle
icers
Light layer (Rouge can feel cooler under the trees)
Vibe:
Grounded. Unhurried. The kind of walk where conversations deepen naturally — or silence feels just as good.
Ecosystem Events Near You
Connect with your local Ecosystem community
SOLD OUT- Adventures in Ecological Horticulture
w Rebecca McMackin
Free at Bexley Library
Adventures in Ecological Horticulture
with Rebecca McMackin
Wednesday, March 18
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Gone are the days when a garden could be ornamental alone. We now recognize the impact that our land care practices have on the ecosystems around us, and can see the importance of encouraging biodiversity. Thankfully, we do not need to sacrifice beauty when we invite butterflies and songbirds into our gardens.
Rebecca McMackin has cultivated gorgeous landscapes in the toughest environments possible: urban parks, school playgrounds, and the sidewalks of New York City. She will take lessons from her work at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and decades of research to share how those of us who are fortunate enough to care for land, can do it beautifully and ecologically.
Rebecca McMackin is an ecologically obsessed horticulturist and garden designer. She writes, lectures, and teaches on ecological landscape management and pollination ecology, as well as designs the rare public garden.
She is currently Lead Horticulturist for the American Horticultural Society, an Associate with the Harvard Divinity School’s Thinking with Plants and Fungi Initiative, and Consulting Arboretum Curator for Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY.
Rebecca spent a decade as Director of Horticulture of Brooklyn Bridge Park, where she managed 85 acres of diverse parkland organically. Their research into cultivating urban biodiversity and ethical management strategies has influenced thousands of people and entire urban parks systems to adopt similar approaches.
She has been published by and featured in the New York Times, Gardens Illustrated, on NPR and PBS. Her garden for the Brooklyn Museum recently won the PPA’s Award of Excellence and her TED Talk has been viewed over a million times. She holds M.Sc. from Columbia University and University of Victoria in landscape design and biology and recently completed the Loeb Fellowship at the
Harvard Graduate School of Design.
This program is presented in partnership with Rooted in Bexley and generously funded by the Bexley Community Foundation and Bexley Community Author Series Fund.
CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group
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.
From Idea to Working App in Minutes: The Agentic Development with Amazon Kiro
Discover Kiro, AWS’s innovative development environment that adapts to your workflow. Whether you prefer specification-driven development or a more intuitive, vibe-based approach, Kiro empowers you to build applications your way.
In this session, speakers will explore Kiro’s core functionality and its evolution through re:Invent 2025, along with demonstrations of prompts used to create APIs, hooks, and steering documents.
In the latter part of the session, watch as we build a complete example from scratch, showcasing Kiro’s agentic AI workflow in action for spec-driven development and vibe coding.
What You'll Learn - Core Kiro concepts and development philosophy
Feature evolution: pre and post re:Invent 2025
Practical examples: API creation, hooks, and steering docs
Live coding demonstration with real-time problem solving
Who Should Attend - Developers, solutions architects, and technical leaders interested in modern AWS development tools and AI-assisted coding workflows.
**Speakers Bio:**
Matthew Jorat: Matthew Jorat is a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS with nearly three decades of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, migration, modernization, IT, technology, and business. His career spans infrastructure engineer, solutions architect, security auditor, customer success director, support and services director, and operations officer. He was an early adopter of AWS services as a customer, and his current role at AWS uniquely blends his technical and business skills as he partners with executive teams to translate strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes through cloud adoption, AI implementation, and operational excellence. Matt leads end-to-end AI initiatives for enterprise customers, identifying high-impact use cases and maintaining relentless focus on measurable ROI. He holds eight AWS certifications and serves as Adjunct Professor at Franklin University teaching cloud computing and AWS architecture. His expertise encompasses GenAI, agentic AI systems, migration, modernization, and optimization strategies that drive transformation at scale.
[https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/)
Girish Bhatia: Girish Bhatia is a seasoned technology delivery leader with deep expertise in cross-domain program management. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and AWS Generative AI Practitioner, and is also an AWS Community Builder. Girish brings over two decades of experience in the information technology industry.
Throughout his career, Girish has led major technology-driven business transformation from modernizing on-premises applications to driving large-scale cloud migrations. His work includes API-based integration platforms, data-center and mainframe modernization, and enterprise cloud adoption initiatives.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Girish works at a tech-forward fintech company. He is passionate about AWS serverless architectures, Generative AI and emerging cloud technologies. An avid learner and builder, he continues to explore and apply the latest innovations in AWS to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/[https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/)
**THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/
**DIRECTIONS**
Franklin University
Fisher Hall
300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8
Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map.
NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct.
**Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?**
Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com
Nature Loving Fest | Spring Edition
Join us for the Spring edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/895148649812928), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vegan eats, handmade goods, and the beauty of the season.
Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this new chapter reflects what the event has always been — a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 local vendors offering seasonal vegan eats, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products.
Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the beginning of a new season with us.
Admission is Free.
Westerville Queer Coffee Meetup
WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.
TBD
**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you.
The building address is 4450 Bridge Park
The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400
**Abstract**
TBD
**YouTube Link**
TBA
The Listening Room — First Gathering
**The Listening Room — First Gathering**
So much of life happens in loud spaces and quick conversations that never quite go beneath the surface. The Listening Room is meant to be the opposite of that — a quieter space where people can slow down, talk honestly, and actually listen to one another.
For this first gathering, we’ll meet in a small group and explore a simple conversation prompt together. The goal isn’t debate or performance — just thoughtful conversation and the chance to connect with others in a genuine way.
Our prompt for this gathering will be:
**When have you felt truly seen or understood by another person?**
Everyone will have the opportunity to share if they’d like, but there’s absolutely no pressure — listening is just as valuable as speaking here.
We’re keeping the group intentionally small so the conversation can feel relaxed and natural.
Looking forward to meeting you.
— Benny























