Seth Johnson
Gainesville Black Professionals (GBP) will promote networking and facilitate development at its seventh annual expo from Feb. 22 to 24.
The 2024 Black Professionals Expo will be at Santa Fe College, and the first two days—which include a job fair, nonprofit showcase, and mixer—will be open to the public. The last day requires a ticket to hear a range of speakers and panelists with a focus on professional development.
The 2023 expo was the first time the event had expanded to three days. Virginia Grant, executive director of GBP, said the expo ran well, with only minimal adjustments coming into this year.
“Anytime we host an event, there’s bringing people together and the connections that they make, it’s just endless what can happen from that,” Grant said in a phone interview.
Tickets for the final day start at $50, and the sessions last from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Speakers will include Angela Howard, CEO of the YMCA of North Central Florida; Caleb Chambliss, program coordinator at the Warrington College of Business; Brandon West, chief purpose officer at PHOS Creative; and Dr. Dakeyan Graham, founder of Re-imagining Equity and Learning and director of educational equity and outreach at Alachua County Public Schools.
“I just think that overall, professional development is the biggest takeaway,” Grant said.
To learn more, visit Gainesville Black Professionals. GBP also hosts mixers throughout the year.