FORWARD 2024: Our Stories, Our Platforms

October 29, 2024
Events
4 min read

New York City , NY – September 21, 2024 – Beyond Borders Network proudly hosted FORWARD Summit: Our Stories, Our Platforms on Saturday, 21st September 2024, at the NYU Kimmel Center, where over 100 attendees gathered to learn, collaborate and network with professionals, entrepreneurs and creators. This year’s event was designed to elevate the narratives of diverse professionals and highlight the importance of sharing stories to foster community and drive change.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, FORWARD emphasizes the power of self-representation. This event created a dedicated space for Black and African professionals in the diaspora to celebrate excellence, build meaningful connections, share experiences, and inspire community-driven solutions for growth.

Attendees at FORWARD Summit

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of panel discussions and keynote session featuring prominent speakers from various industries, including:

Key topics covered included Venture Tales: Building Platforms that Tell Our Narratives, Narrating Our Stories Through Purposeful Careers and The Keynote Panel.

At the FORWARD 2024 event, the panel discussions explored how Black professionals and entrepreneurs are shaping the global landscape through storytelling and purposeful career building. Panelists emphasized the power of owning our stories and using digital platforms to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. They shared how creating purposeful careers, anchored in personal and community values, can drive social impact while building successful businesses. Participants left with actionable strategies and new perspectives to apply in their professional journeys.

L-R: Josh Ghaim, Forward Attendee, Tunde Onakoya, Chioma Ogbudimkpa, Elizabeth Kalu, Vivienne Marughu, Daniel Marughu, Ugochi Obidiegwu, Her Excellency Chioma Uzodimma, the First Lady of Imo State, Nigeria

Tunde Onakoya, Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, highlighted the unique challenges professionals face, stating, “Therein lies the gap. It is always an intersection of the privileges/challenges that we have and other people’s impressions. Thinking in that concept helps us understand why we do the things that we do.” Chioma Ogbudimkpa, Creative Director of Redbutton, added, “We are here to create actual impact.”

Ogbonnaya Stephen, an attendee, emphasized the transformative potential of collaboration, saying, “There are so many possibilities that arise when we Africans come together to build our own ventures and systems.”

One of the speakers, Uloma Ogba also mentioned “I had the privilege of attending and speaking on a panel titled Narrating Our Stories Through Purposeful Careers at the inaugural FORWARD event, hosted by Beyond Borders Network in New York. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with a diverse and inspiring group of Black and African professionals from various fields, many of whom traveled from across the globe. Hearing from the other speakers, I was struck by the shared experiences we all have navigating corporate spaces, and I walked away with invaluable insights on identifying and seizing opportunities, showing up authentically in the workplace, and stepping outside of comfort zones. The event was impeccably organized, with a perfect balance of professionalism, interactivity, and fun. Hats off to the BBN team for curating such a meaningful and impactful experience.”

Elizabeth Laiza Kalu, Founder of Beyond Borders Network, remarked, “The event was a resounding success, bringing together a dynamic community of Black professionals to celebrate achievements, tackle shared challenges, and forge connections for continued growth and collaboration.”

One of the most popular features of FORWARD 2024 was the NALA-sponsored Free Professional Headshots booth. Attendees had the opportunity to enhance their professional presence by obtaining high-quality headshots. The booth served as a fantastic reminder of the importance of professional branding in today’s competitive landscape.

FORWARD 2024 not only served as a platform for growth but also emphasized the importance of community building and partnerships. Attendees were encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #FORWARDNYC2024, allowing the conversation to continue beyond the event.

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors: NALA, GOLDE, and STYLEFOX. Your support has been instrumental in making FORWARD 2024 a success, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to our mission.

A special thank you to our partners: NYU African Graduate Students Association (AGSA), AfricaTech NYC, African Diaspora Network, Umu Igbo Unite Tristate and AfroPro. Your partnership has helped us bring this vision to life, and we are honored to work alongside you.

We are incredibly grateful to a our impact partner, Give Girls A Chance (GGAC). Your dedication to creating lasting change aligns with our values, and we’re thrilled to have you as part of this journey.

To learn more about FORWARD 2024 and stay connected with Beyond Borders Network, visit our website at https://beyondbordersnet.com/ or follow us on social media.

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