A Morning of Inspiration: Networking and Meeting New People

No panels, no pitches — just meaningful, practical conversations that left a lasting impact.

Today, I had the privilege of attending a powerful in-person event hosted by the LinkedIn Social Impact team in partnership with Upwardly Global. It took place at LinkedIn’s New York office and brought together job seekers, mentors, and members of the Social Impact team in a truly inspiring and supportive setting.

These kinds of gatherings do far more than fill calendars—they spark momentum. They create room for honest conversations, for stories to be shared and for bridges to be built. From the moment I walked into the space, I felt the energy of possibility. And that feeling stayed with me long after I left.

The people I met

One of the most meaningful conversations I had was with Nikhil Kanade, Product Marketing Manager at LinkedIn and a dedicated member of the Social Impact team. What began as a professional exchange over coffee turned into a genuine human connection grounded in curiosity and shared values. I’m deeply grateful to Nikhil for his valuable insights and for sharing his journey with such openness. Nikhil has spent nearly a decade with the company, and what struck me most was the clarity with which he spoke about his journey—how it unfolded, what challenges he faced, and how he continues to grow. He generously shared insights on navigating the evolving demands of the job market, the importance of honing both hard skills and soft skills, and the subtle, often overlooked role emotional intelligence plays in career development.

Another highlight of the morning was meeting Silvia Belleri, a Senior Customer Success Manager based in LinkedIn’s Brescia office in Italy and also part of the Social Impact team. From our very first exchange, there was an ease to our conversation that’s difficult to describe. It felt as though we weren’t meeting for the first time, but rather continuing a dialogue that had already begun. Silvia radiates motivation and positive energy, and her passion for supporting others in their careers is nothing short of contagious. Her words stayed with me, not because they were perfectly crafted, but because they were sincere and full of purpose.

I was also incredibly moved to finally meet my mentor from Upwardly Global, Esmeralda Gjongecaj. We’ve worked closely together for months, but this was our first in-person meeting. It reminded me of the real power of mentorship—the kind that doesn’t just guide you through resumes and interviews, but helps restore your sense of belonging in a new environment. Esmeralda’s unwavering support, insight, and compassion have played a huge role in shaping my confidence as I continue building my professional life in the United States.

I walked away from the LinkedIn office with a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and community. It was a reminder that behind every platform, behind every job title, there are people—thoughtful, driven, generous individuals—committed to making careers more human, inclusive, and accessible.