Join Access2Employment for Santa Cruz County’s largest job fair for a chance to connect with some of the region's top companies! Meet hiring managers currently recruiting for a broad range of positions!

* Entry- or mid-level positions for recent graduates and young alumni
* High-level careers for applicants with leadership and experience
* Internships & Volunteer opportunities for students

Event made possible by Workforce Santa Cruz County.

In this short workshop, Jesse Abrams will use the science of ADHD and attention to illuminate how today’s overwhelming world frays our ability to focus, regardless of whether we have ADHD—and how we can optimize our performance by better understanding our brains.

Entrepreneurs significantly over-index with ADHD. The same neurobiological traits that fuel innovation—risk-taking, fast pattern recognition, hyperfocus, and creative problem-solving—can be superpowers in the early stages of a venture. But as a company grows, these traits can also become liabilities: masking can lead to burnout, charisma can turn into imposter syndrome, and difficulties with planning, follow-through, or team management can inhibit effective scaling.

This session breaks down the neuroscience in an accessible way, exploring how ADHD and attention strain impact our ability to lead, create, and sustain momentum. You’ll learn practical strategies for managing attention more effectively and, through a series of exercises, walk away with a specific, customized plan for supporting your brain’s unique capacities and strengths. We'll also dig into the unique and constantly evolving AI tools we can use to help manage our brains.

Register at: bit.ly/sciadhd

The evening of October 28 will alive with the energy of science, entrepreneurship, and community as the Genomics Rooftop Mixer brings together leaders from genomics and biotechnology to shape the future of health, science, and technology. Hosted in collaboration with UC Santa Cruz researchers, this event is a rare opportunity to experience the cutting edge of discovery in one of the fastest-moving fields in the world.

The evening is designed as more than just another networking reception. Guests will hear lightning talks that distill complex science into compelling insights, while table demonstrations will provide the chance to ask questions directly to the researchers breaking new ground. For entrepreneurs, investors, and city leaders, this is a chance to glimpse the innovations that could become tomorrow’s breakthrough companies or public health solutions. For community members, it’s a moment to see how science being developed locally is poised to transform lives globally.

Get tickets at: bit.ly/genomicsmixer. Huge Thanks to Kristian Picardi with Bozzuto Anton Pacific Apartments. If anyone would like a tour of the venue and pricing for apartments, we will happily connect you!

We are delighted to announce that our 2025 Annual State of the Region event will take place in person on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CSUMB University Center. Join us for a day filled with insightful cross-sector conversations addressing key regional issues.This year's State of the Region event will feature a diverse range of topics aimed at driving regional economic development. We will explore strategies for ensuring good jobs, housing for all, increasing broadband access and opportunity, and examining the impact of local, state, and federal policies and legislation on our region. The event promises to be an informative and engaging experience for all attendees.Stay tuned for updates on our esteemed speakers and the detailed program. We are working hard to bring together a lineup of experts who will provide valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions.Mark your calendars and register today! We look forward to welcoming you at the 2025 Annual State of the Region event. Join us as we come together to shape the future of our region. See you there!

Presented by the Responsible Business Innovation Lab at CSUMB, join us for an inspiring evening with Jeff Greenwald, celebrating 30 years of his book, The Size of the World, the founding of The Ethical Traveler online guide, and 45 years of global travel stories. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the event taking place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Business and Information Technology (BIT) Building, Room 104, at Cal State Monterey Bay. A Q&A and meet and greet will follow at 7:00 p.m. RSVP Link 

On October 16, Fullpower-AI is hosting an exclusive, invite-only Sales Recruitment Mixer, designed for just 25 pre-qualified professionals who are serious about taking their sales career to the next level.

Why Attend?

This event is more than a networking opportunity—it’s your chance to meet Philippe Kahn, one of Santa Cruz’s most respected founders. Kahn’s track record speaks volumes: from pioneering the camera phone to launching category-defining companies, he has consistently built businesses that change industries. Now, as CEO of Fullpower-AI, he is applying his vision to the intersection of healthcare, wellness, and artificial intelligence. In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with staff.

The Mixer will begin at 5 PM with 30 minutes of networking alongside top sales leaders and the Fullpower-AI team. It’s an intimate setting designed for real conversations—not a crowded expo floor. You’ll share insights, learn from peers, and connect directly with decision-makers.

Following networking, the leadership team will deliver a focused 10-minute presentation, offering a rare look into the future of AI-driven markets. You’ll hear firsthand about the career opportunities that await those ready to join this fast-growing sector, and how Fullpower-AI is positioned to lead.

Who Should Attend?

This event is best suited for sales professionals who want to work where they live—building a rewarding career without sacrificing the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay lifestyle. If you have the drive, curiosity, and commitment to excel in healthcare, wellness, or AI, this is your chance to prove it.

Apply to attend at: bit.ly/afullpower

2025 Advanced Aviation Summit
Thursday, Oct. 16
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PDT
NASA Ames Conference Center, Moffett Field, California

Co-organized by the Berkeley Space Center, CITRIS and the Banatao Institute, the Institute of Transportation Studies Berkeley, and NASA Ames Research Center, this summit will showcase University of California- and NASA-led aviation research, explore emerging technologies being developed by industry leaders, highlight emerging needs, and foster the cross-sector collaborations necessary to accelerate innovation.

Supporting Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship

Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world! Hot on the heels of the Festival that is held every fall in beautiful Banff, Alberta, the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour hits the road. 

From the over 400 entries submitted into the Festival each year, award-winners and audience favorites are among the films that are carefully selected to play in theatres around the world.

Traveling to remote vistas, analyzing topical environmental issues, and bringing audiences up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports the 2024/2025 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world.

Join the Rio Theatre when Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings an all new line up of films from the Sandstone playlist of Adventure based stories. Please check any advisory before purchasing tickets. For more information visit https://www.riotheatre.com/events-2/2025/10/11/banff

50% of each ticket sold goes to support the Seymour Center’s education programs and exhibits. The other 50% goes to creating an incredible event.

Support the Seymour Center at an incredible night of celebration, featuring delicious drinks, captivating performances, and the presentation of awards to the environmental pioneers who’ve made Santa Cruz a leader in climate resilience. From groundbreaking science and innovative solutions, it’s time to recognize the progress we’ve made.

Enjoy food and drinks available for purchase, live music, vendors, and awards that highlight the incredible work of our local community. 

This is a dressy event, so wear that outfit you’ve been waiting to debut and bring a jacket to enjoy the stunning ocean views from our terrace.

Connect with business leaders from across Santa Cruz County while enjoying bites and drinks from local favorites like Hula’s Island Grill, Pacific Cookie Company, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Sante Adairius, Birichino Wines and more.

Join the 3D Entrepreneurs Club for a fun and engaging free workshop designed for kids ages 8–12. In this 2-hour session, kids will explore creativity, confidence, and community while learning the basics of 3D design and printing. Limited free spots available Join in-person or online. For kids ages 8–12 Reserve your spot today at: www.3de.club/workshop

HAPPENING EVERY SATURDAY!

Learn more: https://3de.club/workshop

Change is constant—and how you manage transitions, leadership changes, and the integration of new ideas can make or break your team’s success. It’s not just about keeping up with the shifts in your business, but ensuring your team remains aligned, productive, and motivated throughout the process. 

You’ll walk away with strategies to: 

• Manage transitions in times of growth and change: Discover effective strategies for aligning teams, integrating new employees, and keeping everyone on the same page during leadership shifts or major organizational changes. 

• Build a culture that thrives under change: Learn how to create a culture that adapts and grows with your startup’s changing needs, ensuring high retention and employee satisfaction through clear communication and leadership transparency. 

• Boost productivity and morale: Understand the practical tools and frameworks you can implement immediately to maintain productivity, foster collaboration, and manage change with confidence. 

Don’t let leadership transitions or new hires derail your progress. Ensuring alignment, communication, and culture-building during times of change isn’t just important—it’s critical to your business or startup’s long-term success. Bring your questions and come ready to learn how to navigate change and strengthen your team for the road ahead! 

About the Presenter 

Becca Davis, Organizational Communications Expert and Consultant 

Becca helps startups and organizations navigate change by implementing communication strategies that align teams, improve engagement, and build strong cultures. With experience working with diverse teams through transitions, leadership changes, and employee integration, Becca provides the tools and insight leaders need to create cohesive, high-performing teams in times of uncertainty.

Join Becca and fellow CEOs at CEO Works Luncheon on Wednesday, September 24, 2025!

Join for an uplifting day of inspiration and discovery at the Santa Cruz Wellness Expo, where 40+ local wellness experts, practitioners, and makers are coming together under one roof. Whether you're curious about nutrition, holistic health, fitness, mindfulness, or self-care—you’ll find your next favorite resource here.

By Cal State Monterey Bay College of Business

Date: Tuesday, September 16th, 2025

Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Place: Cal State Monterey Bay Alumni and Visitor Center

Considering the current state of the world, we recognize that women need a community of other women now more than ever. Women excel at networking and often seek to make an impact. However, while women frequently take philanthropic risks, they hesitate to do the same with investments. From leadership development to investing to building a network, we aim to create a community that helps women learn together, take risks, and achieve their goals. We hope these discussions will help folks start this journey with us.
The next semi-annual networking and panel discussion event is scheduled for September 16th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Alumni and Visitor Center at Cal State University Monterey Bay. We will host a panel discussion with Ming Yeh of CSC Upshot and Tricia Timm, a 25-year tech sector veteran. After the panel, there will be opportunities for networking, drinks, and appetizers.

Panelists:

• Amelia Eichel, CEO and Co-founder of Wonderfil, deployed at Whole Foods Market and in universities across California

• Kelsey (Lynn) Skinner, CEO at AMS Industrial Construction, previous 16 years in venture capital investing between the US and UK

• Ming Yeh, Founder of CSC Upshot Ventures, with over 20 years in venture capital and a decade of technical and operational experience

• Tricia Timm, Board Director, Author, and Investor. Co-led Looker’s $2.6 billion acquisition by Google

Feel free to share this with others who may be interested in attending. Space is limited, so register early as this event is likely to sell out. For more information, please visit the Women in Venture Capital Initiative. 

To register, CLICK HERE, and feel free to share this with others you think would enjoy attending. Space is limited. Register early; this event is likely to sell out. For more information on the Women in Venture Capital Initiative, see our website: https://csumb.edu/iied/womeninvc/

100+ Women Who Care meets four times a year in March, June, September and December at the Museum of Art and History (MAH)’s Garden Room, located at 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz.  For 2025, our dates are: September 10 and December 10. Come down early to grab a bite to eat and a beverage at Abbott Square, then head to the MAH’s Garden Room at 6:30 for our one hour meeting.

When 100 people come together to donate $100 each, we raise $10,000 – profoundly impacting nonprofits in our community.

Members nominate local nonprofits. Winners are required to earmark funds for Santa Cruz County residents.  Become a member now.3 organizations are selected at random to be considered. They have 5 minutes to tell the group about their cause and how the funds will be used and answer any questions.  The group votes and everyone donates $100 to the winning organization. You can donate by check or online.

Our Santa Cruz 100+ Women Who Care giving circle has already donated more than $306,000 to provide for those in greatest need in Santa Cruz County. We hope you will join us at our next meeting to see how easy and fun it is!

The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is back in 2025, celebrating 12 incredible years of inspiring, educating, and protecting our oceans. This annual event, which has touched lives across 14 countries, will screen at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz, bringing the captivating beauty of the underwater world to our community.

For over a decade, the Ocean Film Festival has been a global beacon for ocean lovers, showcasing the wonder and power of the sea through a curated selection of films from talented independent filmmakers worldwide. This year’s tour promises to mesmerise audiences with a three-hour program of breathtaking visuals and compelling stories, offering a deep dive into the heart of our oceans and the lives of those who cherish them.

The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is more than just a film event; it’s a celebration of our planet’s blue heart. Through its stunning cinematography and powerful narratives, the festival aims to inspire a deeper connection with the ocean and encourage audiences to take action to protect this vital ecosystem.

Whether you’re a seasoned ocean enthusiast, a weekend surfer, or someone who marvels at the mysteries of the deep, this festival promises an unforgettable cinematic journey. Tickets and information visit https://www.riotheatre.com/events-2/2025/9/6/oceanfilm

Logan Parsons, to be featured at NextSpace for the First Friday Art Tour September 5th from 4-7PM!

Logan was born and raised in Pacific Grove, California. She received her bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Western Washington University and the following year obtained her graduate certificate in science illustration from the University of California Extension, Santa Cruz. Upon graduation she completed internships at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA and at Scientific American magazine in New York City. Since that formative time in her illustration career, Logan has gone on to hone her skills as an educator as well, working as a Interpretive Park Ranger in Yosemite, and a high school art teacher at York School in Monterey, Ca. Nature has always been the primary influence in Logan’s art; capturing the character of its many odd, funny, and beautiful organisms. She also holds a deep appreciation for designs and compositions (especially within the sciences) that successfully convey information while at the same time having an aesthetic appeal. Logan now lives and works as a freelance grant writer and illustrator in Santa Cruz with her husband and two sons. She is a passionate gardener, cook, houseplant enthusiast, and podcast listener.

Make sure to stop by! Framed art & prints available to purchase.

If you can’t make it, check out Logan’s art here → https://www.parsonsillustration.com/

Friday • September 5th • 4-7PM
NextSpace • 101 Cooper St. Ste. 200
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Grammy-winning hip-hop legends The Roots team up with New Orleans brass powerhouse The Soul Rebels and neo-soul vocalist Goapele for an epic preview of The Black Radio Experience festival coming to Napa. This collaboration brings together three distinct musical forces at Quarry Amphitheater on August 28. Get your tickets now!

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, represents a sweeping overhaul of federal tax policy with significant implications for businesses and individuals. David Doolin, a senior tax partner at the Santa Cruz firm PPCO Advisors, will be the keynote speaker at an event designed to help business owners, venture-funded startups, and technology companies navigate these complex changes. Doolin will provide a deep dive into the business-specific provisions of the OBBBA, outlining how they will affect your company's bottom line and what you need to do now to capitalize on new planning opportunities.

David Doolin will provide actionable insights into:

- Capital Investment and M&A Strategy: Learn how new rules for bonus depreciation and R&E expensing should inform decisions on capital investment, technology upgrades, and mergers and acquisitions.

- Entity Structure and Exit Planning: With the permanence of the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction and the changes to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), Doolin will discuss how these changes impact your current business structure and long-term exit strategy.

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the new tax landscape and a roadmap for making informed financial decisions in 2025 and moving forward. This is a must-attend event for any business owner or executive looking to navigate the complexities of the OBBBA and leverage its provisions for strategic advantage.

This 8-hour, full-day immersive masterclass is designed for developers, architects, and AI engineers ready to go deep into the ZeroDB platform. This is not just theory — it's a build-along, deploy-ready session that ends with official certification as a ZeroDB Certified AINative DB Admin.