Best Networking Events in NYC + Join us at JDs and Cocktails on Feb. 28th! (2.18.25)

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📸 Welcome + Join us at JDs and Cocktails on Feb 28th!

Hello LEVELUP in NYC Family,

We’re halfway through Black History Month, and to close it out in style, we’re excited to partner with our friends at JDs & Cocktails to help promote their Black History Month event on February 28th! Join us at Palma Verde in Manhattan for a Champagne & Cocktails: An All Black Affair! Known for curating sophisticated networking experiences, JD’s & Cocktails brings together top professionals from law, business, medicine, entertainment, and more in an elevated social setting. Connect with top professionals across various industries, expand your network, and toast to Black excellence. Grab your ticket now! Use promo code LEVELUP for 20% off. See you there!

-Ryan

🔝 The Insider’s List - 60 Upcoming NYC Events

Featured Upcoming Event:

1. [2/28] JD’s and Cocktails Presents Champagne and Cocktails: All Black Affair

   Join us at JDs & Cocktails on Friday, Feb. 28th for a Champagne & Cocktails party where we will celebrate Black History Month!

   Cost: $15+ (Promo code: LEVELUP for 20% off)

2. [2/24] Soul Soirée Presents: The Monologue Slam

   Join for a night of creativity showcasing NYC’s most talented artists who will share original and published works via monologues from plays, poems, and films.

   Cost: FREE

3. [2/26] Winter Tech Mixer (By Andrew Yeung, Notion & Jelly Jelly)

   Join founders, investors, and tech professionals at the Winter Tech Mixer in Manhattan, co-hosted by Iqram Magdon-Ismail (Co-founder of Venmo), and Notion, for an evening of networking, bold ideas, and the debut of Iqram's new startup, Jelly Jelly.

   Cost: FREE

4. [2/27] PVO Mental Wellness Mixer

   This mixer creates community amongst mental health advocates and anyone genuinely interested in mixing, mingling, learning, educating, networking, and growing together.

   Cost: FREE

5. [2/27] Shifting the Culture: The Journey of Black Creatives Who are Making an Impact on the Industry

   Join Black creative leaders Jackee de Lagarde, Malyia McNaughton, and Khary Simon for a discussion with DeRay Mckesson, followed by a mixer.

   Cost: Free

6. [3/3] Olympic Champion Jordan Chiles celebrates I'M THAT GIRL Book Launch at B&N Union Square

   Join for a book signing event with two-time Olympian Jordan Chiles, celebrating her inspiring memoir I'M THAT GIRL.

   Cost: $30.52

We have over 55+ MORE events on the list with more added each week. Click below to see all upcoming events!

Hosting a networking or career event? Submit your event to us for FREE!

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💼 5 Trending Jobs from our Job Board

Here are trending jobs from our LEVELUP in NYC Job Board—featuring over 200+ companies eager to recruit diverse talent from our community. Apply today!

1. Brooklyn Center: Assistant Director of Nursing - Brooklyn ($120- 130k)

2. Beth Abraham Center: Registered Nurse - Manhattan ($93 - $114k)

3. Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Supply Chain Senior Manager (Remote)

4. Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Data Science Operations Support Manager (Remote)

5. WuXi AppTec: Associate Director Project Management (Remote)

Hiring? Post a job with us in newsletter by emailing [email protected].

Job Hunting? Explore over 200+ More Jobs!

🍽️ Where to Dine this Week: Kokomo

Looking to LEVELUP your next meal—and your network? Great connections are often made over even better food, so this week we’re spotlighting Kokomo. Opened during the 2020 COVID lockdowns by Ria and Kevol Graham, Kokomo offers an immersive dining experience that celebrates Caribbean culture through art, design, cocktails, and cuisine. The restaurant features unforgettable dishes like spicy Koko pasta, Jamaican jerk chicken, and signature cocktails such as tropical rum punch and Sorrel Mule. Years later, Kokomo remains a beloved destination for vibrant Caribbean-inspired meals that transport guests with every bite and sip.

Get 20% off your bill at restaurants. InKind is the ultimate dining app for food lovers. Get up to 20% back when you dine at select restaurants—plus, we both get $25 when you Sign up here!

🔗 LEVELUP Links: Training + Funding Opportunities

1. [2/24] Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program presents Strategies to Accelerate Revenue Growth

   Experience an actual class of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative and learn all about the program and how to apply.

   Cost:FREE

Skip Grants Partner: We are excited to be an affiliate partner with Skip Grants, the platform that’s helped over 1 million entrepreneurs secure $2B+ in funding! 💰 Their AI-powered tools make finding and applying for grants faster and easier than ever. Ready to unlock new funding opportunities? [Sign up here!]

🔍 Member Spotlight: Meet Ms. Honor Williams, Esq.

🔦 This week’s spotlight is on our member, Ms. Honor Williams, Esq. Honor is the Manager of Business and Legal Affairs at Blavity, Inc., in which she serves as counsel for the brands, AfroTech, 21Ninety, Blavity House Party, Home & Texture, TravelNoire, and Shadow & Act. In her career as an entertainment attorney, Honor serves as an advocate and legal advisor for artists, athletes, musicians, influencers, and creatives in all capacities.

 🚀 Connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn!

📰 In the News

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📌 New York State Legislative Caucus Launches 'Empower Black New York' Agenda
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📌Black History Month 2025: NYC calendar of events - 1010 Wins
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