Makers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out makers events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the makers events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find makers events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Makers Events Today
Join in-person Makers events happening right now
Bowie Sci-Fi/Fantasy Game Factory
Playtesting Agent and Battle-scale of the Zone-17 role-playing and miniatures game.
DC Elite Matchmaking: Match Alert Jack & Jill Duo
Hello Everyone,
Thank you so much for joining us for our **Valentine’s Mystery Social**! It was truly a pleasure to host such an intentional space for all of you to connect as "souls" rather than just titles and paychecks.
We heard your feedback loud and clear: you all wanted more time to connect after the opening icebreakers! We have noted this and look forward to hosting several more of these sessions for our private clients throughout the year with even more space for deep discussion.
### **🔥 TODAY ONLY: Elite Match Alert**
We have just added two profiles, a powerhouse Jack and Jill **brother and sister duo**—both exceptional catches:
* **The Sports Agent (Male):** A high-achieving, family-oriented professional who embodies the values of our community and the legacy of his upbringing.
* **The Powerhouse Attorney (Female):** A stunning attorney and active actress who is a true "Jack and Jill" legacy. She balances a high-stakes legal career with a passion for the arts.
**Follow us on IG:** For our most up-to-date match alerts and event BTS, make sure you are following us on Instagram @helpmeetclub
**Saturday Appointment Available:** We have **ONE** consultation opening available for this Saturday. This is first-come, first-served for anyone ready!
**Consultation:** To celebrate these new additions, use code FRIENDS20 at checkout for an **[additional $55.55 off](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)**[ ](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)our current consult special. **This code is valid TODAY ONLY.**
### **Action Required: Selection Form**
Please submit your final selections by the **end of today**. As a reminder, we only facilitate a "Double-Yes" match (where both parties select each other) or reach out if you have specifically marked that you are open to hearing from others.
### **Membership Updates**
We are committed to the quality of our community. To that end, we have decided to make some adjustments to our membership structure:
* **Database Services:** We will no longer allow women to join our database as a standalone service.
* **The Reason:** It is undeniable that the women who complete our **Readiness Process** stand out and make exceptional partners. It is only fair that they are rewarded with exclusive access to our socials and curated community. On that note, if your database membership is currently expiring, please let us know and we will re-enroll you at 50% off your annual database membership fee.
Healthcare Workers Walk&Connect
Join us for a casual morning walk along the Mount Vernon Trail for healthcare workers in the DMV area. This is a relaxed opportunity to meet others in healthcare, get some fresh air, and connect outside of work. All healthcare professionals are welcome, and the pace will be easy and conversation-friendly. An optional smoothie stop will follow the walk for anyone who wants to continue hanging out
Healthcare Workers Walk & Connect: Mount Vernon Trail Meetup
9:30 AM – Meet at Belle Haven Park parking lot
9:45 AM – Start walk on Mount Vernon Trail- pace will be casual and conversation friendly!
10:30 AM – Optional smoothie stop after for anyone interested! ( I've been obsessed with South Block recently)
11:00 AM – End / open hangout
What to Bring: • Comfortable walking shoes • Water • Positive energy!! 🙌🏾😊
Firefly Foundations Class: The Elements
It's June, and we have one class left in the Firefly Foundations class series meant to provide students the opportunity to learn about the House and about our way of being Pagan. If you've been with us from the beginning, well done!
For the seventh and final class of the series, we'll be talking about the elements. We've mentioned them a few other times, especially when talking about quarter calls and during our class on magic, but this time we're going to dive into them with a bit more detail and discus a bit about the history of how the classical Greek elements ended up in our strange mashup of British folkways and ceremonial magic.
When you RSVP for this class, you'll be asked to provide an email address. We'll send you a link to the class video at that address as soon as possible after we receive it. We keep won't share your email with anyone ever. Watch the video before the class date and time, and come to class with any questions you might have. During the class session, we'll be going over anything from the video you wanted to review, anything from the class series as a whole that you might want to go over again, and we'll do a bit of a show-and-tell about the various tools and toys that you might see crop up from time to time during House events, especially since so many of them are connected to the elements in some way or another.
If you're comfortable with it, join us at the MLK Memorial Library. The exact room is TBD, but we'll update it once the room is reserved. Masks will be welcomed, but not provided, for in-person attendees. We will also have the necessary technology to allow folks to join in online via Google Meet if you prefer to attend remotely. Video conferencing information will be sent out the morning of the event. If you're connecting that way, please give us a few minutes past 3:30pm to get the stream online.
This class is a part of our [foundations class series](https://docs.google.com/document/d/18-tA9ewEm1YEvY26jlWq07F2DT_-_HKwd-_wnl0l84g/edit?usp=sharing), which is only required if you wish to join the Firefly House as an initiate. If that does not interest you, then feel free to skip classes that you find less important for your journey. If you want to keep your options open with respect to initiation but cannot attend this session at the listed date and time, please contact the event host prior to the session. Keep in mind, you can only miss two of seven sessions in this way. Time spent with initiates of the House and your fellow classmates is an important part of knowing if you want to initiate. If you don't initiate, regardless of the reason, you're still welcome to all of the public events we organize.
If you would like to, feel free to [join our Discord](https://discord.gg/RrS9XNzf9X) to chat with others in the Firefly House between sessions. This is also a great place to ask for help if you've lost a link to a video, for example.
\*\*\*
The Firefly House seeks to provide a friendly, safe environment in which all participants can engage in productive dialogue, sharing, and learning with each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for all, regardless of gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the host.
Kensington Breakfast Walk
# ![]()Kensington, MD Breakfast Walk
## Saturday, June 6, 2026
***The Start Time for individual walks is between 8:00 & 11:00 am but we will lead a group walk at 9:00 am.***
10km (6.2 miles) AVA trail rating 2A 5km (3.1 miles) AVA trail rating 2A
On this walk, you will walk through tree-lined residential streets in Kensington’s Victorian-era historic area and past the Noyes Library for Young Children district, Warner Mansion & Warner Circle Park, Antique Row and onto the Rock Creek Park Trail.
Brainard Warner and Crosby Noyes, editor of *The Washington Star*, built Noyes Library (1893) — the oldest library in Montgomery County.
Warner purchased property south of Knowles Train Station in 1890. His property became known as a “garden suburb” which he designed after Kensington, England. During the town’s incorporation (1894), the state named the new town, post office and train station “Kensington.”
***Breakfast.*** Enjoy a **Community Pancake Breakfast** ($8 donation per family) from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m., St Paul’s United Methodist Church (next to start point).
![]()***Trails*.** Both the 5K and the 10K are rated 2A and are mostly on sidewalks and macadam surfaces. There are several hills.
***Start/Finish.*** Kensington Town Hall, 3710 Mitchell St. Kensington MD 20895. **Start Time.** 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. **Finish** walk by 2:00 p.m.
***Event Information***. Darla Fera 301.651.1875 or [dmfera@rcn.com.](mailto:dmfera@rcn.com)
***Sponsor*.** Seneca Valley Sugarloafers Volksmarch Club, Inc. (sugarloafers.org) (AVA 419), a member of the Maryland Volkssport Association (MVA) (mdvolks.org).
![]()***Special Programs.*** Par for the Course, Walking the United States, Walking the USA A-Z.
***Sanctioned by.*** The MVA and American Volksport Association (AVA) (ava.org), a member of the International Volkssport Verband, to promote leisure sports in the interest of family health, recreation, fun and companionship.
***Eligibility***. We welcome everyone to walk with us. All participants must register and sign a waiver of liability. Each participant must carry a start card throughout the walk, and return the card in at the end of your walk, so we know that you are safely off the trail. An adult must accompany children 12 and under throughout the entire walk. Parents of minor children must sign a waiver of liability for the children.
***Conditions***. Restrooms and water are available near the Start/Finish Point. Pets are allowed but must be kept leashed at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets. This walk will be held regardless of the weather, unless conditions cause the sponsors to close the trails for safety reasons.
***Walkers over 12 years pay $4.00 participation fee***. Children under 12 may earn IVV credit for no charge at all events sponsored by the Sugarloafers. New Walker Packets and IVV Record Books will be available. Every reasonable effort will be made to conduct a safe, enjoyable, and memorable event.
***Disclaimer***. The Seneca Valley Sugarloafers Volksmarch Club, Inc shall not be liable for accidents, theft, or material damage. Every reasonable effort will be made to make this a safe, enjoyable, and memorable event.
***Membership***. Membership in the Sugarloafers Volksmarch Club is open to everyone interested in walking. Contact [membership@Sugarloafers.org.](mailto:membership@Sugarloafers.org)
***Directions to Start Point***\*.\*
### From the South:
Use the Washington Beltway (I495), take Exit 33 keep right Take North on Connecticut Ave (MD-185).
Drive 1.4 miles. Make a right onto Baltimore St. Make an immediate left onto Armory Ave.
Make the next right onto Mitchell St.
### From the North:
Use Connecticut Ave (MD-185) to Kensington, Make a left on Howard Ave,
Make a right on Armory Ave,
Make the third left onto Mitchell Ave
GPS COORDINATE: 39.02603,-77.07509
Google Plus 2WGF-8X Kensington M
Handy Bikes | Saturday Group Bicycle Ride
Weekly Saturday group ride, starting at Handy Bikes Retail Showroom.
Come ride with locals in the area! This group ride is for average folks who want to go for an average ride. It's not quite a coffee ride, but it's definitely not a race! Routes will vary around the area, with an average speed around 14 mph (minimum of \~10 MPH) for around 15-30 miles.
We'll be on pavement so bikes with smooth tires are encouraged, **helmets are mandatory**. Open to any riders who are willing and able to ride with a group including Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes. No speed demons please! Good group ride etiquette is a requirement.
Shop opens at 10:00 am
Show up and sign in by 10:15 am
Roll out 10:30 am
Please RSVP in advance, so that the ride leaders can prepare for the group's size.
[Handy Bikes on Strava](https://www.strava.com/clubs/737920/leaderboard)
[Handy Bikes on RideWithGPS](https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/14675-handy-bikes)
Makers Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Machine Learning for Reliable Quantum Computing: An Algorithm–Hardware
Date: June 7 2026 Sunday 10:00 am - Noon EDT
Full title: Machine Learning for Reliable Quantum Computing: An Algorithm–Hardware Co-Design Perspective
Summary: Reliable quantum computing requires co-design across the full stack, including algorithm structure, compilation, and execution, rather than isolated optimization of any single layer. This talk presents a unified framework in which these layers are jointly optimized under realistic hardware constraints. Structure-aware compilation exploits algorithmic interaction graphs to reduce circuit depth; joint optimization across mapping, term ordering, and algorithm parameters yields significantly improved success probability; and execution-layer analysis reveals that error mitigation effectiveness depends critically on circuit symmetry and native gate choice. While demonstrated on superconducting quantum processors, the underlying co-design principles are potentially transferable across architectures. Building on this foundation, the talk highlights machine learning as the key enabler for closing the feedback loop: data-efficient, parameterized noise models learned directly from workload execution data achieve substantially improved predictive fidelity over vendor models without the overhead of dedicated characterization. These insights situate the co-design perspective within the emerging framework of quantum deep learning. In this broader setting, the talk also presents an operational definition, a unifying taxonomy, and a benchmarking protocol grounded in explicit resource contracts.
Speaker: Dr. Yanjun Ji has an interdisciplinary research background in Physics and Computer Science. In 2020, she completed my Master's degree in Theoretical Physics at Saarland University. In 2024, she earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Stuttgart. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich. She is committed to interdisciplinary research at the cutting-edge convergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Her research encompasses both foundational theoretical investigations and the development of practical applications, aiming to serve society and benefit humanity.
Moderators:
Dr. Pawel Gora, CEO of Quantum AI Foundation [Quantum AI Foundation](https://www.qaif.org/ "https://www.qaif.org/")
Dr. Sebastian Zajac, member of QPoland [QPoland - QWorld](https://qworld.net/qpoland/ "https://qworld.net/qpoland/")
Take a Hike! @ Riverbend Park
**Make new friends and enjoy the great outdoors** on a 4.2-mile loop hike from Riverbend Park to Great Falls Overlook and back, with an optional **lunch at Mookie’s BBQ afterward**. This hike offers a great mix of outdoor adventure and social connection, giving you a chance to enjoy nature while meeting others who share your love for the outdoors.
We’ll start at the Riverbend Park parking lot and follow a scenic trail through the woods with a few small inclines, then on the return from the Overlook we'll follow the trail along the Potomac River. The route winds through peaceful woodlands and scenic riverside paths, leading to the stunning Great Falls Overlook 2. This is an **easy-to-moderate hike**, with mostly flat terrain and a few gentle inclines, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. The hike will take about **2.5 to 3 hours**, offering plenty of time to enjoy the views and good company.
Afterward, join us for lunch at **Mookie's BBQ** located at 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066. It’s the perfect way to relax, socialize, and share stories with fellow hikers.
Whether you’re here for the scenery, the exercise, or to connect with like-minded people, this outing promises to be a memorable experience. Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait to sign up!
**Meeting Time & Location:**
We’ll meet at **9:30 AM** in the Riverbend Park parking lot. Please refer to the map pin for the exact location.
**Distance:** 4.2 miles
**Elevation Gain:** 302 feet
**Difficulty:** Easy (a few gentle inclines)
This hike features natural, well-maintained trails that are mostly flat, with a few easy-to-walk uphill sections near the beginning. The wide and smooth paths make it easy to walk and chat with others along the way. With minimal obstacles and straightforward navigation, this hike is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an enjoyable and manageable outdoor adventure.
**Estimated Duration**
This hike is expected to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
**Pace:** Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.
**Parking**
We’ll park at the **Riverbend Park parking lot**, which has ample spaces and serves as the starting point for our hike. Please check the event map for the exact location to ensure you arrive at the correct lot.
**Trail Map (AllTrails)**
[Take a Hike! (DMV) - Riverbend Park (Great Falls Overlook 2)](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/take-a-hike-dmv-riverbend-park-26dd0db?u=i&sh=ylk43q)
Preview the hiking route on AllTrails to get familiar with the terrain. Download the map in advance to follow along and stay on track during the hike.
**Dogs on the Trail**
For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding!
**Restrooms**
Restrooms are available at the Riverbend Park Visitor Center and at the Great Falls Visitor Center.
**Lunch After the Hike**
Join us after the hike for a casual lunch at **Mookie's BBQ**, 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 - (703) 759-2386. It’s a great chance to relax, enjoy a meal, and connect with fellow hikers.
**Waitlist Policy**
To keep things fair, hikers will be moved off the waitlist in this order:
**1\. Regular Hikers:** Those who join hikes often get first priority.
**2\. Past Hikers:** Next are returning hikers, based on attendance and cancellation history. Frequent cancellations may lower priority.
**3\. New Hikers:** New members will be added as space allows.
DC Code & Coffee - Southwest Library - Free Coffee!
DC Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. It's community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels attend. Whether you’re dev-curious, aspiring, or a professional developer, we’d love to have you! Come chat or learn to code on a Sunday afternoon with coffee and cool-inclusive people. Bring your laptop!
We typically meet every month on the weekend.
**Join our online community!**
For all things Tech in DC and to get latest updates and tech events from the DMV area, join the [DCTech Slack](https://dctech.chat/). All DC Code & Coffee announcements are in the #dccodecoffee channel
**How it works**
Near the beginning of the event, we do an introduction circle. You say your name, what you can help others with, and what you would like help with. You can also share job opportunities. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized.
Sunday Poker Event (Game 1)
**Sunday Texas Hold-Em Tournament**
**Cost: no cost to play**
**Time: 11:30am- 1:30 pm**
**Starting Stack: 30,000 chips**
**Bonuses: 5,000 for arriving early, 5,000 for new players, 5,000 for registering online**
**Blind structure**
**Level 1: 100 chips / 200 chips**
**Level 2: 200 chips / 400 chips**
**Level 3: 300 chips / 600 chips**
**Level 4: 400 chips / 800 chips**
**Level 5: 500 chips / 1,000 chips**
**10 minute break / chip up**
**Level 6: 1,000 chips / 2,000 chips**
**Level 7: 2,000 chips / 4,000 chips**
**Level 8: 3,000 chips / 6,000 chips**
**chip up**
**Level 9: 5,000 chips / 10,000 chips**
**Level 10: 10,000 chips / 20,000 chips**
**Level 11: 15,000 chips / 30,000 chips**
**Level 12: 25,000 chips / 50,000 chips**
**chip up**
**Level 13: 50,000 chips / 100,000 chips**
**Level 14: 100,000 chips / 200,000 chips**
**Level 15: 200,000 chips / 4000,000 chips**
Monthly Game Dev Meetup!
Join local video game developers, artists, musicians and writers to talk about the art and science of game development. Bring a device and demo your game, talk shop, find like minded folks to join forces with, have a snack or a beverage among new friends. We are an informal meetup where we share what we've been working on and socialize. Come for all or just a bit of the time!
Makers Events Near You
Connect with your local Makers community
NoVA Hackers June 2026 Meeting
**Inflow 6:00 PM - Talks Start \~6:30 PM**
**Reston Community Center - 2310 Colts Neck Rd, Reston, VA 20191**
NoVA Hackers is a group located in the Northern Virginia area and is made up of Information Security Professionals from all walks of life, from government and private sector, to students and beginners.
The monthly meetings are held much like a mini-conference with 4-8 speakers and only a few basic but strict rules.
Participation and Permission
Active Participation is required for continued membership and is the only due required.
Permission is required to be obtained from anyone providing information to the group from the person providing it to be made public by anyone other than the provider.
Historically our talks generally run a bit late and we have a hard stop at 9:30pm for the room. If you want to socialize we recommend you arrive at 6 to meet and greet before the talks.
Agendas and remote meeting option available after you join the group.
What's New in .NET 10 and Visual Studio 2026
VIRTUAL PRESENTER. NOTE SPECIAL DATE: 2ND TUESDAY IN THE MONTH
.NET 10 is here alongside a practically rewritten Visual Studio 2026. Learn about the new C# 14 features, VS2026 niceties, and more!
Craft Alchemy Business Presentation
## 1 Million Cups Loudoun – Business Presentation
### Featuring Mary Hartshorn, Founder of Craft Alchemy
**Wednesday\, June 10 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM**
**Venture X Loudoun**
Join us as we welcome **Mary Hartshorn**, founder of **Craft Alchemy**, to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage.
***
## About the Presenter
Mary Hartshorn is an Army Veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Craft Alchemy. With a background in communications and logistics and an MBA earned in 2016, Mary spent years developing expertise in e-commerce, digital products, automation systems, Shopify, Etsy, and customer-focused product development while raising her family and navigating military life.
In 2024, a personal moment of crisis inspired Mary to create a tool that could help others facing similar challenges. What began as a resource for veterans quickly evolved into a broader solution designed to support individuals and families navigating autism, mental health challenges, caregiving responsibilities, medical conditions, and other situations where communication can become difficult during times of stress.
***
## About the Business
Craft Alchemy has developed the **Anchor Tag Support System**, a personalized QR-based support hub that helps individuals quickly access calming tools, emergency contacts, support resources, and personalized information when they need it most.
Designed to bridge the gap between physical and digital support, Anchor Tags provide a practical, accessible tool for Veterans, First Responders, autism families, caregivers, mental health advocates, schools, healthcare providers, and organizations focused on community well-being.
Rather than creating another app, Craft Alchemy offers a real-world solution that can be carried, accessed quickly, and utilized during moments when support and communication matter most.
***
## Who Mary Is Looking to Hear From
Mary would especially value feedback and connections from:
* Veteran support organizations
* First responder support groups
* Mental health professionals and advocates
* Autism and disability support organizations
* School administrators and special education professionals
* Healthcare and caregiving professionals
* Nonprofit leaders
* Community outreach specialists
* Government contracting and partnership advisors
* Local leaders focused on community impact initiatives
***
## Current Business Focus & Challenge
Craft Alchemy is currently in its early growth and partnership stage.
Mary's primary focus is building awareness, establishing strategic partnerships, and expanding opportunities within organizations and community-based networks.
She is seeking feedback around:
* Building strategic partnerships
* Scaling awareness organically
* Expanding into schools, nonprofits, and community organizations
* Navigating government and organizational opportunities
* Growing a mission-driven business without relying heavily on paid advertising
She would also appreciate introductions to individuals and organizations connected to veterans, first responders, mental health advocacy, autism support, caregiving, education, and community health initiatives.
***
## Why Attend?
* Learn about an innovative solution designed to support people during moments of stress and crisis
* Provide valuable feedback to a mission-driven entrepreneur
* Connect with community leaders, advocates, and professionals across multiple industries
* Be part of a meaningful conversation around accessibility, support, and community impact
***
## About 1 Million Cups
1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month.
Join us on **June 10** for coffee, connection, and a conversation about creating practical solutions that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Outdoor Tennis Games for Advanced 3.0 Match Makers - PREPAY ONLY
Note: This is an RSVP with Prepay only event. Coaches have the right to deny your participation if you haven't prepaid for the event. MAKE SURE YOU CAN RECEIVE MESSAGES AND NOTIFICATIONS WITH UPDATES FROM THE LESSONS. Profile->settings->manage notifications.
**3.0 – Match Makers**
Players can consistently rally at a higher pace and maintain depth closer to the baseline. They are developing offensive tools, including more aggressive groundstrokes and put-away volleys, and show improved ability to handle deeper, faster shots. They started developing a faster kick serve, but are still working on increasing its speed.
The lesson will start with rally drills then play games to emphasize on the rally drills. Finally, we will finish up with service games. Players will constantly hit and move with minimal break. All lessons are different. 1. RSVP "YES" Then PREPAY if you are coming to secure your spot on the lesson. Update RSVP to "NO" if you are not attending before RSVP deadline.
**COACH TO PLAYER RATIO:**
1\. Maximum 1/6 for Coach/Player ratio for a 90\-minute session
2\. Make sure you RSVP to the lesson according to your level\. If we notice your level doesn't fit in the lesson you RSVP\, we will ask you to RSVP for a different session that matches your level\. I hope everyone understands\.
**Cancelation Policy:**
*If only two or fewer RSVP for a group lesson, the lesson will be canceled. The minimum requirement for a group is three participants.
- If the host cancels a session, you get an option for a refund or credit for the next session.
*The prepaid fee is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another session when participants cancel on the same day.
**Your contribution:**
- Your contribution:
A one-time donation request per year of 20 to support our tennis equipment expenses.
*Four sessions package to use within five weeks: 112
- single session prepay; $35
**PAYMENTS METHODS:**
1-VENMO APP: joseph_awadalla
2.Zelle:202-746-1094,joseph.awadalla@gmail.com
3.Paypal: joseph.awadalla@gmail.com
Thank you for your support.
Immigration Forum, Hosted by the NoVA Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
BreadBreakers is a community where we can discuss hard things while keeping sight of each other's humanity. What better way to practice that than a community forum on immigration?
**The [Northern Virginia Returned Peace Corps Volunteers](https://novarpcv.org/) (NOVA RPCVs) has invited the BreadBreakers community to partner with them on a community forum they are hosting to talk about immigration** — history, current issues, and potential solutions. Come and be part of a nuanced, curiosity-first conversation on this important issue!
Immigration experts Kamana Mathur and Tom Carroll will provide an overview of the current immigration landscape, take questions, and lead a discussion across diverse viewpoints. The goal is constructive dialogue, improving understanding, and identification of common ground where it exists — and after the session, the hosts will compile the discussion into a white paper outlining suggested reforms.
***New to BreadBreakers?***
BreadBreakers is a community that, in a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.
At our main monthly gatherings, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, check out [our next community dinner on May 28th](https://www.meetup.com/breadbreakers/events/314435661) and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy.
BreadBreakers is a collaboration between [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA and the wider community where people of all faiths, beliefs, and “stripes” can create a shared town square together. Our leadership and community is a blend of people who attend Restoration, and people who don’t. We are a place where those of all walks of life can hear and be heard, without trying to convince or convert.
AI Meetup (June): Secure AI Agents
Important: Register on [AICamp website](https://www.aicamp.ai/event/eventdetails/W2026061814) is required for admission.
**Description:**
Welcome to the AI meetup in Washington DC. Join us for deep dive tech talks on AI, GenAI, LLMs and Agents, hands-on experiences on code labs, workshops, and networking with speakers and fellow developers.
**Agenda:**
\* 5:30pm\~6:00pm: Checkin, Food/drink and networking
\* 6:00pm\~8:00pm: Tech talks and Q&A
\* 8:00pm: Happy Hour at Courthouse Social (cross the street)
**Tech Talk: Secure Developer Environments in the Age of AI Agents**
**Speaker:** Patrick Brown (Coder)
**Abstract:** Federal engineering teams are under pressure to ship faster while meeting some of the most demanding security and compliance requirements in the world. In this talk, Patrick Brown of Coder explores how cloud development environments (CDEs) give agencies a foundation to accelerate software delivery without sacrificing control — and why that foundation matters even more as AI-powered coding agents enter the workflow. He'll cover how CDEs keep source code off endpoints, enforce zero-trust access patterns, and provide the consistent, ephemeral infrastructure that both human developers and AI agents need to operate safely at scale.
**Speakers:**
Stay tuned as we are updating speakers and schedules.
If you have a keen interest in speaking to our community, we invite you to submit topics for consideration: [Submit Topics](https://forms.gle/JkMt91CZRtoJBSFUA)
**Sponsors:**
We are actively seeking sponsors to support AI developers community. Whether it is by offering venue spaces, providing food, or cash sponsorship. Sponsors will not only speak at the meetups, receive prominent recognition, but also gain exposure to our extensive membership base of 5,000+ AI developers in D.C and 500K+ worldwide.
[Hybrid] Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will…
…Transform Our Lives, Work, and World (2024) by Jamie Metzl, 432 pages [Genetics]
• Paperback
• Hardcover
• Kindle
• Audiobook
• Library: [https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082](https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082)
Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)**
### Review
“In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes readers on a magical journey through the science of the intersecting genetics, biotech, and AI revolutions, deeply explores the implications, and challenges us to think creatively and proactively about what comes next. Very few books are absolute must-reads. This is one.”―Siddhartha Mukherjee, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University and author of The Gene: An Intimate History
"During the 25 years I have known Jamie Metzl, he has always been ahead of the curve. There is no one better to help us understand and prepare for the fast-approaching technological revolutions. Superconvergence is brilliant. I can't recommend it more strongly."―Sanjay Gupta MD, bestseller author, neurosurgeon, and Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent (CNN)
"Our world is defined by our science and technology—whether we like it or not. The question now is not whether to use these powers, but how best to use them. In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes us on a journey through the new capabilities that are radically transforming ecosystems inside us and around us, challenging each of us to get personally involved with building the future we want."―Beth Shapiro, University of California Santa Cruz evolutionary biologist and author of Life as We Made It: How 50,000 Years of Human Innovation Refined―and Redefined―Nature
"In a fine counter-blast to the pessimism of today, Jamie Metzl lays out just how spectacular the future of humanity and planet can be if we harness innovation responsibly and imaginatively to create what he calls the 'spiral of progress.'"―Matt Ridley, author of How Innovation Works, and co-author of Viral: The search for the Origin of Covid-19
“A page-turning journey through space and time that shows us how our lives will be changed by imminent technological advances we once only dreamed of.”―David Sinclair, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, and author of Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To
“The superconvergence of the genetics, biotechnology, and AI revolutions provides spectacular opportunities for building a better world. It also represents an almost limitless investment opportunity. We were excited to collaborate with Jamie Metzl, one of the world's great experts on how these aspirations can best be realized, including in capital markets. Superconvergence is a master class for imagining, investing in, and building a future we'd like to inhabit."―Jeremy Schwartz, Global Chief Investment Officer, WisdomTree
“A clear examination of a transitional moment in the story of life on Earth…. Metzl capably describes recent developments in genetics and biotech and looks at how AI is providing an analytical engine of unprecedented power…. An important book in which the author sets out a path for the future based on his experience and expertise.”―Kirkus
“Erudite, optimistic, and timely.”―Science Magazine
"[In Superconvergence] Mr. Metzl has identified an important truth: that the convergence of new technologies is galvanizing us to reimagine how to meet urgent challenges in medicine and the environment. It’s a compelling opportunity—provided we manage to sidestep self-induced catastrophes along the way."―The Wall Street Journal
### About the Author
Jamie Metzl is a leading technology and healthcare futurist and the founder and chair of OneShared.World. He is the author of Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity and four other books and was a member of the World Health Organization expert advisory committee on human genome editing. Jamie previously served in the U.S. National Security Council, State Department, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee and with the United Nations in Cambodia. His work has been featured by most major media organizations around the world, including 60 Minutes, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Fox, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, the Times of London, Le Monde, and Paris Match, and his podcast interviews with Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, and others have reached tens of millions of listeners. He lives in New York City. Visit Jamiemetzl.com.






















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