Article by: Manu shah

Chamber Board member Narayan Bhargava and Pratham Young Professionals President Darel D’Souza teamed up to host the first “NextGen Networking Mixer” at the upscale Americas restaurant. The intent was to engage and involve college students and young professionals with the Chamber.

The evening offered attendees an opportunity to connect with other professionals in an informal environment as well as the occasion to listen to an inspiring story of entrepreneurship and the importance of people for success – a lesson was driven home by the owner of Americas -Michael Cordua.

Narayan offered an overview of the Chamber’s mission in promoting the economic growth of the Greater Houston region. He explained the NextGen initiative and encouraged the gathering to involve

themselves in an organization that helps bring the business and professional community closer. In his address, Michael Cordua observed that “most entrepreneurs are born when they are thrown out of their comfort zone.” A chef himself, Cordua decided to start an authentic South American restaurant in “Tex-mex dominated Houston”. Despite some initial setbacks, the restaurant took off and expanded to many more. In conclusion, Cordua advised the gathering “that it is people who will make your business.”

This point was further elaborated by Narayan who drew a sharp connection between networking, optimizing connections and professional growth. According to him “the NextGen Networking event allowed us to take another step towards building a younger base for the Chamber and also further developing our relationship with a peer group.”