Lately, you’ve probably seen more posts from me both here and on LinkedIn about in-person events in Ann Arbor, including the Sustainability & Innovation Coffee Meet Up, Cahoots Mentorship Circles, and more.
If it seems like I’m suddenly, loudly everywhere, here’s why: I’m intentionally reconnecting with people, with ideas, and with what’s next.
Remote Work Was Great Until It Wasn’t Enough
Like many of us, I have been working remotely for years now. My work—mostly with scientific and technical teams at universities and early-stage startups—is location-independent and often global.
And I’ve loved it. Remote collaboration is flexible, efficient, and creates the space—mental and physical—for deep, focused work.
But something shifted and connecting only online became strangely draining. Even as someone who values solitude, I missed people in the same room. I needed the friendly waves, the raised eyebrows, the casual sidebars. I missed being a part of a local community.
Coworking Helped. IRL Events Even More
That shift led me to join a coworking office in Ann Arbor. I wasn’t just looking for a desk, I wanted casual, familiar camaraderie: “non-work work friends.”
I don’t go every day, and if I have a schedule packed with video calls, it’s simpler to stay in my home office. Yet, on days and tasks when I need to work through something tangled, think deeply, write, or resist the urge to procrastinate, I need my coworking desk. There’s something grounding about the quiet hum of others working nearby—it helps me settle in, focus, and work through problems.
But coworking was just the start.
I wanted to connect more intentionally and IRL (in real life) with people I admire, with communities I care about, and with the local ecosystem of mission driven leaders and entrepreneurs. So I started organizing and attending more events.
Exploring What’s Next
I’m also in a moment of transition, exploring what’s next in my career. That’s a big part of why I’m showing up to more events, and why I’m investing energy into hosting some of my own.
Whether it’s co-founding the Sustainability & Innovation Coffee Meet-Up with William Crane, or collaborating with Ayishwariya Menon on the Cahoots Mentorship Circle, I’m building spaces I want to be part of, and enjoying meeting others doing the same.
These gatherings have been a joy to me. I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who are curious, generous, and community-oriented.
Let’s Connect
If you’re also navigating change, looking for connection, or just feeling the need to get out of the house, I hope you’ll join one of these meetups. Or shoot me a note—I’d love to hear what you’re working on, what you’re excited about, or what kind of community you’re craving right now.
Here’s to finding energy, inspiration, and opportunity—together, and in person.
Where to Find me IRL
- Come to the next Sustainability & Innovation Coffee Meet Up
- Watch the Cahoots calendar for the next Mentorship Circle
- Or drop me a line to set up a chat