"What’s Next? " Luncheon
About this Event
The Inaugural What’s Next? Luncheon
Students • Employers • Philanthropists • Funders
LOCATION: LIBRARY 5TH FLOOR COMMONS AREA
Presented by VSSN in partnership with California State University, Dominguez Hills
The Table Experience
What’s Next? is designed around approx 10 conversation tables, intentionally bringing together students, employers, and philanthropy. Our goal is for each table to include at least one student, one employer, and one philanthropist/funder, creating space for meaningful conversation—not just networking.
For students: What’s next for me?
For employers: Who’s the next talent we should meet?
For philanthropists/funders: What’s the next opportunity we can support?
Students can share where they have been, what they are working toward, and what they need next. Employers can share career pathways and hear directly from emerging talent. Philanthropists and funders can discover students, programs, and ideas where their investment could make a meaningful difference.
The goal is simple: bring people together who may be able to open the next door for one another.
With gratitude to California State University, Dominguez Hills, Eli, & Edyth, Foundation and LA2050 for believing in our students and investing in pathways that help them move toward what’s next.
Agenda
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Employer & Philanthropy Reception
Info: Early connection time for employers, philanthropists, funders, and community partners to meet one another, learn about the purpose of the luncheon, and identify areas of shared interest.
🕑: 11:00 AM
Welcome: Why We’re Here
Info: Brief welcome and introduction to the What’s Next? conversation:
For students: What’s next for me?
For employers: Who’s the next talent we should meet?
For philanthropists/funders: What’s the next opportunity we can support?
Introduction to the 10-table experience, with each table designed to include at least one student, one employer, and one philanthropist/funder.
🕑: 11:10 AM
Lunch + Meet Your Table
Info: Guests introduce themselves through a simple prompt:
Who are you, what brought you here, and what are you hoping to discover today?
🕑: 11:25 AM
Student Stories: The Journey
Info: Selected students share short, personal stories about:
-Where they started
-Challenges or turning points along the way
-What helped them move forward
-What they are working toward now
-What their “next” looks like
🕑: 11:50 AM
Employer Opportunity Spotlights
Info: Up to three featured employers have a conversation on stage to answer questions like --
-Who are we, and what kinds of people do we need?
-What career, internship, training, mentorship, or advancement opportunities might students not know about?
-What makes someone stand out to us?
-What is one next step a student in this room can take?
🕑: 12:20 PM
What Will You Do Next?
Info: Closing High Five-challenge: leave with one person to follow up with and one action to take. Be the first 5 to email us back at [email protected]
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 5000.00
