QA Tools and Practices

**NOTE: This Library is an Alexandria on Seminary Road, NOT in Burke. But it is known as the Burke Branch. ** **Let's get together again and practice our Tarot card and pendulums.** **This is for beginners through advanced readers to practice their skills.** **Everyone will get to do a reading. There will be extra decks and pendulums if you do not have some. We will try different layouts and share our experiences. All fun!** **At 10:15 we will have an introduction to tarot session but most of the day will be just practice so come and go as you please.** **This will be my last Tarot session in VA as I am moving to NC at the end of May.** **See you there!** **Shaman Phil**

Laura Hamilton, a long-time recruiter who truly cares for Job Seekers will be speaking. Her topic is TBD. Laura speaks on our first video ever. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas) At the end of this seminar/webinar, there will be a brief Christian story. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- IF YOU ARE NEW TO Career-Confidence.org and want to learn about us via our team, here are some videos that we have done. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to our channel and LIKE our videos. \-\-\-\-\-\- Career-Confidence.org, Laura Hamilton and Robert Brandau both long-time recruiters give you an overview. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Bruce, Silvia, and Mary Beth talk about the impact of Career-Confidence.org on their job search. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo) \-\-\-\-\-\- Tim Jack, one of our current volunteers and attendees [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-qfaDVDMU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-qfaDVDMU) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Doris McMillon of our Board of Directors [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Kim DeWitt Succinctly Talks about our Team [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Cecilia and Nate – 2 of our Alumni give an overview of Career-Confidence.org. perspective. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Sara's Experience with Career-Confidence.org - Surprise Ending – Pre-Covid [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s)

This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct questions to the Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi. ><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Hi All! Join us for 2nd Saturday Spades in Greenbelt, MD. Our group is friendly and welcoming. Please give us a try! 📍Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar 🦐 6002 Greenbelt Road Greenbelt, MD 20770 ⏳️ 6:30pm to 11:30pm 🌟 Join us at this PG County sports bar for food, fun, drinks.....and, of course, Spades. 😀 All skill levels are welcome! Get matched with a partner onsite. 🍷 Happy Hour Specials from 12pm to 7pm: [https://hookreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HR_GreenbeltMD_HappyHour_Menu_24x36.pdf](https://hookreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HR_GreenbeltMD_HappyHour_Menu_24x36.pdf) Located right off the Beltway. Free parking! Remember to support the business by ordering food/drinks. 🌟 **This event is posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** We look forward to seeing you!

**Saturday, May 9 is World Collage Day!** Drop in to our shop anytime from 11:00 am-3:00 pm and take a FREE creative break — we'll be celebrating World Collage Day by making Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) using collage techniques! **[https://artisticartifacts.com/products/world-collage-day-make-take-atcs](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/world-collage-day-make-take-atcs)** An ATC’s only rule is that the finished size must be 2½ in. x 3½ in. and all art techniques are accepted. To commemorate World Collage Day, we’ll be using paper of all types: tissue, colored, book text and more for you to cut and paste as you wish. **All supplies are provided!** Children who are appropriately aged for a projects’ skills and to safely handle crafting tools are welcome, but MUST be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

We will be playing **Arcs** with up to 8 players. All experience levels welcome. Expect the game teach to start promptly within the first 10 minutes. Arcs is a sci-fi strategy game of galactic struggle set in a dark yet silly universe. Find [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv_aXuTTil8&pp=ygUEYXJjcw%3D%3D) a how to play video on youtube. Find [here](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0106/0162/7706/files/Arcs_Base_Rulebook.pdf?v=1713374179) the rulebook. Note: Please remember to update your RSVP if you can not attend the event. By updating your RSVP when you can't make it other players on the waitlist will have a chance to attend. No-shows may make it harder to attend future meetups. Also, all library rules apply to this meetup event. Mainly that no food is allowed in the library. Covered drinks are allowed.

No one truly understands AI, not even experts, says Helen Toner, an AI policy researcher and former board member of OpenAI. But that doesn't mean we can't govern it. She shows how we can make smart policies to regulate this technology even as we struggle to predict where it's headed — and why the right actions, right now, can shape the future we want. ​​​​Here is how it works: * ​​​​​​​Prior to the event: **Please watch this YouTube video:** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUn8IjZKBPg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUn8IjZKBPg) * ​During the event: We will discuss the following questions: 1. Because AI is changing so fast, it is hard to predict what new things it will be able to do next month. What steps can we take to stay open-minded and adaptable as these tools change how we learn and create? 2. There is a big debate about whether using AI helps us learn faster or makes us skip the hard work of thinking. How can we find a healthy balance between using these new tools and keeping our own minds sharp and active? 3. History shows that the people who use a technology should have a say in how it is shaped for the future. How can we ensure that our local communities have a voice in how AI is developed and used? \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events: 1. Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question) 2. Listen to understand, not to respond. 3. Be open-minded and value differences.

An open space for real conversation about how technology is shaping our world, and how we can respond with wisdom, purpose, and values. ## COMING UP: ## Life with Augmented Intelligence **Shaping how we live, work, and build in an AI-driven world** From assistants → to collaboration → to autonomous systems *** **A different way of thinking, working, building.** Most people are still using AI at the surface. Answers. Shortcuts. Quick help. But underneath, work is starting to look different: * systems instead of tasks * collaboration instead of commands * design instead of effort This is a space to step into that. Not a workshop. Not a panel. A place to see what’s emerging, hear how others are thinking, and explore what it means for your own life and work. *** ## Tech & Truth Café 📍 Greencourt Innovation Center 🗓️ May 10 & 17 🕐 1:30 – 5:00 PM 1:30 → arrive and connect 2:00 → ideas and conversation 3:00 → demos and exploration 4:30 → wrap up *** **WHO:** If you’ve been experimenting with something interesting, building something, or thinking differently about AI… reach out. We’d love to include you in the conversation. *** **Bring a laptop.** *** For people who feel like: “there’s more to this than what I’m currently doing with AI.” **Come be part of it.** **WHO** **For people who feel like:** "There's more to this than what I'm currently doing with AI." Come be part of it. **WHAT TO EXPECT**

**The Power of Pause: Reclaiming Clarity in a Busy World** In today’s fast-paced world, our minds rarely get a moment of true rest. We move from one task to another, constantly responding, reacting, and rushing, often leaving little space for clarity and inner calm. This workshop explores the transformative power of pausing with intention. Together we will explore how small pauses throughout the day can help us shift from reaction to awareness, allowing us to respond to life with greater calm, wisdom, and presence. **Participants will learn how to:** * Quiet the noise of a busy mind * Create moments of mental clarity in daily life * Use short meditation practices to reset during stressful moments * Cultivate inner calm amidst external demands This session is open to anyone seeking greater balance, clarity, and peace in the midst of a busy life. **(In person at the Meditation Museum in Silver Spring, MD)** Sat., May 9th, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/Hrl2l](https://shorturl.at/Hrl2l)

Hey Poetry Lovers! This group is on a roll. Here’s the gist: We meet at the **Capital One Café in Chinatown** from **12pm - 2pm** every other week. For enrichment, we start by reading and reflecting on a **“published poem”**, suggested by someone in the group. No advance preparation is necessary. But feel free to check out some of the poems we’ve read [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyE_wCLQCPHRrKmN5F9tOIeeRQUZESxjRXGVBoCF2uU8Gm0_d0uECiCBCQXEy6ksxfsBOhtRIOpW3T/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true&widget=true&headers=false%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E). Or submit suggestions for future meetings [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexGc2Z2Kp6bZW0D3_hfJ7NUUkfNHf7TXX-43FglCeBd9EF2Q/viewform?usp=send_form). Next, we **share our work and offer feedback**. Depending on attendance, everyone gets \~10 minutes to use as they like. (No need to share, though; you’re welcome to come even if you prefer just to listen.) We maintain a **Discord server** to help share our work and communicate outside our bi-weekly meet-ups. If you haven’t used Discord before, take a moment to download it and create an account before arriving. When we meet you on Saturday, we will add you to our server, the “DC Poetry Workshop”, and can help you navigate the app if you have questions. Finally, if you plan on sharing a poem, consider how you will do so. Some options include: * Print 5-10 copies to distribute in person * Take and share screenshots in the Discord chat. * Copy the poem into a google doc, change sharing settings to “anyone with link”, and copy the google doc link into the Discord chat. Most importantly, we’re excited to meet you! Catch you on Saturday, Diego / Ian / Cayden / Nate / Otasha / Lia / An

“When you open yourself to divine truth, the mere fact that you can identify a problem means that you have the solution within you. What you are attempting to achieve through the Spiritual Exercises of ECK is the expansion of consciousness whereby you can better see the solution to your problem.” ─ Harold Klemp, The Golden Heart, p. 88 You are Divine Soul – and have the godlike power of creative imagination within you. Using this power, you can find solutions for every problem and take charge of your own life. But how do you actually do it? How can you best tap the creativity of your true self, and manifest a happier and more productive life for yourself now? During a lively discussion, we’ll explore ways to more consciously connect with the Divine power, more effectively address our fears, and transform the way we identify and work with problems. All attendees will receive a free copy of the book, “ECK Wisdom on Solving Problems.” We look forward to seeing you there!

Practical AI for Power BI Developers A year ago, “agentic AI” was mostly hype for Power BI teams. Today, it deserves your undivided attention. For Power BI pros, there is now a real opportunity to reduce repetitive development work, accelerate delivery, and help developers do more, but only when strong DataOps practices are in place to make AI workflows effective. This session is a no-nonsense introduction to effective AI patterns for Power BI and Fabric development. Along the way, we will make sense of the growing pile of terminology, including skills, plugins, hooks, and MCP. You will see examples of how modern AI tooling can help with development tasks across Power BI and Fabric, along with the prerequisites, guardrails, and DataOps principles needed to use it responsibly. Whether you're burned out on AI hype or already using Copilot CLI daily, this session will show you the foundations that are finally making AI-assisted development genuinely useful.

**Building a great product is one thing—building momentum behind it is another.** Join **Senior Product Manager Adam Solaiman** and **User Experience Manager Tyson Smith** for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn complex ideas into scalable products inside large organizations. In this session, they’ll share how teams move from ambiguity to execution—navigating organizational complexity, aligning stakeholders, and continuously evolving products after launch. You’ll walk away with insights on how to: * Build and sustain momentum across teams * Adapt to changing priorities without losing direction * Scale products thoughtfully in complex environments Whether you're driving a new initiative or growing an existing product, this conversation will give you practical strategies to keep things moving forward. Come connect, learn, and swap stories with fellow product professionals. \-\-\- Food and drinks will be provided by Switchbox, our generous host. Free parking will be available at the front and back sides of the Switchbox Office.

**TBA**

**TBA**

This meetup is a beginner-friendly session introducing version control for Unity projects, with a look at three common tools: Git, Perforce, and Unity Version Control. The goal is to help you understand what version control is, why it matters for Unity development, and what options are out there. The format will likely be presentation-style, with live demos and time for questions throughout. You'll see each tool in action and learn how they fit into a Unity workflow. What to Expect: * An introduction to version control and why it's essential for Unity projects * An overview of Git, Perforce, and Unity Version Control * Demos of each tool in a Unity workflow * Tips for getting started * No prior version control experience required * Resources for continued learning All experience levels are welcome. Whether you're new to version control or already using one of these tools, this session will help you understand what each one offers. Food and drinks provided. Join us to learn more about version control options for Unity.

Customer identity resolution becomes increasingly complex as organizations scale across multiple systems, regions, and data formats. Traditional rule-based approaches often fail to keep up with data variability, require constant manual tuning, and struggle with real-time processing needs. This session presents a practical approach to building a scalable identity resolution pipeline using AWS services and modern AI techniques. The architecture combines data ingestion through Amazon S3 and AWS Glue, transformation pipelines using Spark on EMR, and machine learning models deployed via SageMaker for entity matching and standardization. Graph-based relationship modeling is implemented using Amazon Neptune to improve resolution accuracy by incorporating household and shared attribute context. We will walk through how machine learning models can be used for name and address normalization, how intelligent blocking strategies improve matching efficiency, and how feedback loops can be introduced to continuously improve accuracy. The session also highlights how serverless components such as AWS Lambda can be used for orchestration and real-time processing. **SPEAKER BIO** Mosaic Syed is a Senior Data Engineering and Cloud Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions across global enterprise environments. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaic-basha-syed-92300856 **CALL FOR SPEAKERS** Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/) **THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/) **DIRECTIONS** 8800 Lyra Dr #450 · Columbus, OH go to 4th floor. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space. No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving. If you’d like to take the stage, message \*\*Chris (the organizer)\*\*with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/transformlabs/) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/transformlabshq)