[ OVERVIEW ]

Before KNB hosted its own gatherings, it began as “I’ll be your networking buddy; I’ll be there too” — walking into city and campus events with other international students and newcomers so they did not have to go alone.

This page lists some of the rooms we stepped into together, where KNB showed up as quiet support inside other people’s events and often met the friends who later joined KNB gatherings.

City-wide Events

March 2023, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

First KEYS Welcome Night where Gail and classmates showed up as networking buddies, meeting other newcomers who later joined KNB gatherings.

Venue: Red House Downtown

For video, what this room felt like, see my Instagram post.

Group of seven friends smiling and posing for a photo at a bar or restaurant, with drinks on the counter, in a cozy setting with exposed brick and wooden beams.

April 2023, Building Inclusive Communities

Hosted by: Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: St. Lawrence College

For photo, what this room felt like, and short reflections, see my LinkedIn post.

Group of five diverse people smiling at a conference or seminar, with a large screen in the background showing a slide or video.

April 2023, Kingston Young Professionals

Hosted by: Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: The Grizzly Grill

For video, what this room felt like, and short reflections, see my Instagram post.

Group of eight diverse women standing together outdoors in front of a blue wooden wall, smiling at the camera.

April 2023, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: Something In the Water Brewing Co.

For video, what this room felt like, and short reflections, see my Instagram post.

A group of seven diverse smiling people standing together in front of a brick wall with neon sign that reads 'Curious People Drink'.

May 2023, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: ForWorld Studios

For video, what this room felt like, and short reflections, see my Instagram post.

A group of diverse people smiling and posing together inside a room with graffiti on the walls.

June 2023, Kingston Young Professionals

Hosted by: Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: Kingston Yacht Club

For video, what this room felt like, and short reflections, see my Instagram post.

Group of seven young adults smiling outdoors, some wearing sunglasses, in front of a building with blue window frames, during daytime.

June 2023, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: Martello Alley

For video, what this room felt like, see my Instagram post.

A large group of people gathered outdoors for a photo at a social event, with a brick building, decorations, and greenery in the background.

July 2023, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: The Backyard Patio Bar & Grill

For photo and short reflections, see my Instagram post.

Group of eight diverse people smiling outdoors at a gathering with umbrellas, trees, and a fenced backyard in the background.

August 2023, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: Martello Alley

For photo and short reflections, see my Instagram post.

A group of diverse people enjoying a gathering outside, some smiling and making peace signs, with a brick building, string lights, and street signs in the background.

September 2023, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: Hoopla Press

For photo and short reflections, see my Instagram post.

A diverse group of ten people standing together indoors, smiling at the camera, with some holding bags, dressed in casual and semi-formal attire, against a background with a wooden structure and artwork.

October 2023, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: The Merchant Tap House

For photo and short reflections, see my Instagram post.

Group of fifteen diverse people smiling and posing for a photo in a cozy restaurant or bar with stone walls and modern furniture.

November 2023, Kingston Young Professionals

Hosted by: Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: F45 Training

With me is Micah Imomotebegha and Neha Duhoon (first time to meet her and became a friend. The truth? Networking events is where I found a buddy and a friend.

A group selfie featuring three smiling people in a room with a white ceiling and walls, with a guy wearing a beige beanie and checkered shirt, a woman with dark brown hair in black top, and another woman with black hair and a beige scarf. In the background, there are people and colorful tables.

December 2023, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: Blu Martini

For short reflections, see my Instagram post.

Group of six people sitting at a long table in a dimly lit restaurant with holiday decorations and blue lights in the background.

February 2024, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: The Loyal Oarsman Pub

For short reflections, see my LinkedIn post.

A group of 15 diverse people posing for a photo indoors, smiling and making peace signs, with a framed hockey jersey and pub decor in the background.

March 2024, Rechell Bernales

Event: A Night to Remember for Women

Hosted by SLC's Women Empowerment Society Club

Venue: St. Larry’s Pub

For short reflections, written by Mariana (KNB core team), see her KNB LinkedIn post.

Three women smiling at an indoor event, wearing name tags and casual outfits.

March 2024, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: The Merchant Tap House

In this photo: Yuvraj Shirke (became a good friend and a support buddy), Leyli Jamali (later invited to be part of 2024 Fall Gathering as table-lead facilitators), Iryna Litvinova (later on joined KNB gatherings), and Marinelly Vilallobos (KNB core team).

Group of six smiling people at a social gathering in an indoor venue, some holding drinks, with a dark background and warm lighting.

June 2024, Pam Fountas & Jenna Knight

Event: LeadHERship - Path to Personal Growth

Hosted by Women’s Impact Collective

Venue: Blu Martini

For short reflections, see Mariana’s (core team) KNB LinkedIn post.

Three women standing together in front of a slide that reads "Women Making Impact" and "Leadership: Path to Personal Growth". They are smiling and dressed in business casual attire, with a dark stage curtain and colorful lighting in the background.
Four women smiling and sitting at a bar or restaurant table with drinks and papers, with a wireless microphone and colorful pens on the table.

June 2024, Kingston Young Professionals

Hosted by: Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: Kingston Yacht Club

For short reflections, see Mariana’s (core team) KNB LinkedIn post.

Group of seven smiling young adults taking a selfie indoors, with windows and an exit sign in the background.

July 2024, Welcome Night

Hosted by KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services (KEYS) & Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)

Venue: Red House Downtown

For photo and short reflections, see KNB’s Instagram post.

A group of three people smiling at a bar or restaurant. The person on the left is a woman with glasses and shoulder-length hair, wearing a red top. The person in the middle is a man with a shaved head, facial hair, and a name tag, wearing a black jacket. The person on the right is a woman with glasses and shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a white top with a floral pattern. The background shows a bar with bottles and glasses, a brick wall, and other patrons.

November 2025, Networking Night for International Students & Graduates

Hosted by City of Kingston, KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services, and Kingston Immigration Partnership

Venue: Frontenac Club Inn

The event is “a unique event designed to help you learn essential networking strategies while connecting with local professionals and peers in a welcoming environment. This isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about developing the skills you need to network confidently and effectively in Canada’s job market.”

Four women dressed in red clothing standing in front of a black door, smiling, with a white wall and tiled floor in the background.