Celebrating NAF Alumni Month: Upcoming Networking and PD Events

Jessica Dunson
|
11/05/2024

A NAF student’s experience doesn’t end after graduation. Our primary goal at NAF is to not only support students during their high school years, but beyond, as they venture out into their college and career paths. This is why each year we dedicate the month of November to celebrating the successes and contributions of thousands of NAF graduates across the United States.  

What began as Alumni Week, launched by our Alumni Leadership Council in 2014, has evolved into a month-long celebration that provides exclusive opportunities for alumni to commemorate their NAF experience and give back. This year, the NAF Alumni Network organized a series of events, including in-person networking receptions and virtual professional development opportunities, with the first event kicking off in Hartford, CT last week. 

On October 29, NAF alum, Enzo Daci (Academy of Finance, Class of 2013), hosted a reception for Hartford alumni. The gathering was a success, with several alumni from six NAF academies in attendance. The following day, alumni from East Hartford High School returned for the school’s annual Academy of Business & Finance networking breakfast. NAF alum, Sydney Moore (Academy of Finance, Class of 2019), spoke to students about her career in Marketing and how her academy experience contributed to her success. In addition, alumni and local business partners engaged with students in a speed networking activity, where students had the opportunity to ask questions and make key connections. 

After the kick-off event in Hartford, 14 college-aged alumni from across the NAF network, majoring in STEM fields, traveled to Anaheim, CA, to attend the 50th Annual SHPE Conference. Thanks to the generosity of our longstanding partner, RTX, this group of alumni had the opportunity to hear inspiring keynotes, participate in workshops, and network with Hispanic STEM professionals. 


Explore More Alumni Events This November

There are more exciting alumni events taking place all November long! Check out the opportunities below: 

In-Person Networking Receptions:

NYC Alumni and Advisory Board Members Networking Reception 

November 12 | 6-8PM | New York, NY

Celebrate Alumni Month at Gossip Bar NYC. A dinner buffet will be available, and one complimentary drink per person will be provided. We kindly ask for an optional donation of at least $25 to support our NYC NAF Academies.

RSVP

DC Alumni Networking Reception at SPIN Washington DC

November 15 | 6-8PM | Washington, D.C.

Join the DC NAF Alumni Chapter for fun, fellowship, and ping pong at SPIN Washington DC.  Appetizers and one complimentary drink per person will be provided.

RSVP 

North Rockland Alumni Meet-Up at Stout NYC Grand Central

November 15 | 6-9PM | New York, NY

Catch up with some old friends and classmates at Stout NYC Grand Central. One complimentary drink courtesy of Mr. Teglas.

RSVP 

Detroit Alumni Networking Mixer at Fowling Warehouse

November 21 | 6:30-9PM | Hamtramck, MI

Join us for a night of fun and networking at the Detroit NAF Alumni Networking Mixer at the Fowling Warehouse! This event is open to ALL ALUMNI ACROSS ACADEMIES, past/present mentors, advisory board members, and NAF Staff. Alumni with children are welcome. Children must be at least 10 years of age to play, and all attendees must be 21+ after 8 p.m.

RSVP

Miami Alumni Holiday Networking Reception at Miami Culinary Institute (Formerly Tuyo)

December 11 | 6-8PM | Miami, FL

Get ready, Miami alumni! This year’s annual event is going to be a special holiday party. Don’t miss your chance to catch up and network at the Miami Culinary Institute.

RSVP 


Virtual Professional Development Events:

NAF academy students are also welcome to attend the virtual professional development events below. 

Virtual Dream Job Accounting Webinar with NAF Alumni, Michael Durant ‘07 and Laphil Bowles ’07

November 13 | 12PM ET

In partnership with Rubin Webinars for College and Career Readiness, two NAF alums will speak about their careers in accounting and finance. They are Michael Durant ‘07, a CPA and Tax Manager in New York City who recently passed the Bar Exam, and Laphil Bowles ‘07, a CPA at “Big Four” accounting firm PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) in Tampa, FL. 

Register Now 

Elevate Your Personal and Digital Brand – Virtual Webinar with Lucy Casas ’13

November 19 | 12:30PM ET

Join us to transform your brand! Learn to harness LinkedIn to amplify your presence and unlock new opportunities. Whether you’re entering college or advancing your career, discover strategies to expand your network and influence. Led by NAF alumna, Lucy Casas ‘13 and Cindy Goldman from J.P. Morgan Payments, this session offers practical insights to propel your brand forward. Don’t miss the chance to stand out and succeed!

Register Now


NAF Merch Alumni Month Sale + New Store Items! 

In addition to these exciting events, we are thrilled to announce our NAF Store has just released new alumni merch! From sweatshirts to hats, we have something for everyone  to express their  NAF alumni pride. This month, enjoy 10% off all alumni items! Use the code NAFAlumni at checkout to save. 

View Bio

Jessica Dunson is NAF's Digital Marketing Specialist. After graduating with a BA in Telecommunications – Video Production from Ball State University, she worked for a production company that helped to uncover her passion for video, marketing, and communications work. As a freelance video editor, she enjoyed the challenge of piecing together video clips into a cohesive and creative story. After a few years in this field, Jessica desired to use her talents to serve the community, and joined AmeriCorps VISTA in 2018, at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis. Upon completing her year of service, she joined an arts education nonprofit in her hometown of Indianapolis for 3 years, as their Marketing and Communications Specialist. At NAF, she is excited to use her experience to continue supporting better futures for youth.

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