Load Testing and Performance

This is an [in-person communication lab](https://www.presentation-school.com/berlin-presentation-lab) that helps professionals speak clearly and confidently under pressure using proven methods. Most people don’t struggle because they don’t practice enough. They struggle because they practice without the right principles. This session focuses on deliberate, guided practice informed by performance psychology, neuroscience, and modern communication training. **What You Will Do** * Learn one science-based communication principle that improves real-world performance. * Train that principle in structured speaking exercises designed for skill development. * Receive clear, professional feedback you can apply immediately. Practice and feedback are guided by experienced communication professionals who work with executives and senior professionals. This is not peer-to-peer feedback or open discussion. **Who Should Attend?** * Non-native English speakers * Professionals who present, lead meetings, or speak up at work * Anyone who overthinks, freezes, or loses clarity under pressure * People who want structured improvement, not just repetition No prior experience is required. **What This is NOT** * A lecture. * A motivational talk. * A public performance. * Unstructured open practice. * Peer-led feedback or opinion-based critique. **Before The Session** Before the session, participants complete a short preparation form to clarify their goals and common communication challenges. This helps ensure the practice and feedback during the lab are as relevant and effective as possible. **Optional:** Participants may submit a short video (1–2 minutes) or written questions. This is optional and used to personalise focus areas and examples during the session. No individual coaching is provided. **After the Session** Participants receive a short follow-up pack with key takeaways, practical drills, a reflection question, and guidance on next steps. **Practical Information** Language: English Duration: 2 hours Format: In-person, structured group lab Address: Chausseestraße 86, 10115 Berlin Healthy snacks and water provided. Price: €25 per session If you are looking for a professional, practical way to improve how you communicate and want to train using principles that actually lead to results, this lab is a good place to start.

We are excited to feature **Jonas Hübotter**, who is currently a PhD student at **ETH Zürich** and will discuss "**Test-Time Training Agents for Deep Exploration**", lasting approximately 45 minutes. After the talk, seize the opportunity to connect with fellow AI enthusiasts to share ideas and questions while enjoying free drinks and pizza. **Door close by 7.15pm, so please come early! Also, "attend"ing (RSVP) here on Meetup is strictly necessary to be guaranteed entry.** Please note that Meetup has recently been quite keen on promoting its Plus program. However, you are not obligated to purchase it, as both our events and the platform remain free. **Who is this event for?** This event is open to everyone interested in state-of-the-art AI research. We especially design it for students, PhD candidates, academic researchers, and industry professionals with a research focus in machine learning. **Abstract**: The standard paradigm of machine learning separates training and testing. Training aims to learn a model by extracting general rules from data, and testing applies this model to new, unseen data. We study an alternative paradigm where the model is trained at test-time specifically for the given task. We investigate why such test-time training can effectively specialize a model to individual tasks. Further, we demonstrate that such test-time training enables models to continually improve and eventually solve challenging tasks, which are out of reach for the initial model. **Bio**: [Jonas](https://jonhue.github.io/) is a PhD student in the Learning and Adaptive Systems Group at ETH Zurich, advised by Andreas Krause. His research focuses on test-time training and reinforcement learning, with broader interests in probabilistic inference, optimization, and online learning. He received an MSc in Theoretical Computer Science and Machine Learning from ETH Zurich, where he was awarded the ETH Medal, and a BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics from the Technical University of Munich. His work has been published at NeurIPS, ICLR, ICML, and COLM. We are [BLISS](https://bliss.berlin/) e.V., the **AI** **organization** in Berlin that **connects like-minded individuals** who share great interest and passion for the field of machine learning. This winter 2025/26, we will, again, host an exciting speaker series on site in Berlin, featuring excellent researchers from Tübingen AI Center, DeepMind, Microsoft, King's College London, cohere, and ETH Zürich. Website: [https://bliss.berlin](https://bliss.berlin/) Youtube: [https://www.youtube.com/@bliss.ev.berlin](https://www.youtube.com/@bliss.ev.berlin) Disclaimer: By attending this event you agree to be photographed.

Like your standup tight and intimate? Sneak into the back room of Mysliwska on Schlesi for a tight hour of standup by Anna Beros and friends, with local and internationally touring comedians, in English, inclusive and adult. Doors: 21:00 **Show: 21:30** End: 22:30 **Limited capacity of 25 so reserve your tickets here: https://www.annaberos.com/berlin** **or via eventbrite: https://backdoorcomedymay2025.eventbrite.de** Remaining seats may be for sale at the door with cash or card **Performance space is non-smoking** Main bar is smoking Bar closes super late so stick around after the show **Produced and usually hosted by Anna Beros (AUS)** Anna’s a Kiwi born, Melbourne raised, Berlin based full-time independent standup comedian, YouTube host, podcaster and producer. She celebrates life’s struggles with incisive standup and playful audience interaction. Her new standup solo, High Hoe enjoyed a successful full run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 and her previous solos, Creampie Curious and Creampie Clarity played at numerous comedy festivals through the UK and Australia in 2023 and 2024. She tours Europe and produces and hosts 5 weekly shows in Berlin. In 2025, she opened for Jeff Arcuri at Admiralspalast, in 2024 for April Macie on US army bases in Germany and for Ian Fidance in Berlin in 2019. She hosts the comedy channel, Ersties Nonsense, has the podcast Adults ONLY Comedy Berlin and has written for Comedy Central DE. Check out what Anna's been up to: **[https://www.instagram.com/afberos/](https://www.instagram.com/afberos/)** **Venue: Mysliwska**, Schlesische Straße 35 10997 (U1, U3) One of Kreuzberg's oldest bars. Buzz in if you can't open the door. Good vibes, locals and visitors. **Guest comedians** lineup on ig stories @adultsonlycomedyberlin **https://www.instagram.com/adultsonlycomedyberlin/** \>\> comedians DM to be considered for a spot \- limited spots for experienced comedians

Dear Community, as we step into the year ahead, we’re full of excitement for what’s to come and can’t wait to welcome you to our first session of the year at our new home, NLND Berlin. Check out the details below, and we look forward to having all of you with us! 18:30 - Warming up and networking chat 18:45 - Intro by AWS UG Berlin & NLND 19:00 - 19:40 - **Dr. Andreas E. Wagner // Emotionally Intelligent Leadership for An AI-powered Future** As leaders create an AI-powered future, they need to integrate their cognitive intelligence with their emotional intelligence to build adaptable, resilient, and innovative organizations. These leaders have deep empathy for customers and foster a culture of creativity and psychological safety among their employees. They need to be data-driven but also authentically human. This session will help leaders understand the EPIC attributes needed to drive successful outcomes in the new human+AI era. Andreas is an experienced Business Coach. He has held senior management functions in sales, services, business development, and marketing. Through his experience at AWS, Ericsson, Huawei, Hitachi, Fujitsu, and Ingram, Andreas has gained a very good insight in several industries and diverse cultural leadership contexts. 19:40 - 20:00 - Network break with snacks & drinks 20:00 - 20:30 - **Ask Me Anything with** **Dr. Andreas E. Wagner** Dr. Wagner and our community leaders will accept your questions and comments on a cozy, roundtable setting by some more drinks and pizza! =================================================== **Very Important: There is no "waitlist" for our regular sessions.** However, there are limited seats available. If you want to make sure you can attend: Register yourself with your "full name" here at Meetup.com, Arrive on time - seats are first come, first serve. As soon as there are seats available, you are welcome to join with your registration. In case there are no more seats available, we won't be able to let you join us this time.We thank you very much for your understanding! =================================================== Additional Information **This event is wheelchair friendly.** Help us spread the word, and invite your friends & colleagues! If you're attending with wheelchair and need assistance, please mail us: organisers@berlinawsug.de for further details. Would you like to host AWS UG Berlin events at your company? [Register here](https://bit.ly/aws-host) Would you like to speak at AWS UG Berlin sessions? [Submit your talk here](https://bit.ly/aws-talk)

YAAAS QUEEN! Hilarious monthly comedy show with fierce and fabulously funny queens! **[TICKETS LINK](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yaaas-queen-women-lgbtq-comedy-show-tickets-1094698806599)** Yaaas Queen is a monthly celebration of fierce and fabulously funny queens, kings and royal criminal queers! The show is in English and on second Thursday of every month. This is not just a stand-up comedy open mic – it is a fun and safe space for women & LGBTQIA+ comics who want to either try stand-up for the first time, work on their funny bits or experiment with other comedy formats. There’s always a different line-up of experienced and less experienced jesters and we try to make it as varied as possible! It is also a cosy opportunity for you, our lovely audience members, to meet like-minded, open-hearted people who enjoy laughing, can take a joke and just want to have a marvellous evening. You are welcome to come and support us with your ecstatic applause, roaring laughter and loving support no matter who you are or what you have or don’t have in your pants, bags and cupboards! Curious to try stand-up? Talk to us after the show! Doors: 20:00 Showtime: 20:30-22:30 (with break) This comedy show is produced by the fabulous Queen Bees Comedy collective consisting of Anja Woot, Carmen Chraim and Kat Nip.

Erlerne Meditations- und Entspannungsverfahren kennen und sorge damit für mehr Bewusstheit und Stressreduktion in deinem Alltag.

We are back in the c-base! Do you already run NixOS and want to talk to other people or want an introductory session with some NixOS users. Just bring your machine! Usually there are no topics, we just sit in front of our computers, talk about stuff, debug some problems or review some PRs on nixpkgs. There are drinks usually available from the c-base bar. If you can't find us. just ask around or ask in irc (#krebs on hackint)

Winterwonderland-Waldbaden in offenen Gruppen im Düppeler Forst - Treffpunkt Berlin-Wannsee. In meinen 2,5 stündigen Waldbaden-Kursen tauchst du in die regenerative Kraft des Waldes ein – entschleunigend, achtsam und wissenschaftlich fundiert. Du erlebst die Natur bewusst und mit allen Sinnen, löst Spannungen, reduzierst Stress und findest ganz natürlich zurück zu innerer Ruhe. Angeleitet wird der Kurs mit Übungen, Meditationen und kreativen Aufgaben, die helfen sich wieder auf sich selbst zu konzentrieren. Z.B.: * Übungen zur Entspannung, Achtsamkeit, Atem * Leichte Mobilisierungsübungen * Genussvolle Momente * Kreativübungen, z.B. Naturbild kreieren * Bonus: kleine Teezeremonie als Abschluss Der aus Berlin und Potsdam sehr gut erreichbare westliche Düppeler Forst (Wannsee) ist dafür der perfekte Ort: Weitläufig, still und voller ursprünglicher Waldabschnitte, die sofort eine tiefe Erdung spürbar machen. Ich bin Sarah und verbinde meine berufliche Erfahrung, die meist mit hohem Stressaufkommen verbunden war mit meiner Leidenschaft für **Waldbaden (Shinrin Yoku)**, Naturverbindung und ganzheitliche Stressprävention. In meinen Angeboten begleite ich Menschen, Teams und Organisationen dabei, im Wald Räume der Ruhe, Klarheit und Selbstwahrnehmung zu finden – und dadurch nachhaltige Veränderungen im Alltag zu ermöglichen.

**PyBerlin: January's event** **Location: JetBrains office -** Schlesische Str. 34, 10997 Berlin, enter via Lieferando entrance. **Agenda:** 6:15 pm – Doors open: snacks, drinks, networking 6:45 pm - Welcome from PyBerlin 6:55 pm - Welcome from the sponsor - JetBrains 7:05 pm – Code review agents battle // Shahriyar Rzayev In this live-coded demo, I'll build a multi-agent code review system where three agent instances work simultaneously as specialized reviewers: * **The Architect** evaluates design patterns and system structure * **The Security Expert** hunts for vulnerabilities and data risks * **The Performance Analyst** identifies bottlenecks and complexity issues We'll watch them analyze real Python code, generate independent reviews, and even disagree with each other on trade-offs—all orchestrated with \~50 lines of async Python code. Speaker's bio: Software Engineer and Builder. Previous accomplishments include contributing to open source, providing technical direction, and sharing knowledge about Code and Architecture. An empathetic team player and mentor. Azerbaijan Python User Group Leader. Former QA Engineer and Bug Hunter. 7:35 pm - break 8:05 pm – Can you trust your (large language) model? // Jodie Burchell Machine learning algorithms are marvellous things: models that can do a bunch of tedious and complex tasks for us, all with a high degree of accuracy. But how do we really know whether the outputs of machine learning models are correct? This question is not as simple to answer as we might think. As we move into an age where “black box” models, particularly LLMs, are becoming more and more commonly used, it becomes even more essential, and at the same time, difficult and complicated, to be able to assess model performance accurately. In this talk, we’ll explore ways in which our models can lie to us, and how we might be able to peer through this confusion to get at the truth. Speaker's bio: Dr. Jodie Burchell is the Developer Advocate in Data Science at JetBrains, and was previously a Lead Data Scientist at Verve Group Europe. She completed a PhD in clinical psychology and a postdoc in biostatistics, before leaving academia for a data science career. She has worked for 9 years as a data scientist in both Australia and Germany, developing a range of products including recommendation systems, analysis platforms, search engine improvements and audience profiling. She has held a broad range of responsibilities in her career, doing everything from data analytics to maintaining machine learning solutions in production. She is a long time content creator in data science, across conference and user group presentations, books, webinars, and posts on both her own and JetBrain's blogs. 9:30 - closing This event will be only in-person. Please check our Code of Conduct and official health regulation in Berlin before coming. If you feel some signs of sickness, please consider skipping this event and attending another time. We will have plenty of events in different formats in the future. Looking forward seeing you all!

**See Berlin's best comedians at one of the city's longest-running comedy showcases! With a new lineup every month!** Doors: 8 p.m. Showtime: 9 p.m. Go West Comedy is one of Berlin’s oldest English stand-up nights at one of the city's friendliest venues. Your hosts Simone Hudson (New Zealand) and Ben MacLean (Canada) pick their favourite performers for a night of good vibes and top-notch stand-up. Plus we've got the only Lip Sync Battle halftime show in the city! Suggested donation EUR 10-15. Your donations allow us to keep the show going and to pay the performers for their hard work. A portion of your donations also goes to support our LGBTQIA+ charity home, AHA-Berlin e.V. Come find out why our fans say we're like no other comedy night in the city! Fresh, diverse line-ups, prizes for the audience, and comedy that's friendly but never boring.

New York City-style English comedy show right in the heart of Mitte! Join us in a sexy and intimate venue where 3 top comedians and take the stage to work out their new material and polish their best jokes. Watching experienced comics play with new material is one of the funnest ways to enjoy comedy. Experience the raw, unfiltered humor and dynamic atmosphere that make NYC's comedy scene legendary. This is a night where comedians and the audience are free to have fun, create connections, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of comedy. Perfect for comedy lovers and anyone looking for a unique night out! **HOURS:** **1 - HOUR SHOW** **Doors:** 8:30pm **Show time:** 9pm - 10pm PAY WHAT YOU WANT SHOW We leave it up to you to decide how much to pay for the show at the end. The suggested donation is 10-15 EUR. The Shine Private and safe space and stage\* \*This is a safe and inclusive environment for anyone who wishes to attend our events, however the comedy performed at this show will push boundaries and is not recommended for anyone who believes, 'you can't joke about X topic'. We support our comics to explore ANY topic from any angle. @hierwodustrahlst Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 20 **FOR COMEDIANS** \*This is not a sign-up show. Please do no reach out unless you are an experienced traveling comic (1k+ gigs). If we know you, we'll contact you to perform when appropriate. \*VISITING COMICS - if you want to get booked please send a clip in your ***initial*** message in an easily viewable format (Youtube link preferred). Comics who don't send a clip in the first message might not get an answer because you're creating extra work for us.

We, Mariangela Tinelli and Meltem Nil are both Solo-Improvisation performance artists, we are regularly performing in diverse venues in Berlin for years and now we are also creating workshops together! Feel welcome to try it out if you are into improvisation or you are a poet, artist, dancer, musician or simply curious to try new things, here is our description (and feel free to ask me questions in messages): **This time we focus on: Impulse - embody - transform** In this improvisation workshop we will create and combine movement, voice and speaking. We will work with the fleeting images, memories, and emotions that surface through our senses. The detailed attention to visual, auditive, tactile sensations combine with movement in space and form the beginning of a journey of transformations. We’ll explore how impulses develop into narratives, create characters and even abstract expressions. How can we embody the sparkle of an image? How can this sparkle become deep and poetic material? You will be guided with exercises in solos, duos and in the group. The workshop is open for everybody who wants to act in a different way, to do research and to shape space. Workshop language is German and English, we also speak Italian and Turkish. registration/questions, write me: tinellangela@gmail.com or you can directly sign up here with meet-up When: 17. January 2026 - 11.00 - 15.30 including 30 min. break Where: K77 Studio, Kastanienallee 77, 10435 Berlin (Hinterhof 3.Stock) Costs: 40 € to bring in cash https://k77studio.org/de/coming-with-nothing-and-leaving-with-everything-4/ Bring comfortable clothing and a water bottle, pen and paper only if you want to make notes, snack/ lunch you can take along or buy in the hood.

Hey everyone! I’m organising a co-working + socialising session for all of us who like to work on something (e.g. our own project, freelance or remote work) but don't feel like sitting alone at home. 🙂 To ensure that we have both **socialising** AND **working**, we will be using the so called “Pomodoro” technique: **50min of deep work** (silent), followed by **10min of break** to socialise. Then repeat! If you get into flow, you're also welcome to skip the breaks. It’s an effective way to stay focused - you can read more about it [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique). Anyone from any background is welcome, whatever project you are working on or whatever is your personal background. I (the host) speak English and German, so either is fine :-) ——————————————————- AGENDA: * **15min Intro** * Get to know everyone, talk about what you will work on today * **Pomodoro Session** (3x) - *Each Pomodoro session consists* *of...* * ...**50min** of uninterrupted “deep work” (no talking, no interruptions, no phones) * ...**10min** of break: share your progress with others, talk about what you are stuck on etc. * Repeat * Conclude and celebrate your progress Share your progress, socialise and get to know others 😊 ———— We'll be at the Social Hub Berlin (they have a food menu in case you get hungry). The structured part will end at 2:30pm, but you're welcome to stay longer, go for lunch together, or leave earlier. See you there 🩵 **\*\*We'll reserve the long table. Please update your RSVP in advance if you can't attend!\*\***

Do you relate to Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)? Want to hang out with like-minded people? Not sure but want to find out more? Feel free to share your experiences or just come and listen. **This meet up's theme will be**: HSP x **"Finding Balance as a HSP"** As we start a New Year, I thought a good theme would be to reflect a little bit about the ups and downs of last year, and maybe finding ways for a more balanced year as a HSP. \- If your RSVP is **"waitlisted" - ignore this and just turn up**! \- Please note that the venue "The Castle" hosts other meetups\. Look for **exact location in the comments section** (so that you don't end up in a portrait drawing meet up!) **Meet up has a semi-structured format:** \- Arrivals\, grab drinks and get settled down/make ourselves comfortable\. \- A short introduction about the Meet Up and HSP\. \- Then a little ice\-breaker round\. We'll go into the topic\. \- A little break\, and after that it's free flow chat\! **Exact location:** Find us at The Castle, and check the comments section for precise location! If it gets too noisy, and weather permitting - we'll move to the nearby park. Bring something to sit on for grassy areas, just in case! **Example topics we can talk about:** \- HSP x finding balance **Some things we have discussed in previous meet ups:** \- What does HSP mean to you? \- What impact do you think culture has had on being a HSP? \- What are the great things about being a HSP? \- What is true love and do you believe in it? \- Dealing with work conflicts\. \- Value in alone time\. \- HSP x Relationships \- HSP x Career/Work \- HSP x Dating \- HSP x Superpower or Burden \- HSP x Dealing with bullies \- HSP x Positive Side of being a HSP \- HSP x Listening to trigger responses \- Traits of the HSP: * D - Depth of processing *(do you deeply analyse in some situations?)* * O - Overstimulation *(do you get exhausted easily?)* * E - Emotional reactivity *(do you get affected by other people's moods?)* * S- Sensing the subtle *(did you also notice the missing "space" between the S and -?)* Feel free to grab some refreshments or drinks from the bar (not obligatory!) *Please note this event duration is between 60-90 minutes. If you're tired and/or overstimulated, please don't feel obligated to stay and feel free to say your goodbyes earlier on. And of course, feel free to stay longer!* Towards the end of the meet up, you will also be invited to join a WhatsApp Group where you can join/organise random hangouts within the community.

Gaming, AdTech, EdTech, Media Streaming, and FinTech are just a few of the workloads where high-availability cloud infrastructure matters. Whether you’re doing battle daily in one of these spaces or are just curious about ways to improve performance, meet us in Reston for an in-person discussion on bare metal cloud architecture. You’ll meet our product lead, James MacKenzie, who will walk through how modern bare metal serves as a control plane for hybrid and private cloud architectures. **What we will cover** * Ways to leverage bare metal, containers, and orchestration for better performance and predictable economics; * Real-world hybrid, disaster recovery, and data-intensive architectures; * Our approach to eliminating ingress and egress fees. **Who should attend** * Cloud architects and platform engineers; * DevOps professionals and infrastructure leads; * FinOps stakeholders managing data-heavy or hybrid workloads. **Why attend** This is a technical, architecture-first conversation. You will leave with a clearer understanding of high-availability cloud infrastructure and how organizations are scaling cost-effectively. Food and drinks will be provided. Space is limited to keep the discussion interactive.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 Business Presentation** **Featuring Eric Wojtkun of Focal Point Coaching** **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our **January 14th 1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Eric Wojtkun**, founder of **Focal Point Coaching**, for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and preparing businesses to thrive before challenges arise. **About the Presenter** Eric brings a rare and compelling background to entrepreneurship. An **Army BRAT, Army Veteran, and FBI Agent**, Eric has lived in 17 places, served two overseas deployments (Bosnia and Kosovo), and worked across nearly every major FBI discipline — from violent and white-collar crime to cyber, counterintelligence, crisis response, and national security. After decades of leadership in high-stakes environments, Eric launched **Focal Point Coaching** to focus on what mattered most to him throughout his career: **helping people and organizations build resilience in the face of change and adversity**. Through executive coaching and team development, Eric helps leaders move from survival mode into what he calls **“BEAST mode”** — prepared, confident, and proactive. His exclusive resilience-focused coaching framework supports leadership, teams, processes, culture, and cyber readiness before a crisis occurs. **Where Eric Is Seeking Community Feedback** * How do you effectively market **resilience preparation** *before* a critical incident occurs? * What helps leaders and business owners clearly understand the **ROI of resilience coaching**? * How can resilience training be integrated into the flow of **normal business operations**? * What motivates leaders to prepare mentally and emotionally for the inevitable challenges of business? **Who Should Attend** Eric is especially eager to connect with: * Small to mid-sized business owners in the **hospitality industry** * Leaders responsible for teams, culture, and operations * Entrepreneurs experienced in scaling service-based businesses * Anyone interested in leadership, preparedness, and sustainable growth Come ready to listen, learn, and offer meaningful insight to support a founder building something impactful. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

**The Test Tribe 2nd Washington Meetup – Designing a Modern QA Organization: Structure, Skills, and Shared Ownership** AI is accelerating software delivery at an unprecedented pace-but speed without structure introduces serious risk. In today’s landscape, the traditional “testing bottleneck” isn’t just a delay-it’s a business liability. This session explores how Quality Engineering must evolve from a siloed function into a strategic, distributed capability-one that balances rapid AI adoption with strong human oversight. Moving beyond basic automation, this talk introduces the concept of Distributed Quality Governance, where quality becomes a shared responsibility across engineering, product, and leadership. Expect a practical, leadership-focused discussion that cuts through AI hype and addresses the real challenges of testing complex, AI-assisted systems-while ensuring accountability, trust, and long-term resilience. **Event Details** * **Date: 21st January 2026 (Wednesday)** * **Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT** * **Location: 1501 Langston Blvd. Arlington, Virginia** **Session: Designing a Modern QA Organization: Structure, Skills, and Shared Ownership** **Speaker: Alekhya Guduri** **About the Session** In an era where AI-generated code is accelerating delivery, quality can no longer be treated as a final checkpoint. Instead, it must be embedded, intentional, and governed. In this session, Alekhya Guduri presents a blueprint for building a modern QA organization that operates as a strategic business function. You’ll learn how to shift from centralized testing teams to shared ownership models, while introducing guardrails that ensure responsible AI use across the delivery pipeline. From defining a Materiality Matrix to identify where AI risks are too high to ignore, to implementing Human-in-the-Loop frameworks, this talk provides actionable guidance for leaders navigating AI-driven engineering environments. **Key Takeaways** * The Materiality Matrix: How to objectively prioritize AI risks based on business impact and technical complexity * Distributed Governance: Transitioning from centralized QA to shared ownership in AI-driven CI/CD pipelines * Responsible AI Guardrails: Practical Human-in-the-Loop frameworks to prevent bias, hallucinations, and silent failures **About the Speaker** Alekhya Guduri is a seasoned technology leader whose career sits at the intersection of engineering execution, operational excellence, and innovation. As Director of Engineering at Indeed, she focuses on building high-performing organizations that treat quality as a strategic advantage, not a last-mile activity. With deep experience scaling complex systems and leading cross-functional teams, Alekhya works at the forefront of shaping how AI and human judgment coexist within modern software delivery. She is a strong advocate for distributed governance, responsible AI practices, and the evolution of Quality Engineering into a trusted business partnership. **Why You Should Attend** * Learn how to design QA organizations for AI-driven delivery * Understand how to balance speed with responsibility in modern pipelines * Gain leadership frameworks for shared ownership of quality * Move beyond AI hype to practical, defensible testing strategies * Connect with Washington-area QA, engineering, and tech leaders **About The Test Tribe** **The Test Tribe** is the world’s largest software testing community, empowering testers globally since 2018. With 7**00+ events** and **150K+ members** across **130+ countries**, we bring testers together to learn, grow, and connect through meetups, conferences, cohorts, masterclasses, and more. By RSVPing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy and consent to be contacted by The Test Tribe and our event partners.

**Leave behind the rushed pace of traditional speed dating and embrace a more relaxed approach to meeting new people, facilitated by a [Dating Coach](https://lovedandfulfilled.com/) with prepared Conversation Icebreakers.** **💕 All ages!** **💕Different sections for different age groups.** Must[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1657502206719?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[RSVP HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1972845805913?aff=oddtdtcreator)** (Event is posted on multiple platforms, attendees displayed here doesn't reflect the actual number) * Easy going greet and meet to socially warm up * Prepared questions to facilitate meaningful conversations and assess compatibility * Engaging discussions in small groups * Opportunity to talk to every single person present * Stress free matchmaking by the coach after the event (no need to ask for contact info on the spot, you will get it after the event) * Fun games to play together Whether you are an introvert or an extravert, welcoming and easy-going environment is guaranteed. You won't have to sweat the small talk, and event will be structured and organized to make connecting effortless. **Cost:** $35 (Pay through[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1299434316019?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[E](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1815006977729?aff=oddtdtcreator)[ventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1972845805913?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1972845805913?aff=oddtdtcreator)or **Venmo** to @Irena-Polyakova (1469)) **Location**: Uncle Jalapeno Restaurant in Herndon, VA **Time**: 3:00 pm \~ Irena

NOTE: You MUST sign up and pay via our website to reserve your spot (https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events). Simply responding yes to attend via Meetup does not hold your spot. Thank you for your understanding! #### Wednesdays, 5:15pm – 6:15pm @Flying Buddha: 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 Rehearsals @ON: 4/12 (1pm – 3pm), 4/19 (1-3pm), 5/3 (1-3pm), 5/4 (6-9pm) Performance @ON: Friday, 5/8 (7:30pm-9pm) **Step into the season of love and renewal with our next aerial hammock performance theme: “Spring Has Sprung.”** We’re calling all junior aerialists, dancers, and dreamers to embody the elements—earth, wind, fire, and flora—in a show that celebrates nature’s untamed beauty and vibrant awakening. Think ivy-draped goddesses, mischievous nymphs, ethereal fairies, and butterflies taking flight. Over 9 weeks, students will create and refine their choreography with the support of a coach while adding performative elements to bring their routine to life. Followed by 4 weeks of rehearsal in the performance space. The series culminates in a live showcase at ON St. Elmo on Friday, 5/8, for friends, family, and community. Students will explore: * Choosing music that enhances their style and storytelling * Building a character and express it through movement * Adding creativity, musicality, and nuance to choreography * Growing in a supportive environment that celebrates artistry and cheers on every performer Prerequisite: Participation in a previous youth aerial dance series. Class limited to 8 students. Ages 11+. Cost of workshop: $660 Sign up: https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events **What It’s Like to Perform at ON St. Elmo** Flying Buddha’s student showcase series is designed for anyone excited to perform—whether you want to step into the spotlight or deepen your personal movement journey. Performing at ON St. Elmo is a true professional experience: 🔹Professional lighting 🔹High-quality sound 🔹Live DJ introducing each act 🔹Option to perform under your own stage name 🔹Dinner-and-a-show atmosphere for your friends and family 🔹Professional videography 🔹A beautifully designed playbill featuring your bio and headshot The atmosphere is supportive, high-energy, and filled with performers of all backgrounds, levels, and styles. And if you want to take the series without performing, that’s completely welcome—your growth is what matters most. Please note: attendees under the age of 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.

## 1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 ### Business Presentation Featuring Yomna Sarhan of L-Lab **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our January 14th **1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Yomna Sarhan**, founder of **L-Lab**, an innovative after-school enrichment program designed to transform how children learn and grow beyond the classroom. ### About the Presenter Yomna Sarhan brings a diverse and impressive background to her entrepreneurial journey. She is a former **project manager overseeing $8M+ in government contracts**, has led **multidisciplinary teams of more than 20 employees**, and is a **multilingual consultant** who has worked in over **10 countries**. Yomna also founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the **Society of Egyptian American Professionals**, reflecting her long-standing commitment to education and community development. ### About the Business L-Lab was born out of a personal experience. When Yomna’s daughter was entering kindergarten, she discovered a lack of high-quality, enriching after-school programs in Loudoun County. Many existing programs focused solely on supervision rather than meaningful learning—despite children spending 10–15 hours per week and families investing significant resources in aftercare. L-Lab is changing that narrative. L-Lab is an **after-school language immersion enrichment program** for elementary-aged children, blending: * STEAM-based learning * Social-emotional development * Montessori-inspired approaches In addition to after-school programming, L-Lab offers **full-day camps** during school breaks, including winter, spring, and teacher workdays. ### Where Yomna Is Now L-Lab is currently in the **launch/startup phase**, with the full after-school program beginning in early January and a winter break program running at the end of December. Yomna is focused on enrollment, program validation, and building a strong foundation for growth. ### Feedback Yomna Is Seeking from the Community Yomna is coming to the 1 Million Cups stage looking for thoughtful feedback and insight on key challenges, including: * How to **shift the mindset around after-school programs** from “time-filling childcare” to meaningful enrichment * The most strategic way to **scale after a successful pilot** (January–June): * Expanding curriculum into schools * Focusing on one location first * How to **find and retain high-quality part-time staff** aligned with L-Lab’s mission and values ### Who Should Attend Yomna would especially love to have: * Entrepreneurs with experience **scaling service-based businesses** * Founders who have **modified or diversified offerings as they grew** * Parents and guardians interested in education, enrichment, and after-school programming ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**