Let’s be honest. Networking can feel awkward, performative, or even exhausting.
But what if it didn’t have to? Join us for a refreshing and honest panel conversation on redefining networking as a creative or professional who craves authenticity over small talk.

We'll explore how to build meaningful relationships, especially for introverts or socially anxious individuals, and how to maintain connections in ways that feel natural and aligned with your values. From reframing networking as community building to navigating follow-ups and fighting burnout, our panelists will share practical insights, personal stories, and strategies that actually work.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your professional relationships, this session will offer encouragement, tools, and a few laughs along the way.

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MEET THE SPEAKERS

Nate Hommel
Nate is the Director of Planning and Design at University City District (UCD) in Philadelphia, where he has led major public space initiatives for over 13 years. His portfolio includes the transformation of The Porch at 30th Street Station, Trolley Portal Gardens, and a network of pedestrian plazas that have redefined neighborhood life across West Philadelphia. He pioneered one of Philadelphia’s first and most expansive parklet programs, creating vibrant gathering spaces in former curbside parking spots. He helped launch a landscape-based social enterprise that provides job training and green space maintenance for underserved communities. His work at UCD blends placemaking, tactical urbanism, workforce development, and long-term stewardship, earning recognition as a model for equitable, implementable public space design.

Nate is also a founder of Open Streets PHL, a civic initiative that successfully advocated for large-scale car-free street events in Philadelphia. These events showcased the transformative potential of streets when reimagined for people.

As a frequent public speaker, Nate has shared his work and insights across the United States and internationally, including in Toronto, Canada, Monterrey, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Kazan and Moscow, Russia. He has presented at events hosted by the Project for Public Spaces, the Global Institute on Innovation Districts, and numerous universities and municipal forums. In addition, Nate serves as a strategic advisor to the Global Institute on Innovation Districts (GIID), supporting place-based economic development efforts worldwide.

Michelle Freeman
Michelle, a lifelong Philadelphia resident, is deeply rooted in her commitment to her city. Through her company, Witty Gritty, she channels her passion into creating programs and events that shine a spotlight on civic-minded individuals and initiatives.

At Witty Gritty, Michelle fosters community cohesion by connecting people with resources and each other through engaging experiences. Her efforts have contributed to the success of initiatives like Amplify Philly, Urban Consulate, TEDxPhiladelphia, and Flying Kite On the Ground. Additionally, she serves on the advisory boards of the 1Philadelphia Advisory Council, Walk Around Philadelphia, Better Civics, SkatePhilly and Citizens Planning Institute. Michelle has previously held roles as the Philadelphia Chapter Host for CreativeMornings and as a member of the Philadelphia Global Identity

Partnership Advisory Board and Leadership Council. Michelle's contributions have been recognized with accolades such as the Convenor Award at the University City Science Center’s Nucleus Awards in 2021, inclusion in Drexel University's "40 Under 40" in 2015, and recognition as a top “Keeper and Connector” by Leadership Philadelphia in 2014. She has been honored as an Emerging Leader by the Philly DoGooder Awards in 2013, received the Emerging Leader Award from the Forum of Executive Women in 2011, and actively participates in the Economy League’s Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Michelle finds joy in her creative pursuits. She enjoys spinning vinyl as a DJ and showcases her musical talents as a bassist and vocalist in the grrrl punk band, Thee Glitterbombs. Michelle lives in South Philly with her beloved cat, Sprocket.



Jared M. Green, PE, BC.GE, F.ASCE
Mr. Green is a geotechnical engineer and leader at Langan. He has extensive experience ranging from initial subsurface investigations and schematic designs to construction phase oversight for complex projects throughout the New York Metropolitan Area, Upstate New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. He currently leads multi-discipline projects that include geotechnical instrumentation monitoring; analysis, design and construction inspection of foundation systems and retaining structures; evaluation of earth and rock slope stability; and preparation of geotechnical engineering reports. He is highly skilled at developing creative design solutions for performing excavation alongside historic structures and sensitive below-grade transit tunnels.

Mr. Green is active within the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Geo-Institute and served on the Technical Coordination Council (TCC) and the ASCE Annual Convention Sponsorship Committee before joining the Board of Governors. He was one of the three Technical Program Co-chairs for Geo-Congress 2019 held in Philadelphia, PA. He was a past Chair (2015-2016) of the Metropolitan Geo-Institute section in New York City.

Mr. Green is also active with the Deep Foundations Institute, serving on the Micropile Technical Committee and was the Conference Chair for Superpile 2021 held in Philadelphia, PA; American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (Vice Chair and Program Chair) and Pennsylvania; Salvadori Center (Chair and former Development Chair); formerly served on the AIA Philadelphia Historic Preservation Committee; Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats – Philadelphia (Sponsorship Chair); Syracuse University Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board (Chair); and is the host of the Engineering Management Institute’s Geotechnical Podcast.

He graduated from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and later attained his master’s degree in civil engineering (geotechnical focus) from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Campaign in 2002. He is a licensed professional engineer in 21 states.