Finding Community at WeDC Fest
One of the reasons I have always enjoyed living in Washington is that the city rewards curiosity. If you’re willing to show up, introduce yourself, and ask thoughtful questions, you’ll almost always leave having learned something new.
That has been true whether I’ve attended international development conferences, food systems summits, or neighborhood networking events. Every gathering has the potential to introduce you to someone who changes the way you think.
WeDC Fest captured that spirit beautifully. Spread across multiple venues, the festival brought together entrepreneurs, creatives, technologists, and community leaders who all shared one thing in common: they were building something.
Innovation looks different for everyone
Some people were launching startups. Others were growing nonprofits, creating community programs, or developing technology solutions. I appreciated seeing entrepreneurship defined broadly rather than through a single lens.
The value of showing up
I have learned that networking isn’t really about collecting business cards. It’s about building relationships over time. Sometimes the most valuable connection comes from an unexpected conversation between sessions.
Those moments remind me why I continue investing in both my consulting work and DG Speaks. Ideas grow stronger when they are shared.
If you’re building your own project, I always recommend making room for events like this. They won’t solve every problem, but they can introduce you to the people who help you solve the next one.
