We caught up with Jackie Gannon and Matt Taylor — a husband and wife duo who both work at Assembly!
Matt, a Producer at @thisisgrow , shares about his recent work partnering with a Virginia university to build a digital platform expanding access to professional development for teachers. Jackie, a Senior Data Analytics Manager at @olderadultstech , talks about helping her team turn complex data into clear, visual insights that actually make sense.
As newcomers to the area, they’ve been busy exploring all that Norfolk has to offer — with current favorites including @sydsfishpigcafe in @seldenmarket , Stoney's, and @lolasbeachcantina in Ocean View near where they live. They’re loving the energy, growing tech scene, and vibrant arts community across the city. ✨
Bright Sparks 💛⚡️May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and during these times, the need for resources and conversations surrounding wellness couldn’t be greater. What does it look like to be mentally well or advocate for yourself should you need support, and how is culture shaping our view of mental health landscapes? 💭
Our conversation on “Unlocking Minds: A Vibrant Journey in Cultural Mental Heath + The Future of Wellness” will kick off at 6:30PM. Stay after for a mix + mingle with complimentary small bites.
Hosted on the rooftop of @assemblynfk , our panelists will be:
Tiffany Lauren Jones @tiffanylaurenjones
Andrés Casablanca, MS-CMHC @nortontherapeutic
Loni Davis @yogi_loni
Doors open at 5:45PM for networking. Please RSVP via the link in our bio, and we can’t wait to see you! 💜
Introducing our fourth class of Changemakers in Residence — the Class of 2026. 🎊
This program continues to grow as a platform for individuals and organizations shaping community and advancing local culture through creativity and innovation. Building on the momentum of previous cohorts, we’re excited to welcome seven new residents and welcome back three to continue their important work.
Meet the Class of 2026 below, learn more about their work and what drives them, and join us in welcoming them into the community. Throughout the year, we’ll be highlighting their projects and the impact they’re making here and beyond!
Alaina Shaw, @laprimaverastrings
Brian Owens, @blackbrandbiz
Brianna Jones, @house273llc
Chris Green, @cg_paints
Cosette Lambourne Woods, @joyfulliving.wellness
Jay Findlay, @antidote_agency
Katina Barnes, @butterflyvillageinc
Kendall Lawson, @threescooops
Mars Carlos, @neurospace.llc and @iseeyoubrocollective
Ted Patterson, @aicollectivehr
#AssemblyNFK #Changemakers
Now booking prime event dates through 2027 ✨
Planning something special? From weddings to corporate gatherings, our rooftop is designed to make your event unforgettable. With space for up to 200 guests, enjoy sweeping city views, seamless indoor-outdoor flow, built-in AV, and a full prep kitchen (outside catering welcome).
Looking for something more intimate? Our Fur Vault boardroom offers a polished setting with a 98” display, remote-ready capabilities, and space for high-impact meetings and presentations.
Open to the public, with special rates for members, tenants, and nonprofits.
Prime 2026–2027 dates are filling fast — book your tour today.
🔗 in bio!
#AssemblyNFK #EventVenue #WeddingVenue #RooftopVenue
Meet Ash Bruce, Founder of @badrainbowmx . Ash is building a bold, community-driven brand at the intersection of creativity, identity, and self-expression — using fashion and storytelling to challenge norms and celebrate individuality.
Originally from Richmond, Ash recently returned to the 757 with his wife, Jenny, after spending time in Atlanta. Outside of work, you’ll likely find him racing dirt bikes, channeling his background in jazz production from VCU, or spending time with their two cats, Booty Shorts and Brenda. Please join us in welcoming him to the Assembly community!
A look back at recent Assembly happenings over the last few weeks! 📸 From a progressive tapas party and Da Art of Storytellin’ with creatives, to @norfolkinnovationcorridor 's Innovators Invite, bringing a panel together with some of the best minds in the 757. Something for everyone — all bringing people together to learn, create & grow.
Check out what's next 👉 assemblynfk.com/events!
#AssemblyNFK
Clear out your closet, refresh your style, and give back. 👕✨
Join us this Wednesday, April 22nd, from 5:30-7:30 PM for a clothing swap featuring a fashion forecast by Ariana of @fosterbeautyfashionshow , mocktails by @freelifellc , and plenty of chances to connect — while finding fresh pieces for spring + summer!
How it Works:
♻️ Bring 5–10 like-new clothing or home items to swap
♻️ Open to all adult sizes and genders
♻️ Light refreshments provided, with additional options for purchase
♻️ Remaining items will be donated to the @theurcnorfolk .
Free for members + tenants | $5 for non-members.
Limited spots — RSVP + bring a friend!
Stick around after for Extracurricular | The Power of Creative Business IV hosted by @antidote_agency from 6-9:30 PM 👀
/events
#AssemblyNFK
#ClothingSwap
Meet Ted Patterson, Changemaker in Residence at Assembly, Product and GTM Engineer @reelist , and Director of Community & Strategy for @aicollectiveco Hampton Roads. Ted brings people together to explore AI in ways that are practical, inclusive, and rooted in real human connection — creating spaces for founders, creatives, students, and leaders to learn, share, and build together.
Lately, his impact has grown alongside an incredible team:
• Leading community strategy for the AI Collective Hampton Roads chapter with the other directors
• Partnering with @gotechark , @regentuniversity , @ecpiuniversity , @supabasecom , @itsmakehq , @nsuiconmain , @digitalbuilders_ , @757colorcoded , @thehivevb , @vetsforge , @757bldwknd & more to bring accessible AI programming to Hampton Roads
• Expanding globally to support AI Collective chapters across multiple states
This momentum is powered by shared leadership, strong partners, and a community showing up to build responsibly.
#AssemblyNFK
#aicollective
We caught up with Airiel Barrientos, co-founder of Orbis Landscape Architecture and one of the creatives shaping spaces across Hampton Roads. 🌿
At Assembly since its opening in 2021, Orbis recently moved into their own 3rd-floor suite. This season, they’re reimagining the Volvo HQ in Chesapeake and collaborating with creative friends on a new website for their business!
When she’s not designing landscapes, you can find her at @alkalineva , @codex_nfk , or @meaculpacafe —soaking in the energy of Norfolk and staying connected to organizations like DT100. She’s especially excited for spring, new growth, and (of course) more plants. 🌱
#peopleofassembly
#assemblynfk
Session IV! Come engage in lively discussions, build meaningful connections, and uncover the transformative power of creative thinking in today’s ever-evolving marketplace. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or simply curious about the synergy between art and commerce, this event is for you.
Event Highlights:
Panel Discussion featuring innovative business leaders and creatives
Sounds by @deeohsah
Light refreshments provided
Cash bar
Free with RSVP
Be a lifesaver ❤️
We're collaborating with the @americanredcross to host a community blood drive open to the public this Wednesday, April 1st, from 9 am to 1 pm. Just one donation can help save up to three lives, and it only takes about an hour. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, your blood donation makes a difference. Help us reach our goal of 25 donations and 75 lives saved!
Sign up on the website: /events
#assemblynfk #GiveBloodSaveLives
Down the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame rabbit hole we go 🕳️🐇
@thisisgrow takes us behind the scenes of their latest, a new website for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (rockhall.com) — built to celebrate Inductees, surface unexpected connections across generations, and make the story of rock & roll more explorable than ever.
