The 7th Annual Fierce Urgency of Now (F.U.N.) Festival, proudly presented by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation and City Awake, brings together Boston’s diverse young professionals with business leaders, organizations, and their peers and serves as a hub for education on social happenings, the exchange of ideas, cultural celebrations, and the gathering of leaders.
Newcomers and repeat attendees will agree that the reimagined 2024 Fierce Urgency of Now Festival is not to be missed. This year’s new format will consist of a full, conference-style day featuring an opening ceremony with access to state officials, professional headshots, countless networking opportunities, and a dozen sessions on topics such as allyship, financial empowerment, mentorship, well-being, career advancement, civic engagement, and more.
Need more convincing that the festival is right for you? We’ve got you covered. Here are 5 compelling reasons why you should be at the 2024 Fierce Urgency of Now Festival on September 17.
Named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s march on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Dr. King spoke of “the fierce urgency of now” – the pressing need for immediate action and lasting change in the face of racial injustice. More than a 1-day affair, the F.U.N. Festival is a catalyst for change, a celebration of diversity, and a platform for building the future Boston we all envision. Attend the festival and join thought leaders who are effecting social change and continuing Dr. King’s legacy of leadership and impact.
Did you know that 25% of young professionals plan to leave the Greater Boston area in the next 5 years? According to our recent survey, 39% of those with plans to leave report difficulty building community. To help retain Greater Boston’s young talent, the F.U.N. Festival emphasizes opportunities for attendees to forge ongoing professional and social connections. At last year’s festival, one attendee shared: “My conversations with other attendees led to commitments to stay in touch and a connection being the beginning of a mutually beneficial business connection.”
This year, attendees can look forward to multiple sessions dedicated to creating a sense of community, including ARUP’s “Building Community” discussion on how communities are shaped by the spaces they inhabit; “The Networking Advantage: Elevating Your Personal Brand and Career through Inclusive Strategies” hosted by Get Konnected!; Nilanjo!’s interactive session, “Connecting Wellness to Community;” and Black Young Professionals’ “Embrace Belonging: Networking Hour.”
Increase your social capital by making connections with the people who make Greater Boston culturally vibrant. Whether they are Boston’s Future Leaders graduates or Ten Outstanding Young Leaders honorees, emerging leaders are the cornerstone of a promising tomorrow.
The 2024 F.U.N. Festival will provide opportunities to hear from, connect with, and amplify both young, emerging leaders and local, senior leaders. In The Castle Group’s “Mission to Motion – Allyship” workshop, you will learn from the experiences of Dr. Imari Paris Jeffries, CEO of Embrace Boston, Robert Lewis, Jr., CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston and 2024 Distinguished Bostonian, and Sandy Lish, Principal of The Castle Group. As part of Big Sister Association of Greater Boston’s “Trailblazers & Trendsetters: Paving Pathways for Women of Color” session, hear from their Diversity Board as they dive into a panel discussion featuring diverse women of color in leadership roles of various career paths.
Are you passionate about our region and city, and want to help create change, positive impact, and a lasting legacy? If so, join us at this year’s festival to connect with people who share your vision of shaping a brighter tomorrow. While only half of young survey respondents feel they have the power to make change on the issues they care about where they live, the F.U.N. Festival is designed to encourage civic engagement and increase the next generation’s involvement in community issues. At last year’s festival, one attendee shared how the event left them feeling “inspired by young leaders to want to make positive changes in the Boston landscape.”
Join your peers to discuss how we can make our coastlines and communities more resilient at New England Aquarium’s “Conserving Our Coastlines” conversation. Reflect on the past, confront present challenges, and reimagine a future of educational equality and cultural richness at Afrimerican Culture Initiative Inc.’s “Rise Above Redlining” interactive workshop. Discover the importance and benefits of serving on a public board or commission at YW Boston’s “Joining a Public Board or Commission” information session.
There is no better time to invest in your personal and professional development than right now. At this year’s F.U.N. Festival, our sessions focus on the critical topics of education, empowerment, and career growth. Immerse yourself in meaningful conversations and topical discussions that prioritize your well-being and propel you into the next stage of your professional journey.
Navigate “Pathways to Careers in Boston’s Arts, Culture, and Creative Sectors” with EdVestors and discover “Small Business Solutions with the SEED Team” hosted by Suffolk University. Find “Financial Empowerment” as Center for Working Families talks about how to fully understand your credit score and learn how to protect yourself from financial fraud and identity theft at TD Bank’s “Tech Savvy Isn’t Fraud Safety: A TD Safe Seminar.”
With all these reasons and more, we hope to see you at the 7th Annual Fierce Urgency of Now Festival for a day filled with peer networking, expert-led professional development, and inspiring talks from today’s foremost thought leaders. To learn more about the festival, view the full agenda, share with friends and colleagues, and get your tickets, click here!
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Sep 14, 2024 – Sep 17, 2024Suffolk University – Sargent Hall
Sep 24, 20245:30pm – 7:30pmWayfair
