Building Community Through Conversation: A Night of Reflection and Growth
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
Hosted By Dr Rhonda Cotton
Last night at The Remy, I had the privilege of participating in an engaging and thought-provoking discussion alongside Paul D Barrow and Dr. Rhonda Cotton, thanks to an invitation from Tim Day. What began as a simple gathering quickly evolved into an evening of deep conversation, self-reflection, and community-building.
Dr. Cotton facilitated a powerful discussion centered around a compelling question: Are we being thirsty or tenacious? As Paul and I shared our perspectives, the room responded with open dialogue on unconditional love, personal values, setting relationship standards, and the importance of mental wellness. The energy in the room was palpable, with over 50 attendees sharing their insights and experiences.
It became clear to me that these kinds of conversations are essential. They provide a space for authentic connections, open dialogue, and collective learning. Dr. Cottonβs ability to engage the audience and guide the discussion with depth and inclusivity demonstrated the potential for something even greater, perhaps a conference or a larger community initiative.
After the event, Paul and I took time to connect with attendees, gathering feedback and insights. The consensus was clear: there is a hunger for more of these conversations. Later that evening, we continued our networking at MGM National Harbor, where we encountered more professionals and exchanged ideas about entrepreneurship and leadership.
As we drove down I-295, Paul and I had a moment of profound realization. We are not doing enough.
As entrepreneurs and leaders invested in our community, we often assume we are making an impact. But last nightβs discussion made me reflect.
Am I being strategic in my approach?
Am I connecting with the right people?
Am I offering the right solutions?
Am I truly maximizing my potential?
The truth is, too many of us wait for opportunities instead of actively creating them. It is not the world that is failing to open doors, it is us who must take responsibility for stepping through them.
Moving forward, I am committed to:
Attending more networking events and engaging with individuals who seek real growth.
Expanding conversations that challenge perspectives and push our community forward.
Building stronger relationships with leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
Holding myself accountable to a higher standard of execution and impact.
The world is changing rapidly, and it will not wait for any of us to catch up. It is on us to take initiative, foster meaningful dialogue, and create the future we want to see.
A heartfelt thank you to Tim Day, Dr. Rhonda Cotton, and Paul D. Barrow for an inspiring night of discussion and discovery. I look forward to the next opportunity to continue these essential conversations.