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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out formation events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the formation events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find formation events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Formation Events Today
Join in-person Formation events happening right now
DevCommunity - DC/NY Meetup
**Schedule**
5:00 pm - 5:30 pm - Sign-in/Meet and greet/networking
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm - Break the Cloud Lock-in: Building Adaptive Intelligence Orchestration with DIO
7:00 pm - 7:45 pm - Leaning on the SQL: Crafting Resilient Data Layers
**Talk and Speaker Details**
**Time**: 5:30 pm est.
**Title**: Break the Cloud Lock-in: Building Adaptive Intelligence Orchestration with DIO
**Summary**:
AIaas are often stuck in a binary choice: pay the "token tax" for convenient Cloud APIs or manage the complexity of local open-source models (Llama/Mistral) yourself. The future belongs to a hybrid architecture—but the routing logic shouldn't be spaghetti code. In this session, we introduce DIO (Distributed Intelligence Orchestration), a new open-source framework designed to bridge on-premise infrastructure and cloud capabilities. We will move beyond theory and look at the code behind the Federated Decision Engine (FDE)—the algorithm that allows you to dynamically route prompts based on privacy, cost, complexity, and more.
**Session Takeaways:**
\- The DIO Architecture: A technical deep dive into the open\-source framework that decouples your application from specific model providers\.
\- Live Integration: How to implement the DIO SDK to build a "Smart Router" that connects the best of both world for Cloud & On Prem Intelligence\.
**Speaker**: Snow Zhao
**Speaker Bio**:
Founder & CEO of AIgentic \| Ex\-Meta engineering leader\. Building the future of professional services with precision & trust\.
Snow has decades of Silicon Valley experience building and scaling technology organizations at Facebook, Block (Cash App), and Groupon. She is currently building at AIgentic, an applied AI company designing robust, trustworthy AI systems for professional industries. She leads global teams that delivered secure, high-performance systems used by billions, from product infrastructure behind Messenger’s rewrite and end-to-end encryption, to architecting enterprise AI platforms that bridge traditional sectors with digital transformation. Her work has spanned mobile, security, open-source, federated architecture, AI-powered automation, cross-platform software ecosystems, and more — always guided by the principle that engineering excellence is a human discipline as much as a technical one.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**Time**: 7:00 pm est.
**Title**: Leaning on the SQL: Crafting Resilient Data Layers
**Summary**:
Most apps need to persist data. The mechanisms for persisting vary, from key-value pairs to relational databases to files and more. SQLite is the de-facto standard for persistence in mobile apps: it ships with every Android and iOS app.
This session looks into best practices for SQLite data persistence, drawing from practical, digestible, real world examples. We look into when one should lean on the SQL versus when to perform data manipulation in application code. We look at some examples of constraints that you might have written in Kotlin/Swift, and how expressing them in SQL instead can offer data consistency and integrity benefits.
A major focus of the session is on migrations. Data schemas inevitably evolve, and executing migrations carefully is essential, as mistakes can have severe consequences, including data corruption. We look into best practices for migration, including when to do migration in application code versus in SQL. We also examine some real world migration examples beyond the simple case of adding a column with a default value.
Finally we look at migrations that cross data sources. This could occur if for example you were persisting data in a key-value store but you now want to migrate that to a database table. This must be done in application code but can you still take advantage of database migrations? Can you cover your migration code with unit tests?
**Speaker**: Kiran Raon
**Speaker Bio**:
Two decades as a developer, got into Android in 2010. Adopted Kotlin in 2017, had my first attempt at KMP in 2019 (when it was still called KMM).
Worked on and off with iOS and web client technologies throughout my career, also dabbled in other cross platform technologies. Full-fledged Mobile developer since 2023.
**How to find us:**
1680 Capital One Drive, McLean, VA 22102
We'll be located in C2 **100 D/E**. The area is publicly accessible. If you can't find it, you can ask the front desk for directions to the **C2 100 D/E**
**Attending Virtually?**
[https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84418455380?pwd=fJczZgKv2BaGVPLi7azEr3XAJMPvBR.1](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84418455380?pwd%3DfJczZgKv2BaGVPLi7azEr3XAJMPvBR.1&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2giIJenXoEsPXfYgNs_atJ)
Meeting ID: 844 1845 5380
Passcode: 369382
**Parking**:
You can park at
1680 Capital One Drive; this garage has a sign indicating public parking.
Or at the WEGMANS parking lot.
McLean Business Forum
A weekly networking meeting where we have a lot of fun and of course, meet other busy professionals!
ODSC AI & Snowflake AI Meetup
**Pre-Registration is REQUIRED. RSVP here - [https://luma.com/6twkovvg](https://luma.com/6twkovvg)**
## ODSC AI x Snowflake Present: AI Innovation in the Capital
**Our premier Washington D.C. AI Meetup of March 2026!**
Skip the usual AI hype and join us in the District for an evening of technical deep dives and high-level networking. We’re bringing together **D.C. builders, data scientists, and engineers** to discuss how to bridge the gap between AI experimentation and enterprise-grade deployment.
Come for the networking, stay for the expert insights from the Snowflake team, and leave with a sharper strategy for scaling AI in 2026.
## The Session
**Topic: Engineering the Future of Enterprise AI (Title TBA)** *Official topic and abstract coming soon!*
While the specific title is under wraps, **Matt Harris** typically explores the intersection of high-performance data architecture and generative AI. Expect a session focused on how organizations can leverage Snowflake’s evolving ecosystem to build secure, scalable, and governed AI applications that go beyond the chat box and into core business logic.
**Speaker:** Matt Harris, Principal AI Strategy Architect (FSI at Snowflake
[https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-d-harris/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-d-harris/)
Matt is a veteran in the data space, serving as a Principal Solutions Engineer at Snowflake. He specializes in helping complex organizations transform their data architecture into a competitive advantage. With deep expertise in the Snowflake Data Cloud, Matt focuses on making advanced data science and AI accessible, governed, and ready for production environments.
## Why Attend?
* **Network with the Best:** Connect with AI practitioners and data leaders in the D.C. tech and public sector ecosystem.
* **High-End Experience:** Enjoy bites and refreshments in a professional, collaborative environment.
* **Exclusive Insights:** Get a direct line to Snowflake’s technical leadership on where enterprise AI is headed next.
## Agenda
* **6:00 PM – 6:30 PM:** Networking & Bites/Drinks
* **6:30 PM – 7:15 PM:** Presentation by Matt Harris, Principal Solutions Engineer at Snowflake
* **7:15 PM – 7:30 PM:** Interactive Q&A
* **7:30 PM – 8:00 PM:** Networking & Closing
**Venue:** Mindspace, 1301 K Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20005
**RSVP now to secure your spot!**
## Useful Links
* **Free access to more talks/trainings:** [Ai+ Training platform](https://aiplus.training/)
* **ODSC Blog:** [https://opendatascience.com/](https://opendatascience.com/)
* **Join the Community:** [Slack Channel](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://odsc.ai/slack)
* **Code of Conduct:** [https://odsc.ai/code-of-conduct/](https://odsc.ai/code-of-conduct/)
Evening Meditation for Peace & Clarity - Maryland (Unwind. Breathe. Reset)
**Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7:00pm-7:30pm**
Join us for a calming **guided evening meditation** designed to help you **release stress**, **quiet the mind**, and **restore inner peace**, even if you’ve never meditated before.
* **Time:** 7:00–7:30 PM
* **Format:** Gentle guidance + quiet time + peaceful reflection
* **Perfect for:** Beginners and experienced meditators
* **What to bring:** Just yourself
**Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter.**
* **Reserve your spot** (recommended)
* **Free Event - Donations Appreciated**
* **Bring a friend. First-timers welcome!**
* **Arrive early to settle in. Doors open at 6:30 PM.**
Google Build with AI Series (D.C) - Production-Ready AI and Multimodal Agents
**Important:** Register on the [event website ](https://www.aicamp.ai/event/eventdetails/W2026031207)is required for admission.(RSVP is turned off on meetup)
**Description:**
Join Google Cloud for the 2-days agentic AI bootcamp to learn how to build production-ready AI and multimodal agents.
**Day 1: The ‘Now’ – Solving for Scale**
Start building tools. Day 1 is dedicated to bridging the "Proof-of-Concept Gap"—the difficult space between a successful demo and a live, enterprise-grade application. We are moving beyond the novelty of "cool prompts" to focus on the engineering rigor required for the real world.
**Day 1: What to Expect:**
* \- Architecture for Scale: Learn how to design robust AI systems that don't just work once\, but work every time\.
* \- Data\-Driven Evaluation: Replace subjective "vibe checks" with rigorous\, programmatic assessment\. Implement adaptive rubrics and tool\-use metrics to ensure reliability\.
* \- Security: Deep dive into enterprise\-grade protection for AI workloads\.
*
**Day 2: The ‘Next’ – Capturing Innovation**
The era of the text-only chatbot is evolving. Focus on the bleeding edge of AI: Multimodality. We’ll explore how to build intelligent agents that can see, hear, and respond to the world in real-time, creating immersive experiences that feel more human than ever before.
**Day 2: What to Expect:**
* \- Multimodal Gemini Agents: Coordinate agents to analyze video and audio while maintaining character consistency across multi\-turn image generation\.
* \- Intelligence Beyond RAG: Move past simple retrieval with hybrid search\, context engineering\, and multi\-agent pipelines\.
* \- Real\-Time Live Interaction: Build low\-latency\, interruptible agents that "see" and "hear" using the Gemini Live API and bidirectional streaming\.
**Who Should Attend?**
This hands-on workshop is designed for software developers, data scientists, and AI practitioners who have some experience building applications or working with models, and are looking to productionize them. To get the most out of the labs, you should have foundational knowledge of a programming language like Python and be comfortable using the command-line interface. While expertise is not required, a basic understanding of Cloud computing concepts, web APIs, and containerization technology like Docker will be highly beneficial.
To participate, you must bring your own laptop and power cable. The activities are intended for laptops and cannot be completed on a tablet or phone.
Black Matchmaking (Not a live Event)
**Match 1**
For current members only:
[This client is interested in meeting a feminine, grounded woman with a little bit of spice. He is a Dallas native, currently based in Dallas, and open to a nationwide search. He is 36, 6’1”, and has one child. He would love to be a girl dad within marriage, “but it has to be a special woman.”](https://www.instagram.com/p/DSqkFFLjx_k/)
If you are an active member and feel aligned, you may reach out directly to be considered. This introduction is part of a private, curated process.
For non-members:
Inquiries require readiness to become a member and begin with a consultation. To be considered for this match, please text one photo, your age, and location to 917-451-6561 for initial review. Applicants must be attractive and physically fit. Please note: Not all inquiries will receive a response.
[📅 To learn more about our matchmaking and coaching services, please schedule a consultation using this link.](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles/)
**Match 2**
For current members only:
[We’re sharing a match opportunity for a male client in his 30s, based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.](https://www.instagram.com/p/DSqkFFLjx_k/)
He was previously matched with one of our New York attorney clients, and the connection was strong on both sides. ❤️ Unfortunately, neither party was willing to relocate due to close family ties and career commitments. As a result, he has asked us to introduce another match.
He has been a great match across our database, with consistent mutual interest from past introductions. His matches often highlight his balanced personality, his ability to lead while also listening, and his calm, grounded presence. He is open, emotionally supportive, and respectful of a partner’s career and ambitions. He appreciates a woman who may be more extroverted, as long as she is grounded and self-aware.
We are seeking attractive women who do not currently have children and who desire marriage and family. Our search is nationwide; however, we need women who are already in Texas or open to relocating to Texas. He is also open to relocating within Texas, including Houston, for the right match.
This is a private, curated process.
For non-members:
Inquiries require readiness to become a member and must begin with a consultation. To be considered for this match, you may text one photo, your age, and your location to 917-451-6561 for initial review.
[📅 To learn more about our matchmaking and coaching services, please schedule a consultation using this link.](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles/)
Black Econ 101 Podcast on https://blackecon101.podbean.com/
• What we'll do
Economist William Michael Cunningham on Podbeam Thursdays at 6 pm. https://www.podbean.com/
Formation Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
FRIDAY German HourS
Enjoy a lively German convo! Hoffentlich werden wir euch dort sehen!
***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.***
We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested.
We have the discretion to decide entry.
HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly.
Rules to abide :
1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\.
2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\.
3\. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible\.
4\. If you don't speak the other person's required language\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\.
5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\.
6\. This is a face\-to\-face language exchange event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\.
7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\.
8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\.
9\. When you get there\, we will greet you and take you to your respective group\.
10\. Don't be shy of your local languages\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to practice your languages\.
11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\.
13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\.
***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***
Hike Turkey Run Park (Easy/Moderate) – Pho Lunch
ike Turkey Run Park- Pho Lunch, VA Sunday March 8
With winter weather receding, this is a great way to fight cabin fever and head back outside with views of the Potomac. This is a 3 to 4 mile loop hike along the Potomac River just below the American Legion bridge off the GW parkway. The trail is mostly easy and flat, but there are some slightly rocky areas. Be aware that this time of year where segments along the river can be muddy and there are some rocky areas we must maneuver around.
Bring a mascot! The park is dog-friendly, but must be on a leash.
For more info and maps (see side links):
[https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/turkeyrun.htm](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/turkeyrun.htm)
What to Bring:
Good hiking shoes
Water
Meet: 9:00 am
Where: Parking Lot C-1. (First parking lot when entering park. See map at link below for details)
Park Trail Map: [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Corrected-Turkey_Run_Park_Trail_Map_11242023_508c.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Corrected-Turkey_Run_Park_Trail_Map_11242023_508c.pdf)
Departure: 9:10 sharp.
We should return to the parking lot no later than 11:15 am. For those interested, we can later head over to nearby Pho 75 (1721 Wilson Blvd) for a great hot pho - one of the best in the area. **Note: Cash Only!**
**In the comments section please indicate if you need a ride. If you are coming by car and wouldn’t mind picking someone up at a convenient metro stop, please indicate how many people you can take. Hopefully we’ll have enough room for everyone. I can pick up three at the Braddock Road metro (yellow), located in Alexandria, VA. Or, I can pick up folks at Rosslyn metro (orange/blue). Carpoolers, please chip in generously for gas.**
Note: This event is cross-posted with other Meetup groups.
DC Service Jam 2026
**DC Service Jam is back.** This March, SD:DC is hosting the DC edition of Global Service Jam 2026 week. We are part of a worldwide movement of designers, strategists, and curious minds who come together to build real service concepts from scratch.
From **Saturday March 14 to Sunday March 15**, you'll work in a small team around a secret theme revealed at kick-off. No briefs, no client. Just hands-on design, rapid prototyping, and plenty of Post-its.
This year we're bringing AI into the mix. Throughout the weekend we'll look at how AI tools can support service design work, as a sensemaking tool, to build artifacts faster, and to push prototypes further.
**WHAT TO EXPECT**
**Saturday March 14th**
* **9 - 10am:** social / breakfast (theme reveal + team formation)
* **10am - 6pm:** full day of research, ideation, and prototyping (meals provided)
* **6:30pm (optional):** social / happy hour (nearby bar)
**Sunday March 15th**
* **9 - 10am:** social / breakfast
* **10am - 12pm:** finalize prototyping & storytelling
* **12pm - 2pm:** present your work and share what DC made with the world
**WHO SHOULD COME**
You don't need to be a service designer. If you're a UX or product designer, strategist, public servant, researcher, or just someone curious about how services actually work, you're welcome here.
**LOGISTICS**
* **Dates:** Saturday March 14th & Sunday 15th (ending at 2pm)
* **Venue:** SteamPunk, McLean, VA
* **Capacity:** 50 spots only (first come, first served)
* **Attendee fee:** $60\* (covers meals, materials, and space)
*\* If the fee is a barrier for you, we have a limited number of discounted tickets available, just reach out to Sergio Venegas directly for a code.*
**WHAT TO BRING**
✔️ An open mind and a willingness to make things
✔️ Laptop and charger
✔️ Curiosity about Service Design (no experience needed)
**Follow SD:DC on LinkedIn and @DCServiceJam on Instagram for updates!**
\*\*\*
Many thanks to our host and sponsor, **SteamPunk**
*Design. Disrupt, Repeat. Steampunk is anchored by a startup culture with a customer-centered delivery approach. We put our Federal government clients in the center of everything we design, develop, and deliver to drive high quality mission impacts and user experiences at speed.*
BINGO Online (Win Prizes!)
**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET At**
[https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13306#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13306#tix)
(Multiple Meetup groups are co-organizing so the RSVP's shown are just a very small portion attending. We'll have at least 20 registered.)
Our last online Bingo Night Party was such a BIG hit, we're doing it again! Do you like to play BINGO or want to just do something different?! Then you will LOVE this event! Here is your opportunity to have some fun playing our Live "Bingo" game. You will also get to socialize and make other friends from the comfort of your home.
Prizes included Amazon gift cards, free future events and more! This completely online event will be LIVE and you will be able to see and hear the other participants while playing. You will either need to print or draw out your bingo cards. We will email you with how to get it after registering.
You can have more than 1 person on your team as long as they're from your house and use same device. Friends/family around the country can also play. They would just need to also register for a ticket.
This event will be held on Zoom which you would access through your computer/webcam, or via your phone/tablet. On day of the event, you will get a secured Zoom link and link to print out Bingo cards.
\*RSVPS ON HERE ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF ACTUAL ATTENDANCE as this is a multi group event.
Cost: $15-$20 depending on how early you register.
**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET AT -**
[https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13306#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13306#tix)
To find more fun events:
Follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283)
Join: [https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Social/](https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Social/)
Click: [https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/](https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/)
Formation Events Near You
Connect with your local Formation community
Resource Presentation - Build Systems That Support Your Growth
## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation**
**Why Not Today? Build Systems That Support Your Growth**
**Presented by Leslie Kane, Founder of Why Not Today?**
**Wednesday March 25th \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM**
**Venture X Loudoun**
Join us for a powerful resource presentation designed to help entrepreneurs move from scattered effort to sustainable momentum.
***
## **About the Session**
Entrepreneurs rarely struggle because they lack ideas.
They struggle because everything lives in their head.
In this session, **Leslie Kane**, founder of **Why Not Today?**, will explore how developing intentional systems creates clarity, focus, and forward progress in business.
Drawing from decades of leadership experience and working with hundreds of entrepreneurs, Leslie shares how structure reduces overwhelm, simplifies decision-making, and transforms inconsistent action into repeatable success.
If you’re building a business and constantly feeling stretched thin, this conversation will challenge you to ask a powerful question:
**Why not today?**
***
## **What You’ll Gain**
* Insight into why systems are critical for growth
* Practical perspective on turning ideas into structured action
* A framework for reducing overwhelm
* A mindset shift from reactive to intentional leadership
This is not about adding more to your plate — it’s about building the foundation that allows your business to grow without burning you out.
***
## **About 1 Million Cups**
1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through conversation and collaboration. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month.
Join us for coffee, connection, and a conversation that may completely change how you approach your business growth.
Dharma Talk & Meditation
Join us at 11:30 a.m. for a meditation class led by Khenpo Karze, followed by a public talk and Q&A.
The meditation focus varies from class to class. We are currently learning how to meditate on the Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity.
The class begins with 30 minutes of meditation instruction, followed by 5-10 minutes of meditation practice, and then continues with discussion and Q&A. Each session concludes with a brief Chenrezig practice in which we recite Om Mani Padme Hung (a prayer of compassion), and a dedication prayer that our efforts benefit all beings.
This class offers a strong foundation in meditation, helping cultivate inner peace and compassion amidst busy lives.
All are welcome!
This program is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and you can come to all or any part of the program. Families are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are encouraged.
Join us!
Class is offered IN-PERSON in our Prayer Room and ONLINE on [Facebook Live](https://www.facebook.com/KPCBuddhistTemple/) and [YouTube Live](https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams).
You can also watch online here: https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/
About the teacher:
Khenpo Tenzin Karze graduated from Ngagyur Nyingma Institute’s intensive Buddhist graduate course in 2006, and was awarded the degree of Khenpo, equivalent to a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy, in 2011. He has received teachings and empowerments from many great Nyingma masters, and taught extensively in various Palyul temples in Nepal, India, Europe and Taiwan. This is his first time in the USA. We are delighted that Khenpo is now in residence at KPC and will be providing traditional Dharma instruction to help us deepen our practice of wisdom and compassion.
Data Science & Machine Learning with Microsoft Fabric
**Agenda :**
* 4.45 to 5.00 PM ET: Food and Networking
* 5.00 to 5.50 PM ET: "Data Science & Machine Learning with Microsoft Fabric"
Hello Everyone! Please join us for our March 12th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided. You will need a government-issued ID to enter the facility.**
**Title:** Data Science & Machine Learning with Microsoft Fabric
**Description:** Explore Microsoft Fabric’s integrated Data Science experience across ideation, preprocessing, modeling, & deployment. Learn how to ingest and prepare data via OneLake and Lakehouse, leverage Notebooks, Data Wrangler, Spark, SynapseML, MLflow for experimentation, & operationalize predictions with batch scoring and Power BI direct integration. Also, learn to build generative AI Q&A systems using Fabric Data Agents.
**Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station.
**Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception.
We will meet in Room Lake Anne.
We hope to see you all there!!!!
Build Smarter — Grow Without Burnout | Career Pivot Lessons (Ashburn)
# ✨ Real Founder Lessons for Builders & Career Pivoters (Ashburn)
**Saturday, March 14 • 2–4 PM • Ashburn, VA**
What if growing your work didn’t have to come with constant exhaustion?
This entrepreneur-focused session is a behind-the-scenes conversation about how to build, pivot, and scale **without burning yourself out** — and without chasing work that drains your energy.
Whether you’re launching something new, navigating a career pivot, or rebuilding after a layoff, the principles are the same:
👉 protect your energy
👉 make smarter pivots
👉 build momentum that lasts
👉 apply AI practically to support smarter decisions and workflows
Over 12 years, I’ve launched **7 startups and side hustles** — alongside **21 years in corporate tech leadership**. The biggest lesson wasn’t scaling tactics…
It was learning when to pivot, how to sustain momentum, and how to align what energizes you with what serves your customers — an approach that generated **revenue** in my first full-time year without burnout.
A key part of that evolution has been learning how to integrate AI in grounded, practical ways — helping accelerate testing, decision-making, and workflow clarity without adding complexity.
During this session, I’ll share real founder insights — including a live screen walkthrough — showing how smart pivots happen and what separates intentional growth from reactive hustle.
***
## What We’ll Explore
1. **How to recognize when to pivot — and when to stay the course**
2. **Building energy-first systems instead of burnout cycles**
3. **Founder decision-making under pressure**
4. **Designing work that supports long-term momentum**
5. **Why sustainable growth outperforms hustle culture**
6. **Using AI strategically to support pivots, experimentation, and smarter workflows**
This is not a lecture or pitch — it’s a grounded founder conversation for people who want to grow smarter and build work that lasts.
Expect practical thinking, humor, and takeaways you can use immediately.
***
## Event Details
💵 $20 RSVP — includes coffee + snacks
📍 Ashburn, VA (exact address shared after RSVP)
🕑 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
👥 Max 15 attendees — intentionally small for meaningful conversation
Most attendees are professionals, founders, and growth-minded builders navigating reinvention, pivots, or startup ideas.
***
## About the Space — Startup Garage Style
Hosted in my early-founder style startup garage — a **bright, spacious, comfortable Ashburn living room** designed for focused conversation and practical learning. These sessions are intentionally intimate — closer to a founder roundtable than a seminar.
***
## Background — Corporate to Founder Journey
After **21 years in corporate tech leadership**, including senior director role, I transitioned into full-time entrepreneurship, building on years of startup and side-hustle experience.
If you’re exploring a career pivot or next chapter, you’ll find this conversation highly practical.
***
## 🔗 Builder Ecosystem & Resources
🌐 Website: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)
▶ YouTube (300K+ views): [https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness](https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness)
💼 LinkedIn (4K+ followers): [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/)
🤝 Meetup Community: [https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/](https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/)
📚 Amazon Author Page (2 Books published, more on the way): [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ](https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ)
Everything shared comes from lived founder experience — not theory.
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**Space is intentionally limited to ensure focused discussion, interactive learning, and practical takeaways you can use immediately.**
McLean Business Forum
A weekly networking meeting where we have a lot of fun and of course, meet other busy professionals!
Elite Networking Lunch: Elevate Your Connections
Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation).
Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.



















