It’s Millennial Week!

What does it mean to be a Millennial?  According to a plethora of recent posts, news articles, and internet lists, it’s a baffling generation.  While each era has its own rough relationship with the economy, Millennials are arguably challenging the “norm” in their own way, and generations before them aren’t exactly sure how to manage.

Take, for example, the creation of a recent Chrome extension that turns the mere mention of “Millennials” into… “Snake People.”  The extension’s creator, Eric Bailey, claims he meant it as a joke… but it strikes a dissonant chord for those who feel older generations demonize them.  Not so for one of the most outspoken millennials around!

“I have no problem with being called Snake People. I’ll embrace it!” Millennial Week Founder Natalie Moss told K Street Magazine.  “I mean, it’s better than ‘Entitled, Lazy Hipsters,’ which is what we Millennials usually get.”

Moss, a Cancer Biologist with a Doctorate in Cell and Molecular Biology who later established a career in Intellectual Property and Patent Prosecution (and who was named a Forbes Person to Watch this year!)  also started Millennial Week… to showcase all that her generation has to offer.

Now in its second year, Millennial Week is a weeklong series of events (held June 13-20, 2015), focused on the impact Millennials are actually making.   Not “Snake People,” millennials look to innovate and change their world — so this week cultivates, promotes, and presents the most meaningful ideas and trends that reflect their impact on culture, enterprise, and society.

Want to get involved?  Here are some of the highlighted events and activities that showcase what Snake People are all about!

Millennial Day of Service

Millennials do give back. Many schools in Washington DC’s Ward 8 have illiteracy rates of over 70%. Led by Capital Cause, volunteers will take over DC middle schools to distribute 1,000 books to 1,000 kids, revamp libraries and paint murals for the second annual Millennial Day of Service.

Location: Turner Elementary School

Event Partner: Capital Cause

Sponsor: Salesforce

Sunday, June 14, 6:00PM – 8:00PM

Mantras & Martinis

Relax and connect at Mantras and Martinis, a session of feel-good yoga at Grip the Mat followed by a cocktail reception provided by Catoctin Creek Distilling Company. Arrive in comfortable clothing, stretch your body and mind, then stay for genuine conversation and strong cocktails. All levels welcome, but attendees must be 21 or older. Yoga mats are available to rent for $2; email info@gripthemat.com to reserve one at least 24 hours in advance.

Location: The Loft at 600 F, 600 F St. NW #300, Washington, DC 20004

Event Partner: Grip the Mat

Monday, June 15, 6:00PM – 9:00PM

Decision #2016: A Millennial Town Hall

Millennials are changing the face of politics: they have been a deciding factor in the past two presidential elections. Following in the steps of last year’s Town Hall, Decision #2016 will be a lively discussion of the issues and concerns that will take center stage in the 2016 election.

Location: The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington DC 20071

Sponsor: Washington Post

Monday, June 15, 6:00PM – 9:00PM

Millennials, Diversity & America

The past year has pushed issues of race, civil rights and diversity to the forefront of American society. Widely fueled by millennials, this renewed push for change reaches beyond race to include LGBT and women’s issues. This forum will engage journalists, legal experts and community activists on issues including civil rights and the role of millennials in leading social change.

Location: The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington DC 20071

Sponsor: Washington Post

Tuesday, June 16, 1:00PM – 4:00PM

Millennial Hiring Fair

Millennials continue to face one of the highest unemployment rates of any other demographic. We can help change that. The Millennial Hiring Fair will allow attendees seeking new careers or career advancement to connect one-on-one with recruiters from Wells Fargo, Mass Mutual, the American Society of Association Executives, and more.

Location: The Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St. NW, Washington, DC 20004

Sponsor: Wells Fargo, American Society of Association Executives

Tuesday, June 16, 6:00PM – 8:30PM

The Startup Lounge

Strategize, network, socialize. The Startup Lounge is a place for millennial entrepreneurs to network, engage and build awareness for their emerging enterprises and startup ideas. Attendees can speak with financial advisers and professionals one-on-one for advice on business development, banking and funding.

Location: The Loft at 600 F, 600 F St. NW #300, Washington, DC 20004

Sponsor: Wells Fargo

Wednesday, June 17, 6:30PM – 9:00PM

Entrepreneurs’ Forum: Raising Capital

No matter the type of business, the one tangible measure of success for entrepreneurs is having an idea that can attract funding. Limited capital is among the top reasons why new businesses fail. This panel will explore ways to find and secure funding, and discuss challenges that are specific to millennial entrepreneurs.

Location: 1776, 1133 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005

Sponsor: Wells Fargo

Thursday, June 18, 6:30PM – 9:00PM

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum

Are you among the 48% of millennials hoping to start your own business? Or are you one of the many millennials driving innovation within a major corporation? Both forms of innovation have their challenges, but both have the power to change brands inside and out. Entrepreneurs and innovators from global corporations will discuss the challenges and opportunities related to starting new companies and working within corporate structures.

Location: 1776, 1133 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005

Sponsor: Wells Fargo

Friday, June 19, 7:00PM – 9:30PM

Millennial Made: Food Face Off

What could be better than an evening of savory cuisine and cocktails? In partnership with Union Kitchen, millennial chefs will showcase their use of cool gadgets and cooking technology. Featuring live cooking stations, attendees will sample foods from each station and vote to determine which millennial chef creates DC’s “best bite.”

Location: 1776, 1133 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005

Sponsor: Mass Mutual, Union Kitchen

Saturday, June 20, 9:30AM – 3:00PM

The Founder’s UnConference

Join us for a relaxed day of information and networking that’s truly relevant to you. Expect one-on-one conversations, intimate panels and opportunities for real connections. This event will convene inspiring founders and aspiring entrepreneurs to dialogue about topics including: running a lean startup, building an online brand, intellectual property for entrepreneurs, attracting corporate sponsors, and more.

Location: 1776, 1133 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005

Sponsor: Wells Fargo