Find Your People
No matter how you roll, it's easy to find community here. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore your interests, and discover new ones.
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Blacks in Technology
Blacks in Technology aims to “stomp the divide” between Black tech workers and influence change in an industry that historically lacks parity for Black workers. By providing training, education, networking, and mentorship, the organization seeks to level the playing field with the support of allies, partners, sponsors, and global members.
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WoTech (Women in Tech)
WoTech champions and celebrates women and diversity in our region’s growing tech community. The group supports and connects women in technology through mentoring, education, networking, and events, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for tech professionals at all stages.
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Diversity Center
The Diversity Center supports, educates, empowers, and advocates for LGBT individuals and groups in the Roanoke region. It encourages collaborative efforts with the greater community to improve the quality of life for all, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
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Latinas Network
The Latina Network turns ideas into action, building a vibrant and inclusive community that empowers Latinas to thrive, connect, and lead in every sphere. The organization fosters a supportive environment for Latinas to excel and make impactful contributions.
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Roanoke Region Professional Network (LinkedIn)
Collaborate, socialize, learn, and grow within the Roanoke Region Professional Network. This LinkedIn group encourages members to share ideas, meet new professionals, lend their expertise, and make a positive impact on the community.
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Local Outdoor Clubs & Groups
Roanoke Outside maintains a list of local outdoor groups, making it easy to find a weekly bike ride, running groups, or hiking buddy. A curated outdoor event calendar makes it even easier to tap into Roanoke's incredible outdoor scene.
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Beers & BioTech
Beer & Biotech is an ecosystem-building series that brings together investors, physicians, academics, inventors, startups, and leaders in the biotechnology industry. Each event features a local, regional, or national speaker and ample time for networking and enjoying beverages at the host brewery.
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Quarterly Socials (Welcome Wagon)
Quarterly Social Welcome Wagon is designed to attract mid-sized cities by showcasing how to build community, create collaborative ecosystems, and develop professional relationships. Get2knowNoke Quarterly socials are perfect for remote workers, people hiring or looking for work, and those trying to develop new initiatives.
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Local Colors
Local Colors is a nonprofit organization celebrating international diversity and fostering inclusion, equity, and multicultural understanding. Events feature performing arts, artisan crafts, cuisine, education, and other cultural elements from around the globe, promoting global heritage and community harmony.
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Humble Hustle
Humble Hustle empowers Black youth and connects diverse communities by creating innovative, inclusive spaces that inspire hope and promote giving. The organization focuses on providing opportunities and fostering a sense of community and empowerment among youth.
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Junior League
The Junior League of Roanoke Valley is an organization committed to promoting women, developing leaders, and investing in our community. It focuses on training women leaders to tackle tough issues impacting our community while connecting women who share a commitment to voluntarism and community service.
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Roanoke Arts Commission
Roanoke's Art Commission pulses with creativity, featuring choruses, student dances, open mic nights, and various performances, lectures, book clubs, and exhibitions. It fosters a vibrant community where art is created, explored, and celebrated at all stages of life.
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Rollnoke (Roller Skating Club)
Rollnoke is a vibrant group of skaters who meet every Tuesday for happy hour on wheels. Welcoming both quad and inline skaters of all ages and skill levels, the club provides a fun and supportive environment for skating and networking.
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Adult Sports (Roanoke County Links)
The Roanoke County website has a great list of websites that connect you with regional adult sports programs. You don't have to be a Roanoke County citizen to participate, and many of the programs take place throughout the region. The list includes (but is not limited to) basketball, tennis, soccer, softball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, hockey, running, curling, cricket and more!
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YMCA
Everyone knows the local YMCA is a great place for affordable fitness solutions, aquatics and swimming, events and programs, childcare, and more. The YMCA of Virginia's Blue Ridge has six locations throughout the region (Botetourt, Kirk Ave. in Downtown Roanoke, Salem, Gainsboro, Tanglewood in Roanoke County, and Rockbridge).
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Huddle Up Moms
Huddle Up Moms began in Southwest Virginia with the mission of empowering mothers through education, connection, and support. We aim to fuel meaningful connections within our community by working collaboratively with other organizations that promote women’s health and wellness. We believe that all mothers deserve to flourish in all aspects of their lives.
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FemCity Roanoke Chapter
We're not your average women's networking group. Curated and created by women for women, FemCity is a community dedicated to arming you with everything you need to grow and live a happy life. The Roanoke community offers 3 opportunities each month to connect and grow business. First Wednesday of every month is FEM-mingle, second Monday of every month is our Signature Connection event with a business spotlight, and the third Tuesday is our morning Coffee Connection.
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BLADE Gaming
Blade Gaming is your one stop shop for non electronic games and models! Daily events and a large selection of trading card games (MTG, Pokemon,Yu-Gi-Oh and more), Warhammer, Disc golf, RPG Games, Dice, Gunpla, Board Games and supplies!
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Elderscholars at Roanoke College (Ages 55+)
Elderscholar was developed at Roanoke College in the fall of 1984 as a spin-off of the national Elderhostel program. For over four decades, Elderscholar has been among the most visible and popular examples of Roanoke College's commitment to lifelong learning. Join this great group of active thinkers and doers for weekly lectures, outings, and more.
Suggest a Resource
Help us help everyone—if you have an idea for a new resource or guide that we can include as part of Get2KnowNoke, let us know!