MINNEAPOLIS — Working hard and playing hard can be a tricky balance for professionals in the Twin Cities.
Playfessionals, a premiere professional networking and social engagement company, is working to enhance both the personal and career lives of professionals.
Co-founders, Jemika Hayes, Nick Hooks and Corey Collins founded the company in 2009 in Minneapolis, and later added a presence in Houston, Texas through innovative programs and curated gatherings to build strong personal and professional relationships between community and businesses.
"There were other networking events happening in the city but we felt like something was missing," Hayes said. "We came together and wanted to create something unique, inclusive, to make people feel valued and feel good."
The group is especially focusing on creating an equitable ecosystem of professionals and community gems.
"As transplants, we all came here for different reasons... we needed a place where we could feel comfortable and enjoy the company of other professionals but in a like minded environment," Collins said.
Keeping the goal of merge working professionals with businesses, organizations and entities is they like to utilize is how the group hopes to positively impact and retain diverse and well-rounded talent in the Twin Cities.
"Our motto is work hard, and play harder. We focus on the retention for Fortune 500 companies. That is what our platform services as," Hooks said.
Playfessionals will host their next event, The Introduction: conversation, sip, savor and vibes on Thursday, Nov. 2 at Luna & The Bear - Kitchen & Libation House.
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