About this Event
SPARK is a local meetup initiative with monthly events covering educational topics for freelancers across the nation brought to you by Freelancers Union. The NYC chapter of SPARK is hosted by
WORKSHOP + NETWORKING EVENT
If you’ve ever left a networking event thinking “Well…that was awkward and a waste of time,” you’re not alone. If talking about what you do makes you feel cringey, salesy, or self-conscious, that’s also pretty common. And if you know relationships matter but aren’t sure how to leverage them without feeling fake or pushy…this workshop is for you.
At Network Like A Badass, you’ll learn how to ditch the small talk, stop “pitching,” and start building genuine relationships that lead to referrals, collaborations, clients, and real momentum, while being your authentic self.
Join Business Coach, Psychotherapist, and professional Badass Connector Diana Zelvin for a fun, interactive evening where you’ll learn how to:
- Build genuine, relationships that fuel business growth
- Activate your existing network (without feeling annoying or awkward)
- Start conversations confidently and follow up with ease
Then…you’ll practice in real time.
The second half of the evening is networking where you’ll put these tools into action immediately. Diana will coach attendees live, helping you connect meaningfully, make your conversations count, and leave with clarity and confidence.
You’ll walk away with:
- A fresh, powerful approach to networking that actually works
- Real conversations (no cringe-y pitches required)
- New connections—and a clear plan to follow up and build momentum
Whether you’re growing your business, launching something new, or craving more visibility and opportunity, this is the room you want to be in.
Expect warmth, laughter, and real conversations!
About the Speaker:
Diana Zelvin is a Business Coach, Psychotherapist, Public Speaker and Badass Connector who helps professionals build profitable businesses doing work they love. For nearly 30 years, she’s empowered hundreds of clients to grow their businesses, and create more success and happiness in business and life.
A seasoned strategist and community leader, Diana has led impactful business development initiatives and spearheaded local projects. She’s a founding board member of the North Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance. Diana began her career as a freelance illustrator after earning a BFA from Syracuse University, and later earned her MSW from Fordham University. She has completed advanced training in psychotherapy and coaching at several leading institutes, including The Institute for the Psychoanalytic Study of Subjectivity, National Institute for the Psychotherapies, The Institute for the Center of Contemporary Psychotherapy and The Institute for Life Coach Training.
A long-time Brooklyn resident, Diana loves connecting with her community and spending time with her husband (a photographer), their teen son (a filmmaker), and their two mischievous cats, Pablo and Carlos.
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.dianazelvin.com
Instagram: dianazelvin
LinkedIn: Diana Zelvin
What is SPARK?
SPARK is a monthly in-person meet-up that fosters community and creates space for freelancers to connect and learn together. Each month is centered around a different topic ranging from focusing on building your business, getting new clients, doing taxes, and more.
How is SPARK affiliated with Freelancers Union?
SPARK is a nationwide initiative of the Freelancers Union, a non-profit organization that serves as a support system for independents through policy advocacy, benefits, online resources, & educational and community-building events. Become a member of Freelancers Union for free:
Interested in bringing SPARK to your city? To run these events, we need help from volunteers like you! If you're interested in becoming a SPARK leader in your area, and we will get back to you.
About our SPARK leader:
Sean Sullivan is a seasoned entrepreneur with decades of experience working at the intersection of companies and the independent professionals they rely on. Throughout his career, he has founded and led multiple businesses and has frequently served as the bridge between clients and outsourced teams. He translates goals, expectations, and budgets so projects succeed on both sides.
Much of his work has focused on the practical realities of independent work, including clear scope, strong collaboration, trust, and reliable outcomes. He is particularly passionate about the role of networking, referrals, and shared knowledge in helping freelancers and small business owners grow sustainably.
As leader of the SPARK Manhattan group, Sean is committed to building a community centered on connection, referrals, and education, including bringing in educational speakers and creating a space for meaningful professional relationships to form.
This SPARK event is sponsored by
Born and raised in Brooklyn, The Yard is a close-knit community that’s representative of a wide spectrum of professionals and creatives from every industry you could imagine. At The Yard we celebrate & embody authenticity and individuality, which you will experience the second you walk into one of our locations.
Welcome to a place where creativity knows no bounds, where you are a member of a community of entrepreneurs and creators. Here, innovation thrives in the cozy embrace of a shared workspace designed to feel like home.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Yard: Herald Square Coworking Office Space Manhattan, 106 West 32nd Street, New York, United States
USD 0.00
