A network for young professionals of color, co-founded two years ago by Coatesville native Vinasia Miles, has now become an official partner of Forbes, writes Trenae Nuri for WHYY.

For(bes) The Culture aims to support a more diverse and inclusive community of leaders.

Miles met the network’s co-creator, Philadelphia native Rashaad Lambert, during the 2017 Forbes Under 30 Summit in Boston. The pair decided to host a meet-up at a nearby restaurant with other young professionals of color. Only 30 people RSVP’d, but within a few hours nearly 400 showed up.

The huge turnout showed Miles and Lambert just how many young professionals of color were looking for a community, prompting them to start For(bes) The Culture.

“It’s a place of home and people can be themselves,” said Miles. “They don’t have to fit into a mold.”

Today, the network has more than 3,000 members nationwide. Group members host game nights and panel discussions, as well as family-style dinners and yacht parties.

Miles and Lambert plan to increase membership and further diversify its representation at the 2019 Forbes Under 30 Summit in Detroit in October.

Read more about For(bes) The Culture at WHYY here.

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