[ INTRO ]

Kingston NetworkBuddy only found its momentum because of a small group of ‘networking buddies’ and pioneers who kept saying yes to invitations, walked into city and campus events together, and quietly tested whether KNB’s promise—‘you won’t walk in alone’—could work in real life. Many of us were students or recent alumnae of St. Lawrence College at the time, navigating Kingston’s networking spaces for the first time while figuring out our own next steps.

Two women smiling and holding a trophy together at an event, with a VIP backdrop and balloons in the background.

One of KNB’s earliest pioneers and networking buddies, bringing a steady, values‑aligned presence from the very first months so the work never had to be carried alone. She has been a guiding light in the group, helping new people feel part of the KNB family and acting as an accelerator—offering the courage and energy to keep saying yes to networking as newcomers.

Two smiling people, a man and a woman, sitting close together for a selfie in an indoor setting.

A steady right hand from the very beginnings of KNB, consistently advocating for KNB. His belief and presence of KNB keeps the momentum going and visible. 

Two women standing on a stage, smiling at the camera. One woman is holding a gold trophy. The backdrop has VIP and red carpet event logos, balloons are on the floor, and a microphone is in the second woman's hand.

One of the KNB’s earliest networking buddies. A steady and solid pillar in KNB, the person Gail can depend on to both support others and offer her hand—emotionally and practically—through every stage of this journey.

A woman and a man smiling at an event, with the woman holding a microphone and the man holding a gold award trophy shaped like an Oscar. The background displays a step and repeat banner with the VIP logo and stars, indicating a VIP red carpet event.

Helped KNB and 80+ guests feel taken care of in 2023 Fall Gathering—from venue details to food. Biggest advocate of KNB, a networking buddy, a friend.

A woman and a man standing together on a stage at an award event. The woman is holding a microphone, and the man is holding a gold trophy. Behind them is a backdrop with 'VIP' and stars, and to their left is a banner with a picture of graduates and the website 'pros-fata.com'.

One of the original pillars and KNB’s earliest networking buddies. Brings high energy to every event, turning quick greetings into real connections. A buddy who’s very supportive in other KNB’s personal projects.

A woman and a man smiling, standing together at an awards event, holding a small golden trophy. The woman has long brown hair, wearing a cream-colored sweater, and the man has short dark hair, wearing a green shirt and checkered jacket. Behind them is a black backdrop with golden stars and the word 'VIP'.

One of the original pillars whose early enthusiasm and presence shape KNB. A buddy who’s fun and very supportive to the cause.

Two women sitting outside on a couch under a large patio umbrella, enjoying drinks and food in a backyard with green trees and houses in the background.

A buddy you can count on for the cause and ready to lend a hand when she can. Her presence and quiet support gives Gail momentum to keep going in the critical early months of being a networking buddy.

Two women smiling at a party next to a table with food and desserts, behind a chain-link fence with green trees and pool in the background.

One of the original pillars and KNB’s earliest networking buddies. She’s one of the advocates of KNB and Gail’s work during the critical and early months of KNB.

Group of diverse friends socializing outdoors under a large umbrella, with string lights and green trees in the background.

One of the original pillars and KNB’s earliest networking buddies. Alwin always shows up ready to help and keeps conversations moving, adding spark and momentum at in‑person events.

Two women speaking at an event with a VIP-themed backdrop decorated with gold and black balloons, stars, and balloons.

The reason Gail showed up in the first few networking events. The first networking buddy for Gail. Without her making her feel that it’s alright, I’ll be there, too treatment, there wouldn’t be KNB in the first place.