Funders and Founders

• What we'll do Economist William Michael Cunningham on Podbeam Thursdays at 6 pm. https://www.podbean.com/

On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy...and Black people.

Join the RunDMV crew every Thursday night at **6:30pm** outside **Caboose Brewing Co.** in Vienna (520 Mill St. NE). We hit the W&OD Trail right behind the brewery for a **40-minute out-and-back run/walk**—go at your own pace, and when you hit 20 minutes, just turn around so we all finish together. No matter if you’re walking, jogging, or pushing the pace, you’ll have company out there. Each week we switch directions (east one week, west the next) to keep things fresh. After the run, we stick around for food and drinks at Caboose—because half the fun of run club is hanging out afterward. 🍻

Join Team Network’s Vienna Venture Network Captains Mark Sweeney and John Partridge for breakfast and professional networking tomorrow morning at 8 am at everyone's favorite... Anitas!

**A2A Summit \+ AI Dev 25 x NYC \| Key takeaways** **Location: Prefect at Foggy Bottom DC + Online** Hello everyone and Happy New Year! The AI world keeps innovating and we’ve moved past the "How do I write a prompt?" phase and entered the era of **AI Agents**—systems that don't just talk, but actually *act*. I recently attended the **[A2A (Agent-to-Agent) Summit](https://a2asummit.ai/)** and **[AI Dev 25 with Andrew Ng](https://ai-dev.deeplearning.ai/)**. We are hosting this event to distill the high-level strategy for our product leaders and the technical "how-to" for our engineers. **The 2 big themes we will explore:** **1\. The Agentic Shift \(A2A Summit\)** We are moving from humans talking to AI, to **AI Agents talking to other AI Agents** to solve complex business problems. * **For Product & Business:** How this changes your roadmap from "features" to "automated workflows." * **For Tech:** The infrastructure and protocols required to let agents collaborate securely. **2\. Building the Future with Andrew Ng \(AI Dev 25\)** Andrew Ng shared a powerful message: the next big leap in AI isn't just bigger models, but **better workflows.** * **For Product & Business:** Why "Agentic Reasoning" will make your products more reliable and user-friendly. * **For Tech:** A deep dive into iterative loops, design patterns, and why your coding workflow is about to change forever. 📍 **In person and Online Event!** You can join us in person at Prefect in Foggy Bottom DC for some great company and maybe even some new friends! Or, if you prefer to chill at home, you can easily join us online! 💻 Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/grx-yzgd-meu Or dial: ‪(US) +1 401-349-1786‬ PIN: ‪206 985 943‬# **Agenda** * 6:00pm - 6:30pm EST Networking and Refreshments * 6:30pm \- 7:30pm EST A2A Summit \+ AI Dev 25 x NYC \| Key takeaways * 7:30pm - 8:00pm Networking **Resources** * [A2A Summit](https://a2asummit.ai) * [A2a Summit - George's key takeaways](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/a2a-summit-internet-agents-here-george-zoto-vbtce) * [AI Dev 25 x NYC](https://ai-dev.deeplearning.ai/) * [AI Dev 25 x NYC - George's key takeaways](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-prototypes-production-my-key-takeaways-andrew-ngs-george-zoto-ld6se) The recording of this cool series 😎 is available at: [https://bit.ly/dla-generative-ai](https://bit.ly/dla-generative-ai) Join us on Slack: Ask the hosts for an invite. 👉 **RSVP now and secure your spot! We can't wait to see you there!** 💖 David, Robert and George Deep Learning Adventures is a member of Data Community DC, a nonprofit dedicated to data education in the nation's capital and around the world. Learn more at [www.dc2.org](http://www.dc2.org/)

**Please Note: Go Gay DC is helping to spread the word about this event as a community service, but is not running the event.** To register, please email pfitzgerald@democraticwoman.org or telephone 202-232-7363 Ext. 402 (voicemails will also be accepted). *** Join us for an inspiring celebration of Nicholas Benton and Lou Chibbaro, Jr., two trailblazing LGBTQ+ journalists who have spent decades reporting on the front lines of social, cultural, legal, and political change in America. From covering the challenges and triumphs of LGBTQ+ communities to chronicling major milestones in the fight for civil rights, Benton and Chibbaro have shaped the conversation and amplified voices that matter. This program will explore their journeys, the evolution of LGBTQ+ journalism, and the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Benton and Chibbaro will also examine the various factors causing many news outlets to cease print publication and their energetic efforts to continue publishing their work both in print and online. While much progress has been made, their stories remind us that the arc toward justice is long—and the work continues. EVENT DETAILS: * Remarks and Q&A, in-person and via Zoom. * 6 p.m. complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar; 6:30–7:30 p.m. program followed by book signing. * Zoom only: $10. In-person: members: $20, nonmembers: $30 plus tax. Benton’s latest book, "Please Don't Eat Your Children, Cult Century, and Other Essays," will be available for purchase at the event. *** Nicholas F. Benton is a longtime local journalist and pioneering LGBTQ+ rights activist whose work has had lasting impact on both community journalism and social justice. He is best known as the founder, owner, and editor of the *Falls Church News-Press*, an independent weekly newspaper he launched in 1991 that has become the paper of record for the City of Falls Church, Virginia. Through more than 1,600 consecutive weekly editions, Benton has championed hyperlocal reporting, civic transparency, and citizen engagement. Benton’s activism began in 1960s Berkeley, California, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree and became an early leader in the gay liberation movement. He co-founded the Berkeley Gay Liberation Front, wrote the first editorial for *Gay Sunshine*, and contributed to feminist and LGBTQ+ publications. He is also the author of several books examining the cultural and historical role of LGBTQ+ communities. Guided by the principle that journalists serve “the readers and the truth,” Benton has consistently advocated for equality, public education, and inclusion. His work has earned numerous honors, including “Hero of Pride” and “OUTstanding Virginian.” *** Lou Chibbaro Jr. is a senior news reporter for the *Washington Blade* and a pioneering journalist in LGBT news coverage. He has reported on the LGBT rights movement and community continuously since 1976, first as a freelance writer and later as a staff reporter, joining the *Blade* in 1984. Over nearly five decades, Chibbaro has chronicled LGBT-related developments across major institutions, including the White House, Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, the military, law enforcement agencies, and religious organizations. Chibbaro has covered LGBT participation in U.S. presidential elections and has reported as a credentialed journalist at Democratic and Republican national conventions since 1984. He began reporting on the AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s and has documented the work of local, national, and international AIDS organizations. His crime and public safety reporting includes coverage of high-profile cases, including the 1999 Matthew Shepard hate crime trial. Chibbaro’s work has earned numerous honors, including induction into the Society of Professional Journalists’ Washington, D.C. Hall of Fame in 2011 and the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Hall of Fame in 2015. More information: https://democraticwoman.org/submaster.cfm?aPage=calendardetails.cfm&CalID=1797

New players are always welcome to come try it out! What you need: A bathing suit. Preferably something light and tight. We have extra gear for new players. But if you have your own pair of flippers, a snorkeling mask, and a snorkel then bring them along. Please bring this signed and completed form to practice: https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/c7dc-2321473/USOA_Waiver_2022-07-07.pdf Unless you are already a member of USOA: https://www.underwater-society.org/page/show/4284471-usoa-registration To find us: You can tell the front desk that you are here for underwater hockey and they will let you in for free. You can ask them for help finding the pool. If no one is at the front desk just walk past it and there will be a set of stairs on the left. Take the stairs and take a right at the bottom of the stairs. The men's and women's locker rooms are straight ahead, and you will need to go through them to access the pool deck. Once you are out on the pool deck you will be exactly where we practice. Agenda: First 15 minutes: Arrival at the pool, getting gear from the shared gear bin, dividing into two teams, getting gear on. Minutes 15-30: Getting in the water, teaching any new players the basics Minutes 20-70: Scrimmage/practice. Minutes 70-75: Putting away club gear, putting the lane lines back in place, clearing the pool deck. (optional) afterwards: Go to a local restaurant for food, drinks, and socializing.

8/3/2025: setting the date. We can adjust as needed.

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET At** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13151#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13151#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=13151#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13151#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/)

**Looking to** \- Help out neighbors in the DC area? \- Support a secular charity? \- Connect with other atheists and humanists? Join Atheists Helping the Homeless DC at our monthly distribution event! Atheists Helping the Homeless is a 501(c)(3) charity that distributes items like backpacks, socks, gloves, and toiletries to people in need throughout the Washington, DC region. We meet up on the second Saturday of every month outside of a homeless shelter in Silver Spring, MD, called Progress Place, and pass out whatever items we have to whoever is there. Each month we serve between 60 - 100 people. Afterwards, we usually go out for breakfast. Our goal is to provide a way for people to help each other without affiliating with a religion. Our method is to go straight to those in need, and create a welcoming and fun atmosphere to effectively create an environment where secular community can grow and thrive. If this sounds fun, see you there!

**[Bitcoin District](https://bitcoindistrict.org/)** is a community of Bitcoiners living & working in the greater DMV metro area. Join us for a "Coffee & Bitcoin" meetup where we'll talk about what's happening in the world of Bitcoin. We highly encourage anyone who is new to Bitcoin or just a little curious to come and ask questions... don't be shy! 🚗 Ample parking at the shopping center 🚆🚍 METRO + Bus: Dunn Loring Station (orange line) + bus to Lee Hwy & Lee Oaks Ct stop Be sure to check out the special [Bitcoin Blend](https://www.compasscoffee.com/products/bitcoin-blend), an El Salvador single-origin roast from our host [Compass Coffee](https://www.compasscoffee.com/). You can order from their website and you can even pay in Bitcoin! **Our events are Bitcoin focused and we generally avoid discussing other coins & tokens. Nothing discussed during this meetup is financial advice. Always do your own research.**

Let us get together and plot to conquer the world!:) ***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.*** ***Tate has been doing crypto and investment for years and he will share his immense experience.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. Instead of silently doing research on your own, it is well known that when you are regularly connected with people of your own investment interest, you are likely to be more motivated, better informed and less likely to miss out on opportunities. Meet and discuss face-to-face. **HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. Space is limited and advance RSVP is required. PLEASE BRING BUSINESS CARDS (Hard/Soft Copy).** THIS IS NOT A SEMINAR or A PANEL EVENT AND THERE WILL BE NO SPEAKER. It is just a happy hour social event for those interested. In the past we had a great mix of developers, miners, investors, blockchainers and people who are completely new to cryptos. \- Come one\, come all OR FLY SOLO; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\! \- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member \- Event is 21\+ ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE WILL HIT THE DANCE FLOOR AND DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY. BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES!*** ***N.B. : 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](http://info@merevents.com/)).*** [)

## Join Our Online Event: **How To Fund Real Estate Investing** Thinking about diving into real estate but not sure how to finance your dreams? This online session breaks down all the cool ways to **get funding** for your projects. Whether you're a newbie or just looking to boost your funding game, we've got tips and tricks to get you started. Grab your laptop, settle in, and let's talk cash flow and creative financing! * **Understand the real funding options** — conventional loans, private money, hard money, and joint ventures, and when each actually makes sense. * **Learn how money flows through a deal** — capital stacks, risk positions, and why deals die when funding isn’t planned first. * **Avoid the most common funding mistakes** — overleveraging, bad assumptions, and chasing deals you can’t realistically finance. * **Get financially positioned before you make offers** — so you’re credible, confident, and ready when the right deal shows up. Register Here: [SIGN UP HERE](https://links.eliteeventbuilder.com/widget/form/bu1G1KgNvYWHQqAhCtbg?am_id=debbie335)

Join Sacred Sound Alchemy Columbus for a transformative Sound Bath experience that will take you on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Immerse yourself in the powerful vibrations of various sound instruments like crystal singing bowls and rain drums, carefully orchestrated to balance your chakras and uplift your spirit. The soothing sounds will help you release negative energy, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. This event is perfect for those seeking a moment of tranquility and a chance to connect with their inner selves. Whether you are new to sound healing or a seasoned practitioner, you will benefit from the harmonious frequencies that will resonate with your body and soul. Come and allow yourself to be enveloped in a wave of healing energy, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for life's next chapter. Please bring something comfortable to lay on like a yoga mat. Being a pillow for your head or for under your knees and a blanket to cover over yourou. The library can get cold. Bring some water to help flush your body for after the session.

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

**⚔️ Introduction to Wargaming & Painting Miniature Soldiers at The Arcane Foundry ⚔️** Join me in **The War Room at [The Arcane Foundry](https://share.google/S5i6DYJnJteHWeKtd)** for a laid-back evening of hobby talk and tabletop fun! For just **$15**, you’ll get a **3D-printed regiment of 20 high quality resin models** of your choice to paint — a **$40 value!** Bring your creativity, relax, and let’s make something awesome together. **Choose one from Below:** * 20 Orc Warriors * 20 Empire Soldiers * 20 Dwarf Warriors * 20 Elf Spearmen Step into a world where strategy meets artistry — and where every painted figure tells a story of battle, honor, and imagination. Join **Daclaud** at **The Arcane Foundry** for an evening that introduces newcomers and enthusiasts alike to the timeless craft of **tabletop wargaming** and **miniature painting**. My own journey began with a fascination for fantasy — knights in armor, grim and hardened warriors, and monstrous creatures locked in epic battle. That passion led me to **Dungeons & Dragons**, where I painted my first **Basic Heroes set** and felt the spark that comes from bringing a character to life in miniature form. Not long after, I discovered **Warhammer Fantasy** and **Warhammer 40,000**, and I was hooked. The vision of vast armies clashing across the table — each unit meticulously painted, each story unfolding through dice and imagination — became my creative obsession. During this event, we’ll explore the **origins of wargaming**, from its early military simulations to the richly detailed worlds of modern tabletop battle systems. You’ll learn how to **build and customize your own armies**, paint your first figures, and experience the joy of turning strategy and storytelling into a hands-on art form. Whether you’re drawn by the lore, the hobby, or the thrill of commanding miniature legions, this introduction will open the gates to a world that has captivated hobbyists for generations. **🎨 RSVP today and join us at The Arcane Foundry — where every brushstroke and battle tells a story.**

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Java Central Café and Roaster](https://javacentral.coffee/)**!**

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*