Over the past few weeks, the Aspire Alumni Community has been buzzing with energy as members gathered in Lagos and Delhi for two inspiring meet-ups. These events weren’t just about networking—they were about fostering real connections, sharing experiences, and envisioning the future together. From the lush green spaces of JJT Park in Lagos to the buzzing corridors of Microsoft’s Noida office, alumni found themselves immersed in meaningful conversations, creative exercises, and career-defining insights.
A Day of Vision and Connection in Lagos, Nigeria
On February 1, 2025, the Aspire Alumni Community came together at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja, for a vibrant Meet and Greet organized by community leaders Caleb Okon, Raheal Odunola, and Mofiyinfoluwa Odeyemi. Sixty-five alumni filled the park with enthusiasm, eager to reflect on their aspirations, build relationships, and immerse themselves in interactive sessions.
The event began with an air of excitement as attendees settled into their first session: Vision Boarding and Goal Setting. With markers, magazine cutouts, and eager hands at work, alumni crafted visual representations of their aspirations. By the time boards were completed, the air was thick with renewed motivation, and soon after laughter erupted as the alumni engaged in games and painting, bonding over creative expression and playful competition.
When the sun began to dip lower in the sky, everyone gathered for the Love Feast, a shared meal that allowed for relaxed conversations, new friendships, and a strengthening of the Aspire Alumni community.
The response to the event was overwhelmingly positive. Of the 30 participants who filled out feedback forms, every single one expressed gratitude for the experience. The vision boarding session, in particular, struck a chord, helping attendees refine their goals for the year ahead. And as the event came to a close, there was a shared sentiment: this was just the beginning of something even greater.
Career Conversations in Noida, India
Two weeks later, on February 15, 2025, another group of Aspire alumni gathered in the dynamic setting of the Microsoft office in Noida. The event organized by community leaders Anand Singh, Pavani Munnuri, and Aadarsh Kumar, was titled “Aspire Alumni X Industry: Shaping Careers in a Changing World.” This event promised insight, guidance, and the chance to connect with professionals navigating similar career paths.
The morning began with a simple but powerful ice-breaker activity. Each alum was given a sticky note and asked to write under two categories: “Help I Need” and “Help I Can Offer.” What started as a hesitant exercise soon turned into a conversation-starter like no other. As the Team Delhi NCR noted “Some even found that the support or guidance they needed was just a sticky note away”. The wall, once blank, was soon bursting with the collective power of the alumni network, a testament to how much they are willing to support one another.
Then Sanya Duggal, Partner GTM & Strategy Manager at Microsoft India & South Asia, stepped forward. Her career journey was anything but linear. She had gone from content writing to freelancing, tutoring, and working across different industries before discovering her true calling. Sanya spoke about the importance of exploration and commitment, encouraging alumni to try new things but remain dedicated once they find their fit.
She highlighted the balance between passion and stability, acknowledging that not every job will align perfectly with personal interests, but that a mix of financial security and passion projects can lead to a fulfilling career. And in a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, she stressed the need to adapt or risk falling behind.
By the end of her talk, the alumni were invigorated. Conversations continued long after the session ended, as attendees mulled over their next career steps and exchanged LinkedIn profiles. The energy in the room was undeniable—people weren’t just there to listen; they were there to act.
Looking Ahead: A Thriving Alumni Community
Both events showcased the undeniable power of the Aspire Alumni network. Whether it was goal-setting or career-defining insights, alumni walked away with new knowledge and a sense of belonging. These weren’t just meet-ups; they were catalysts for growth.
