Category: Events

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Blacks in Technology Foundation’s Newest Chapter Kicks Off in Roanoke

The first official event for the new Blacks in Technology (BIT) Roanoke-Blacksburg chapter kicked off last week on March 9 at The Collective co-working space. The networking mixer had 66 attendees who rubbed elbows with other tech professionals interested in advancing the cause of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Roanoke-Blacksburg communities.

“The tech world didn’t represent the community,” said Harvey Brookins, VERGE board member, on why they formed the new BIT chapter. “We wanted to do something very deliberate, so we brought together all the stakeholders to figure out the best ways to connect and showcase the Black community members. Then we reached out to BIT national.”

Second from the left is Harvey Brookins, Board Member at VERGE and RAMP mentor, who helped form the new chapter.

Get2KnowNoke also spoke with Angela Dickerson who volunteered as the first chapter president. She explained that the Roanoke-Blacksburg chapter leadership determined three areas of focus:

  1. Educate K-12 students about the opportunities that STEM can afford them.
  2. Increase engagement among those that work in tech and tech-adjacent fields.
  3. Provide opportunities for certification, networking, and mentoring.

So who can join BIT, and what does membership entail?

Membership is 100% free. Members just need to identify as Black and be interested in growing their knowledge in the tech space. Members receive benefits such as free or deeply discounted certifications.

As far as engagement and events are concerned anyone, regardless of race, can come and learn how to grow their tech careers.

Join BIT Virginia

**Currently membership is with BIT Virginia Chapter.

The next event is in Blacksburg on April 14 with special guest Dennis Shultz, the executive director of Blacks in Technology, who also happens to be a Hokie.

“Since BIT is an international organization, Dennis meets with people all over the world on Zoom,” said Angela Dickerson, BIT Roanoke-Blacksburg chapter president. “On all his international calls, he [Shultz] proudly hangs his Hokie flag directly behind him in his office.”

The kick-off event was held at The Collective on 11th Ave. in Roanoke, VA. The Collective has co-working spaces, event space, a podcast and media studio, retail pop-up studio, etc.

Dickerson, Brookins, and the rest of the newly formed BIT Roanoke-Blacksburg board have high hopes for the future of the club. They plan to identify opportunities for grants and funding to start getting the community the training and support needed to be successful. They also are looking for sponsors interested in helping to create programming and bring inspiring speakers.

If you are interested in sponsoring or learning more about membership, please email Angela Pope Dickerson.

To receive updates for the April 14 event and all future opportunities related to the BIT Roanoke-Blacksburg chapter, sign up for the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council e-newsletter.

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Home for the Holidays – Part 1: Thanksgiving Edition

Home for the Holidays- Part 1: Thanksgiving Edition

Below is your guide to the “Best of the Roanoke Region” over the Thanksgiving holiday. Share this with your college students, adult children, or anyone coming to visit this season – and show off everything your community has to offer.

Get2KnowNoke has hand-selected the trendiest cocktail lounges, the best outdoor adventures, the tastiest eats, breweries you may not have tried, cool new shops that just opened, and so much more. We tried to highlight everything new that your friends and family may not have tried, as well as all the old favorites.

Wed.
Nov. 24

Plan your Friendsgiving at one of the region’s top restaurants or grab a craft cocktail to celebrate.

PLAN YOUR OUTING

Thursday
Nov. 25

Move your feet so others can eat! The Drumstick Dash is a Roanoke Turkey Day tradition.

SIGN UP TO DASH

Friday
Nov. 26

#OptOutside this Black Friday and take advantage of our 1000s of miles of trail and greenways.

OPT OUTSIDE

Saturday, Nov. 27

Snag great deals and local gifts on Small Business Saturday.
Not in the mood to shop? We’ve gotcha covered with our brewery crawl.

SHOP & DRINK LOCAL

“Now that you can remotely work from anywhere in the world – why would you not choose a place with beautiful mountains, great dining, arts and culture, breweries for days, a huge outdoor community; where your commute is non-existent and adventure is endless.”

-Taylor Johnson, Director of Talent Attraction

Wednesday, November 24 (Thanksgiving Eve)

Plan Your Friendsgiving: Grab dinner with hometown friends at one of the region’s trendy new spots and Star City favorites.  

Thanksgiving Eve Downtown Roanoke: One of the biggest social nights of the year! See old and new friends at any of Downtown Roanoke’s bars. Our list of favorites will be pouring late so you can catch up with old and new friends.

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Thursday, November 25 (Thanksgiving Day)

Get your dash on and earn your turkey by running or walking in this annual Roanoke tradition.

The Atlantic Union Bank Annual Drumstick Dash 5K: It’s not too late to sign up for Roanoke’s annual pre-meal run/walk. Move your feet so others can eat this holiday season! Sign up online or in-person on Thanksgiving morning.  

There are several restaurants open for brunch or lunch options after the race, if you’re not too busy cooking yourself. Check out the VisitVBR “Where to Eat on Thanksgiving” list to learn where you can go.

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Friday, November 26 (Black Friday)

#OptOutside on Black Friday: The movement started by outdoor retail company REI in 2015 is celebrated here in the Roanoke Valley, an outdoor wonderland. Instead of spending your day stressed out in crowded stores, enjoy a beautiful outing in the Blue Ridge Mountains .

PRO TIP: Bring a bag on your adventure to collect litter and keep our region beautiful.

  • Blue Ridge Parkway: Explore the beauty of the most visited park in the US at any of these local stops.  
    • Peaks of Otter: Take a leisurely stroll around Abbott Lake and enjoy the views from the base or challenge yourself to a hike up Sharp Top Mountain to 360 mountain views. 
    • Explore Park: Explore Park features hundreds of acres of trails, riverside views, and outdoor fun. Whether you want to get in a game of Disc Golf or take a bike through the 14 miles of trails, you are sure to get in some serious outdoor adventure. Finish the day at Twin Creeks brew pub.
    • Mill Mountain: Haven’t taken a visit to the city’s iconic star in a while? Take a trip up the Mill Mountain Greenway with a picnic at the star. With miles of hiking, mountain biking and running trails, the zoo and the botanical gardens – there is plenty to do for all ages.
  • Carvins Cove Natural Reserve: With 60 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, you are sure to find beautiful fall foliage at this outdoor hidden gem.  
  • Roanoke’s Regional Greenways: The greenways that lie within the City of Roanoke’s limits include Roanoke River Greenway, Garden City Greenway, Mill Mountain Greenway, Murray Run Greenway, Lick Run Greenway, and Tinker Creek Greenway.  
  • Jackson River Scenic Trail: Virginia’s newest and extremley scenic rails-to-trails project is just outside of downtown Covington. Easy access makes it popular for residents and visitors to walk, bike, or jog along the Jackson River in the beautiful Alleghany Highlands.

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Saturday, November 27 (Small Business Saturday)

Small Business Saturday #SBS: Shop ‘til you drop (or until you need a beer). Be a part of recognizing and contributing to our region’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

Support some of the area’s newest spots on this national holiday.  

  • Mast General Store: Offers a variety of goods, tasty treats, apparel and outdoor gear.   
  • The French Farmhouse: Modern farmhouse home décor, lighting, furniture, and holiday spirit.  
  • Gatewood Rose: Plant lovers rejoice! A market for plants, accessories and education to keep them alive!  
  • Roanoke Farmers Market Vendors: Connect and buy from the people growing locally sourced food and creating handmade pieces you can’t buy anywhere else! 
  • Crafteria: Find small batch food and handmade goods from 60+ craftspeople. Find anything from records, holistics, coffee, candles and more!   

Other regional favorites:

Star City Beer Tour: The Roanoke Region has 16 craft breweries to choose from but one cool little nook of town has three all within a few blocks. Head to the trendy West End to check out of Roanoke’s neighborhoods on the rise.

  • Big Lick Brewery Roanoke

IPAs, Stouts, and Pale Ales – Oh My! Try them all at these West End Breweries

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Stay tuned! Our Home for the Holidays Part 2 will have a full calendar covering 21 days of planned events throughout December.

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Internship Canceled? Don’t Panic … We Got You Covered

College students and recent grads have seen their summer plans dashed by COVID-19, including the withdrawal of internship and job offers.

But you can prepare for your future career this summer. The Experience Leadership Institute is a summer-long program that will help you master skills that employers have rated most important. The certificate program will be conducted by leaders and employers in the Roanoke Region of Virginia during eight online sessions.

Use it to boost your resume if the summer isn’t shaping up the way you intended. Continue reading “Internship Canceled? Don’t Panic … We Got You Covered”

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Faces of Experience: Taryn Louma

Did you know that members of the Experience committee are volunteers with careers outside of event planning?

Taryn Luoma is a Roanoke native who moved away at a young age and recently moved back to the region after taking a job at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. She is excited to see more young professionals come here for work. When she is not working, she enjoys indoor rock climbing at The River Rock Climbing gym, petting any dog that crosses her path, reading, and trying to spruce up her own little fixer-upper.

Experience 2019 is June 6-7 at the Taubman Museum. (What are you waiting for? Registration is open.) Make sure to say “hello” to Taryn there. Continue reading “Faces of Experience: Taryn Louma”

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Experience 2019: The Future of Leadership Starts Now

experience 2019 register

Get all the tools you need to grow your career and leadership skills at Experience 2019. This year’s conference, “The Future of Leadership,” will help you redefine leadership to inspire innovation and thrive in the workplace of tomorrow. National and local speakers will help you connect and develop your professional narrative and goals for the next year, 5 years, or 10 years. Continue reading “Experience 2019: The Future of Leadership Starts Now”

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Home for the Holidays

#get2knownoke

Even though the holidays are a little hectic — family, friends, and so many holiday parties — it can be a great time to reconnect with home.

Take some time out for new adventures in the Roanoke Region this season. Meet new people, see new places, sample new foods (and brews) … and share.

We’ll be sharing some of our favorite holiday experiences on Instagram, and we’d love to see yours as well. Tag #Get2KnowNoke and #RoanokeOutside (for those outdoor adventures).

Continue reading “Home for the Holidays”