Bianca Alston on what the EPIP conference can make possible...

"I had no idea what to expect when I attended my first EPIP conference in New Orleans last year. My interactions with  my local chapter had been limited. I didn’t know anyone else who would be attending. And I’d never been to Louisiana before. Even for a bubbly extrovert like me, this conference seemed intimidating. I checked in to the hotel committed to hit the gym, order room service and hide until the morning after I had adequate time to prep my poker face. But instead, I took a leap of faith and attended the opening reception. 

The decision to come to the conference changed everything. There was no talk of business cards or collaborative efforts to change philanthropy as we know it. We were just people having a great time. The party atmosphere, music and food ensured that I had at least 3 things to talk about. I was beyond grateful to feel welcomed and comfortable among my fellow emerging leaders. We shared laughs, photo booth props and were all equally surprised and delighted when a local NOLA big band made its way through the reception space. That night became the foundation for new friendships and my personal commitment to leadership.

I will be arriving to Baltimore next month as a EPIP-NY Steering Committee Member, EPIP National Planning Committee leader and conference session moderator. 

We are excited to have you join us for this year’s Opening Reception on Tuesday, September 13^th from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor.

Now, you know you’ll have at least one friend there."

| Bianca Alston, Arcus Foundation, EPIP-NY Chapter Leader & EPIP Conference 2016 Planning Committee leader