Network, network, network.  Many students hear this word on a daily basis regarding success after college.  One non-profit organization in Topeka is making this opportunity available to young professionals with a unique, three times-per-year event.

Fast Forward Topeka is hosting its next Luncheon with Leaders at 12:15 p.m. on Thurs May 12.  The event will take place at the Washburn Institute of Technology.

The idea behind the luncheons are to connect young professionals with leaders in the community who they may not be able to connect with in normal circumstances.

“We offer the opportunity for young professionals to sit down one-on-one with two leaders at each table,” said Tiffany Hall, manager of Fast Forward Topeka.  “We generally have 10 leaders ranging from government positions, non-profit organizations, large corporations, and new and trendy businesses.”

Each attendee will be able to pick the leaders they would like to visit with during lunch during the RSVP process, which can be done online.  Although a guideline for discussion is provided at each table, attendees may also choose the topics of their own personal interest to discuss.  The leaders at each luncheon are decided upon by a two-person educational committee, a subcommittee of Fast Forward Topeka, and they are all affiliated with a Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce firm.  

“The committee tries to decide on leaders based on who is timely and interesting,” said Hall.  “We ask ourselves, ‘Who would young professionals want to meet?'”

The leaders under consideration for this Luncheon with Leaders are still being decided upon; however, anyone interested can RSVP at www.fastforwardtopeka.org, and they will then be notified of the speakers from which they can choose. The cost of attendance is $10 for members of Fast Forward Topeka and $15 for guests.  

As well, any students interested in becoming a member of Fast Forward Topeka can take the opportunity to join for free by contacting Tiffany Hall at [email protected] or by calling (785) 234-2644.