Conversations with thinkers, innovators in NYC, L.A. events

Tara Abrahams of Girl Rising

Tara Abrahams of Girl Rising

Social enterprise NextDayBetter will launch an event in New York on September 14th featuring innovators and thinkers who, organizers say, are creating a better future for the Philippines and beyond.

Inspired by TED Talks, NextDayBetter ideas and actions are Philippine-flavored and rooted in design, entrepreneurship and innovation, according to founder Ryan Letada, also known as NDB’s Chief Builder.

“We invite innovators, entrepreneurs, designers, do-gooders — both Filipino and non-Filipino—to share their stories,”

The powerhouse lineup of speakers include Pulitzer Award-winning journalist and Define American founder Jose Antonio Vargas; Deputy Director of Girl Rising Tara Abrahams; Art Director of Nike FuelBand Ray Sison; Creative Director and award winning artist Jayson Atienza; Faith McCollister, former Philippines Country Director of Innovation for Poverty Action; and Broadway actor Jose Llana.

Theater actor Jose Llana. Tim Schulteis Photography

Jose Llana. Tim Schulteis Photography

“We sought individuals from around the world to give them an online platform and stage to share their ideas and actions that make the next day better,” said Letada. “We believe that there is no shortage of inspiring changemakers from our community. Whether they are designers, healthcare professionals or technologists, NextDayBetter seeks to highlight those who destroy unsolved problems and make their imagined future a reality.”

The New York event taking place on September 14th will be held at the Centre for Social Innovation at 601 W 26th Street.

NextDayBetter is expanding by launching on September 28th at the fresh and innovative venue, Cross Campus, in Santa Monica.

On the West Coast, Krizia Medenilla and Krystal Meñez will team up to launch and curate NextDayBetter: Los Angeles to initiate conversations, inspire collaboration, and connect different tastemakers and leaders in of various industries in the L.A. area, said Letada.

They’ve invited speakers such as Mark Manguera, co-founder of the famous Kogi Truck; AJ Rafael, music artist and YouTube sensation; and Meg Pinsonneault, award-winning filmmaker and cofounder of The Gwapa Project.

Jose Antonio Vargas

Jose Antonio Vargas

“The team behind this social enterprise startup set out to prove that the global Filipino community inspires and produces groundbreaking ideas and initiatives that create a better future for the Philippines and beyond,” said Letada.

NextDayBetter was first introduced in 2012 with a series of talks given by individuals, including Jay Jaboneta, co-founder of Yellow Boat of Hope, a Philippine-based nonprofit that provides boats to children who swim to school; and Miguel Trinidad, the executive chef of Maharlika and Jeepney with heritage from the Dominican Republic and who is helping to mainstream Filipino food in the United States and beyond.

NextDayBetter events are designed to be interactive by featuring art installations, DJs, short film screenings, food tastings, and drinks to facilitate exchange of ideas, collaboration, and community building.

Ultimately, said Letada, NextDayBetter aspires to “activate the community and its wealth of talent and skills to continue creating a better future.”

Tickets to the event are now available for purchase:
New York City: http://nextdaybetternyc1.eventbrite.com/
Los Angeles: https://nextdaybetterla2013.eventbrite.com/
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