By Christen Lockett, Manager, Digital Catalyst
In 2017 at the Boston Forbes Under 30 Summit, Rashaad Lamber and Vinasia Miles brought together a group of BIPOC attendees to connect and collaborate throughout the weekend’s events. That small group has since grown into a community of over 3,000 members across 30 countries with 14 regional chapters and is now known as For(bes) The Culture. I was honored to become a member of this organization in 2018 and was instantly blown away by the organization’s commitment to amplifying BIPOC voices, networking, and collaboration.
The mission of For(bes) The Culture is to create equitable pathways for Black and Brown professionals. This organization serves as a hub for elite leaders of color who are breaking down barriers and impacting culture globally to connect, collaborate and create change. For(bes) The Culture provides a platform that fosters professional development, social consciousness, civic engagement, intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship.
Throughout the year, FTC hosts several community service projects, social and cultural outings. They also provide opportunities for personal and professional workshops and seminars, mentoring, tutoring and networking events on both a national and local level. Previous events have had Deepak Chopra, T.I, Daymond John, Everette Taylor and many more. In 2019 Forbes announced For(bes) The Culture as an official partner, further endorsing and supporting the FTC network as it continues to drive diverse representation at upcoming Under 30 Summits and various Forbes events.
I am honored to co-lead the Dallas For(bes) The Culture chapter alongside Beonna July of Microsoft. Being a part of For(bes) The Culture on a local and national level has exposed me to so many networking and growth opportunities that I thought were beyond my reach. One of my favorite opportunities happened this past summer when I was able to host a Culture Talk on IG Live with Spencer Paysinger, former Super Bowl champion and producer of the hit tv series All American. This opportunity was so special to me as the FTC organization knew that working with college and professional athletes on media and community relations is one of my passion projects in my spare time.
The Dallas Chapter have a growing chapter of roughly 30+ members in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and are looking forward to hosting more events soon when it is safe! There are also North America chapters in the following cities:
- Atlanta
- Detroit
- DMV
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York City
- Philadelphia
If you would like more information on For(bes) The Culture, upcoming events, or how to join please feel free to contact me at: clockett@golin.com or visit For(bes) The Culture.