The First Story Coffee Break is a casual networking chat – an afternoon break to meet other people and talk about something different.

Here are our upcoming chats:

A-Z of Social Media Design
Featured Guest: Lidia Varesco Racoma, Art Director & Designer, Lidia Varesco Design
Wednesday, May 20
2 – 2:30 p.m. CDT

Lidia handles all aspects of visual design for nonprofits, associations and small businesses – from logo design to long-term visual campaigns. She runs a popular “A-to-Z of Social Media Marketing” blog series and will take our questions on how to bring our marketing ideas to life. Register now!

How to Get Started on Your Amazing Book Idea
Featured Guest: Danielle Perlin-Good, Book Coach, Good Digital Consulting
Wednesday, May 27
2 – 2:30 p.m. CDT

Danielle helps aspiring authors unleash their powerful stories so they can inspire and transform lives. Danielle gives in-person and virtual talks about how to become a successful author. Bring your questions about the writing process, how to structure a manuscript, self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, editing and marketing strategies. Register now!

Pride without a Parade: Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion in 2020
Featured Guest: Bernadette Smith, The Equality Institute
Monday, June 1
2 – 2:30 p.m. CDT

For decades, LGBTQ Pride events around the world have grown bigger and bigger. This summer’s celebrations will feature fewer floats and festivals, but there are new ways to unite the global LGBTQ community and its allies through virtual events, including opportunities that didn’t seem viable even a year ago. Bernadette Smith is the founder of the Equality Institute, which helps companies celebrate diversity and inclusion by educating their front-line staff. She’s also helping organizations promote Pride and celebrate their LGBTQ clients and team members in a largely virtual world. This First Story Coffee Break chat will help kick off Pride Month by re-thinking how we celebrate LGBTQ individuals and allies in today’s world. Register now!

Relaxation & Self-Care when They Seem Impossible
Featured Guest: Thom Heil, Heil Health & Wellness
Friday, June 5
2 – 2:30 p.m. CDT

Thom Heil runs Heil Health & Wellness, where he practices acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. He’s seeing fewer patients in person these days, but he’s willing to share some practical ways we can take care of our bodies and minds — even in isolation — based on a 2,000-year-old medical tradition. Bring your questions about relaxation tips, balancing Eastern and Western medicine, and yes even the big Q: Do acupuncture needles hurt? Register now!