Our Inaugural Thrive Talks 9.4.25

On September 4, 2025, New Futures proudly hosted the inaugural Thrive Talks, a brand-new quarterly event series created to spark community, learning, and action. The evening brought together Scholars, partners, alumni, and supporters for an inspiring conversation about equity, access, and opportunity.

The event began with a rooftop reception and celebration of Pathways to Possibility: The Next Chapter of New Futures, unveiling our new five-year Strategic Plan and reaffirming our vision for a more equitable Washington, DC region. Guests heard from CEO Dr. Sherrod Williams, who shared reflections on our organization's 25 years of impact and the bold future ahead.

Afterward, Thrive Talks officially launched with the topic (Under)Representation in STEM, featuring engaging storytelling and expertise from Briana Gamble, Civil Engineer and educator; Arlene Modeste Knowles, Associate Director of TEAM-UP Together; and Dr. Ronald S. Gamble, Jr., Cosmic Origins Research Scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Through engaging storytelling, lived and professional experience, our presenters shared thought-provoking perspectives on systemic barriers in STEM fields and how we can each play a role in creating greater access and representation in these fields.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this powerful evening, and we can’t wait to continue the conversation with future events. Stay tuned for upcoming Thrive Talks, where we’ll keep exploring the issues that matter most to our Scholars, our region, and our shared future. Sign up on our email list below!

Thrive Talks Gallery

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