Vibrant Pittsburgh’s Welcome Cohort enjoyed a fun night out with our recent Game Night. Members came ready to enjoy delicious food and drink, laugh, make friends, and yell “Jenga!”
The Welcome Cohort is an exciting new project for Vibrant Pittsburgh, aiming to bring new professionals in the area together for fun social activities to give them a boost in building their network here in the Pittsburgh region. This program is part of our Connection Accelerator initiative, which is studying how best to attract, support, and retain diverse talent in the region.
Game Night was hosted by Vibrant Pittsburgh’s Jaraya Johnson and Geoff Greco of Jones Lange LaSalle in the beautiful JLL Center. Participants enjoyed a wonderful evening that started out on the roof terrace, overlooking a stunning view of the busy city. Food was provided and was complemented by an open bar. The combination of fun icebreakers and games like UNO and Settlers of Catan helped to bolster the communal atmosphere and encouraged attendees to get to know one another. It did not take long for people to get comfortable and begin making friends.
The success of Game Night was very encouraging. Attendees swapped phone numbers, Facebook friendships, and business cards, making those critical connections that help people, especially young people, feel rooted in a new place. Not only were friendships formed, but potential business partnerships were established as well. A big thanks to the members of Vibrant Pittsburgh’s Next Generation Council who attended Game Night. They offered their guidance, advice, and friendship to the newcomers and put themselves out there to help build a strong foundation for others.
We look forward to hosting more exciting social events in the future for our Newcomer Cohort and hope that these efforts encourage these new arrivals to put down roots in beautiful Pittsburgh! For more information about the Welcome Cohort, contact Lora McKnight, Director of Program Operations.