Best Networking Events in NYC + Out of Office Connect Summit Recap! (2.11.25)

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📸 Welcome + Recap of Out of Office Connect Summit

Hello LEVELUP in NYC Family,

This weekend we attended the Out of Office Connect Summit, an unforgettable experience! Speakers included Miles “Deuce” McBride from the New York Knicks, Alphonso David, President and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum and so many other great speakers! The fireside chat with Earn Your Leisure was a definite highlight—super insightful and inspiring. After the summit, the networking hour hosted by Industry Link NYC was the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and expand my circle. But the real vibe kicked in at the afterparty, thanks to BERG Collective! Hip hop legend, Jim Jones lit up the stage, Charles Beloved from Blavity kept the crowd hype, and the sounds from DJ First Choice and DJ NP3 had everyone on the dance floor all night. It was the perfect mix of learning, connecting, and celebrating—can’t wait for the next one! ICYMI, check out our recap reel below on Instagram.

🔝 The Insider’s List - Top 50 Upcoming Events

Featured Upcoming Event:

1. [2/17] Will Packer + Sunny Hostin: Who Better Than You?

   Join Emmy-nominated producer Will Packer and Sunny Hostin for the launch of Packer’s memoir, Who Better Than You? at Strand Book Store.

   Cost: $34.51 

2. [2/13] New Leaders Council NYC Presents Changemakers Mixer

   New Leaders Council-NYC & New Politics Leadership Academy bring together NYC’s inspiring leaders, nonprofits, and volunteers for an evening of connection, celebration, and community impact.

   Cost: FREE

3. [2/14] New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators 54th Annual Legislative Conference

   The 54th Annual Legislative Conference will take place in Albany, NY Feb 14-16, uniting leaders, advocates, and community members for a weekend of impactful discussions, networking, and cultural celebration.

   Cost: $40+

4. [2/18] The Dottie Club Presents Let the Games Begin Part II ($20)

   Join for a fun night full of community, conversation, and connections that matter. Play some games while enjoying good music and cocktails—designed to bring beautiful people together.

   Cost: $30

5. [2/25] The GIG Is In: Author Talk with Anthony Q. Roberts

   Join for an in-person talk on The Notorious GIG, his guide to landing your first freelance gig and thriving in the industry.

   Cost: FREE

6. [2/28] JD’s and Cocktails Presents Champagne and Cocktails: All Black Affair

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

   Cost: $15+ (Promo code: LEVELUP for discount)

7. [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 50+ 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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💼 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. Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Supply Chain Senior Manager (Remote)

2. WuXi AppTec: Senior Business Development Manager, Testing (Remote)

3. WuXi AppTec: Business Development Manager, Testing (Remote)

4. Altice USA: Executive Assistant, Office Of The CTIO (Queens)

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

Job Hunting? Explore over 200+ More Jobs!

🍽️ Where to Dine this Week: Fat Fowl in Brooklyn

Looking to LEVELUP your next meal—and your network? Great connections are often made over even better food, so this week we’re spotlighting Fat Fowl in Brooklyn’s Dekalb Market Hall. They serve up bold Caribbean-American fusion, like their mouthwatering oxtail grilled cheese and lavender-scented rotisserie chicken with coconut quinoa. With vibrant flavors, creative sides, and a warm, welcoming vibe, it’s the perfect spot for food lovers and networkers alike craving something fresh and unforgettable.

Get 20% off your bill at restaurants. The best networking often happens over lunch or dinner. 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. [2/12] Colorwave Fellowship Info Session: Spring 2025 Cohort

   Join to learn more about our FREE, virtual fellowship for underrepresented professionals interested in joining startups.

   Cost: FREE

2. [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 Benjamin Jeanty

🔦 This week’s spotlight is on our member, Benjamin Jeanty, a strategic leader,  deep listener and avid learner. As a first-generation Haitian American, his transition from hospitality to tech sales not only transformed his career but also allowed him to quadruple his income in his first year. Now, he dedicates his time to helping others recognize and leverage their existing skill sets to achieve even greater professional success.

🚀 Connect with Benjamin on Linkedin and Instagram!

📰 In the News

📌 Tamika D. Mallory to Host Book Talk with Jumaane Williams on Feb 13th.
📖 Read more

📌 Top Black Conferences to Attend in 2025 - Waymaker Journal
📖 Read more

📌 Celebrity Psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Gardere to Host Black Men’s Mental Health Event
📖 Read more

📌Black History Month 2025: NYC calendar of events - 1010 Wins
📖 Read more

🫱🏾‍🫲🏽How To Support our Work:

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• 🛠️ Free Networking and Career Toolkit [Free Recommendations]: A free list of all the tools I use to build my network and advance in my career.