This past month, Aspire community meetups brought Aspire’s spirit of peer connection and leadership to life across five countries. Here’s a snapshot of the vibrant community meetups:
Ibadan, Nigeria
Under the theme ‘Becoming The Blueprint’, this meetup welcomed 15 attendees—alumni and current students alike—for a focused conversation on goal setting and resilience.
Mentor Dr. Oyenike Ayo-Ogunseye shared her journey of self-discovery and growth, inspiring participants to reflect, share aspirations, and commit to concrete next steps. Participants also engaged in intentional networking, shared their personal goals, and outlined actionable steps they plan to take in the coming days to move closer to their aspirations for accountability.
Mexico City, Mexico
Titled Your Path, Your Purpose, this intimate event invited alumni to reconnect with their personal missions. The space quickly filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, and a genuine sense of connection.
Two guest speakers, Jorge Sosa and Jesica Ramírez, offered brief and powerful reflections drawn from their personal and professional journeys around creativity, impact, and purpose. Rather than a formal talk, their words sparked open dialogue, where participants explored their own questions and aspirations. The event wrapped up with a casual networking, and a sense of shared energy to carry forward. In the words of community leader Ángel Solis, “It was a beautiful moment of real community—reminding everyone that purpose grows stronger when it’s shared.”
Chattogram, Bangladesh
The inaugural Chattogram Networking Session united 18 alumni for a warm, reflective gathering in the university’s Botanical Garden.
After introductions and shared Aspire journeys, participants discussed visions for their local chapter—emphasizing regular meetups, mentorship, and collaboration. A paired reflection on “What does personal success mean to you?” sparked deep insights and connection. The evening ended with open conversations over tea, cementing the foundation of a supportive and purpose-driven Aspire Chattogram community.
Accra, Ghana
Ghana’s first-ever in-person Aspire Alumni meetup welcomed 30 alumni from the 2023–2024 cohorts for an evening of networking, reflection, and inspiration.
Community leaders opened with a vision for building a strong alumni network, followed by keynote speaker Aimee Wallin, who spoke on partnerships and purpose-driven impact. Alumni shared post-program journeys, exchanged ideas for future events—including skill-sharing workshops and social projects—and expressed excitement about growing the community. The gathering ended with networking, leadership sign-ups, and a shared sense of momentum to drive change locally.
Washington, D.C., United States
Aspire’s Communications and Outreach Director Jenna Maurer recently met up with eight Aspire alumni and current learners in Washington D.C. Attendees ranged from recent graduates to full-time professionals, all sharing a common enthusiasm for Aspire’s global vision.
Reflections surfaced around what they cherished most during the Aspire Leaders Program—especially the vibrant peer-to-peer connections enabled by the Discord Servers and the inspiration found in live masterclasses. Looking ahead, they expressed a desire for more localized, in-person gatherings like this one. As some participants had recently moved to the area, they underscored the importance of such networks in building new connections. It was a night of shared stories and lively networking.
Keep an eye on your email for information about upcoming community meetups in your city!
