Simple X networking group expands to Seattle with next event

Simple X is returning with its first in-person networking event for Black professionals since 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic shifted the group’s events online.

However, this return to in-person networking event is one they are taking on the road. Called Building Bridges: A Pathway to Success and Recognizing Authentic Safe spaces, it is slated for June 30 in Seattle at Optimism Brewing Co.

Organizer Wilson K. Nitunga said this isn’t a sign of the group shifting focus, but instead it is broadening its reach as it looks to build its own network in Seattle.

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“We have always talked about Simple X in Seattle. Before the pandemic that was a goal for 2020 (to host an event in Seattle),” Nitunga said. “To see the possibility two years later was really encouraging.”

Simple X has been around since 2018 and was founded by Nitunga and Yoseph Ukbazghi. Prior to 2020 it held regular in-person networking events in Portland designed to bring together Black professionals. The intent was to not only help professionals to create community but also to bridge the gap between Black professionals and local companies. That has only since intensified as businesses rolled out corporate promises around diversity goals and community support following the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.

The group hopes to stage a Portland in-person mixer in late August or September.

The Seattle event came together after several Seattle executives participated in the virtual Simple X Summit last November. The concept of Simple X’s networking mixers was brought to a group of Seattle-based Black executives and those execs started looking at how to bring Simple X north, said Nitunga.

Sponsors like the Seattle Seahawks and Alaska Airlines also enthusiastically got on board even before an event plan was established. Nitunga and Ukbazghi said they have been careful to plan this event through strong collaboration with professionals in Seattle. They are also trying to work with Black employee resource groups at some large Seattle employers.

Both Nitunga and Ukbazghi are Pacific Northwest transplants. They said as they have gotten to know people in Seattle it became clear some of the same challenges Black professionals have in Portland are similar in Seattle.

Both noted that by holding events in both Seattle and Portland it can be an opportunity for people to expand their networks in each city, which can be beneficial as professionals move between these metros.

“What if there was a room where I could network with Black professionals in Seattle and the next time I go (to Seattle) I know somebody,” said Nitgunga.

The Seattle event features time for networking followed by a panel discussion moderated by Mele Miller chief operations officer at Seattle Credit Union. The panelists are:

Miller participated in the November Summit and was inspired by the event and helped to bring the group to Seattle.

"I often hear recruiters say that Black talent is hard to find. I disagree," she said. "We are out there and are looking to bring our talents to environments and workplaces where we are not forced to leave pieces of ourselves at home. Black professionals need and deserve to bring their whole selves to the workplace. We want a safe and healthy environment to grow, develop, contribute, be successful and even fail forward. Wilson and Yoseph have made this their priority and Black leaders across the Pacific Northwest like me, couldn’t be more excited.”

Nitunga and Ukbazghi are hoping to get back to holding more in-person events. They noted the virtual events have been effective for accessibility and those will continue as well. So far this year, Simple X has teamed with organizations like PDX Women in Tech for virtual events such as a job fair and resume review as well as a financial success workshop.