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for the firsts

@forthefirsts

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Meetup club building true connection through conversation for those charting their own path
Founded by Colin Rocker @careercolin
Next event👇

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Introducing the new @forthefirsts

When I founded this community last January, I had no idea how much it would grow. But growth requires reinvention, and after 15 meetups, over 2,000 registrations, and a newsletter that keeps expanding, I knew it was time to build something that could carry us into what’s next.

For The Firsts is a community that build true connection through conversation for those carving their own path.

The “firsts” who attend our events often meet their future coworkers and cofounders, but what I’m most proud of is that many people leave our events with a much clearer handle on their own story (their “first”) and how to use that clarity to serve themselves, their career, and their community.

You’ll see this new look across our socials, events, and Substack. And I’ll be sharing a behind-the-scenes series soon breaking down how we got here and what our plans are for 2026 (and beyond!)

Thank you for taking this journey with me. I can’t wait to see where we all go next.
Colin @careercolin

Branding @byholliearnett
Photography @dabbleinfocus by @forthefirsts

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6 months ago

I was recently featured in Offline Weekly, a newsletter that profiles IRL communities and the stories behind them.

I talk about why I started For The Firsts, what actually happens at our events, and more!

You can read the full article in my story by @forthefirsts

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a year ago

I started hosting my own networking events!

When I moved to NYC, with one suitcase, no connections, and not even a real apartment, I went to just about every networking event, mixer, and meetup I could to build my network. But I always wanted to find a group of other people like me, navigating a unique career and life path from anyone else in their family/community. So earlier this year, I decided to create it. Growing this community has been so fulfilling for me, and I’m excited for our next event next Monday!

Comment “first” to register for our next free meetup in NYC

#networking #networkingevent #nyc #careeradvice by @forthefirsts

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a year ago

My @culturecon experience was very different than most.

I didn’t see the Mayor. No celebrities made it to the Small Business Marketplace, and I ate “lunch” at 3 PM, ducking behind the counter while my assistant took orders.

I spent last weekend behind the booth of our first-ever “activation”. No budget for a full build-out, so I took the flag from my office and used it as a prop alongside some foam board and merch that constantly blew away with the industrial AC unit that was blowing straight on us.

And we sold out. Twice. So much so that Shopify disabled payments on my phone towards the end of Sunday.

We get so lost in workflows, agentic automation and “flywheels” when sometimes the single best thing you could be doing right now is standing on your feet for 14 hours a day for two days straight, sharing your story with people.

To everyone who stopped by our booth, bought a pack of First Round, or just wanted to get a free Polaroid portrait (I get it) thank you. I hope to see you at our next meetup.

This was the “first” time FTF was at CultureCon. But it won’t be our last.

#culturecon #careerjourney #entrepreneurship #forthefirsts by @forthefirsts

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4 days ago

A culture of firsts.

@forthefirsts was at @culturecon this weekend and we asked the largest gathering of black creatives what they were the first to do. Here are some of their answers.

Also - this week we’re honoring our CultureCon discount on our site. $5 off with code CULTURECON

#culturecon #networking #creative #community by @forthefirsts

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4 days ago

What are your plans this weekend? Very excited to announce that @forthefirsts will be at @culturecon this weekend!!

We’ll be posted up at the Small Business Marketplace, with plenty of First Round, some free and exclusive goodies, and of course, an opportunity to share what you’re the “first” to do.

Will we be seeing you this weekend?

@cultureconcollective #culturecon2026 #networking #conference by @forthefirsts

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10 days ago

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16 days ago

This month’s meetup brought together people building without a blueprint and balancing two paths at once: growing their careers while building brands, businesses, and communities of their own.

From the open mixer to our thoughtful panel with @thetamekabazile and @anabuildshabits, the night was full of honest stories, new connections, and a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to build something meaningful.

This event was made possible by our partnership with @adobeexpress

📸 x @cyph.jones

#Networking #FirstGen #Community #nyc #forthefirsts by @forthefirsts

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21 days ago

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a month ago

Last night’s meetup was our biggest EVER, and it was a celebration of what you can create with the right tools (and community 🤝)

This event was made possible through our partnership with @adobeexpress

Thank you for helping us bring this incredible community of Firsts together!

#FirstGen #Community #nyc #forthefirsts #AdobeAmbassadors by @forthefirsts

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2 months ago

For Brianna, her 8-year-old self would be proud of how far she’s come.

From moving to the U.S. at 8 to leading boardroom meetings and traveling internationally for work, she’s living in ways her younger self could only dream of.

And her 80-year-old self? She knows there’s still so much more ahead.

Comment “community” to check out our new conversation card deck. For an easier way of creating a true connection.

#community #connection #conversation #growth by @forthefirsts

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2 months ago

For Bri, her love for cars started long before it became part of her career.

Now, she’s building her own project car and turning a childhood passion into something she gets to enjoy professionally and personally.

Some passions never leave you. They just grow with you.

Comment “community” to check out our new conversation card deck. For an easier way of creating a true connection.

#community #connection #conversation #Growth by @forthefirsts

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2 months ago