On a crisp February evening in Washington, DC, Black and Brown professionals from across the region gathered at The Continent for “Like Minded,” a networking event designed to foster intentional connections. Hosted by The Connect in collaboration with the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC), the event provided a vibrant space for attendees to engage in authentic conversations and community building.
The Connect, co-founded by Senzwa Ntshepe and Stephon Braithwaite-Martin, is a nationwide network committed to attracting, retaining, and empowering professionals of color. With over 20,000 members, The Connect offers resources, networking opportunities, and skill development tools, including AI-powered solutions, to help individuals advance in their careers and personal growth. Their mission extends beyond professional success—it’s about reshaping ecosystems and fostering environments where diverse talent can thrive.
The evening’s venue, The Continent, an upscale West African restaurant, served as the perfect backdrop for the event. Known for its rich culinary offerings and dedication to cultural authenticity, the space added a warm and welcoming ambiance that complemented the spirit of the gathering. Guests mingled over drinks and flavorful dishes, engaging in conversations that went beyond surface-level networking.
Stephon Braithwaite-Martin, Chief Growth Officer at The Connect, highlighted the purpose behind “Like Minded.” The event, he explained, is curated to take place every third Thursday of the month, bringing together professionals from various backgrounds in an environment where individuals can connect based on who they are rather than just what they do. “It’s a place where you don’t have to shove your business card in somebody’s face. We can really get to tribe building and finding the linkages for all of us as we build an interconnected ecosystem of talent,” he shared.
For first-time attendee Adrienne Johnson, owner of Decor Haven by Adrienne, the experience was nothing short of inspiring. “I am very blown away by the attendance and by all of this melanin,” she expressed. “Just the plethora of skill sets and the opportunity to connect and meet with everyone—I’m definitely having a great time and look forward to the next event.”
The event also served as a launchpad for The Connect’s national Black Business Directory within their Mighty Networks community. This initiative aims to create commerce opportunities for Black and Brown business owners by fostering connections across multiple cities. As Braithwaite-Martin noted, “We’re building out a Black business directory for the cities of DC, the DMV at large, and Philadelphia. We’d love to have you. We’d love to build with you.”
The collaboration with the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce reinforced the evening’s overarching theme of economic development and empowerment. Founded in 2017, the GWBCC is dedicated to advocating for Black business growth in DC through education, enterprise, and networking opportunities. As part of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., the organization provides its members with access to vital resources and political advocacy, ensuring that Black entrepreneurs in the region are equipped with the tools to succeed.
For many attendees, “Like Minded” was more than just another networking event—it was a testament to the power of community-driven spaces that prioritize connection over competition. With organizations like The Connect and the GWBCC working together to elevate Black and Brown professionals, the event underscored the importance of fostering inclusive ecosystems where individuals and businesses can flourish.
For those looking to tap into this growing network, The Connect can be followed on Instagram (@theconnectDC and @theconnectPHL), and their Mighty Networks community offers a free space to join and engage with like-minded professionals. Meanwhile, Decor Haven by Adrienne can be found on Instagram (@DecorHavenbyAdrienne), adding a creative touch to any space.
As the evening wound down, the energy remained high—proof that when like-minded individuals come together with a shared purpose, the possibilities for collaboration and growth are limitless. The next “Like Minded” gathering promises to continue this momentum, solidifying its place as a must-attend event for professionals looking to build, connect, and thrive.
