Assembly

Meet Chandler Jones, Sales Trainer at US Foods. Born & raised in Hampton Roads, Chandler is passionate about supporting local businesses and highlighting the incredible cafes and restaurants that make this community special. With over 20 years in the restaurant industry — including the past 8 years in food service distribution — she brings a unique perspective and deep love for the local food scene.

Outside of work, Chandler has a passion for rescuing dogs. She is heavily involved with Hope for Life Rescue, and adopted her dog best friend, Conner, 7 years ago. She also started Dough for Dogs, a passion project where she bakes sourdough bread, bagels, and cookies and donates all proceeds to local animal shelters. Please join us in welcoming Chandler to the Assembly community! 🐾🥖

Pedal power meets happy hour! 🚴‍♂️

Join Kelly for a casual Bike Month cruise down the Elizabeth River Trail. We'll make pit stops at Afterglow and Wasserhund for drinks, bites, and good vibes before heading back downtown. All levels welcome!

When: Thu, May 28 | 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Meet at Assembly
Who: Tenants, Members & Plus Ones!
Let us know in the comments if you're coming! 👇

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, La Primavera String Orchestra

Brian Owens, Black BRAND

Brianna Jones, House 273

Chris Green, Chris Green Paints

Cosette Lambourne Woods, Joyful Living Breathe

Jay Findlay, Antidote Agency, LLC

Katina Barnes, Butterfly Village Inc.

Kendall Lawson, Three Scooops

Mars Carlos, NeuroSpace LLC and I SEE YOU BRO

Ted Patterson, The AI Collective • Hampton Roads

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.

https://www.assemblynfk.com/contact/event-rentals

Meet Ash Bruce, Founder of BAD RAINBOW. 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, B***y 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 Norfolk Innovation Corridor'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!

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 Foster Beauty Fashion Show, mocktails by FreeLife , 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 Urban Renewal Center.

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, LLC from 6-9:30 PM 👀

https://community.assemblynfk.com/events/1415692432/the-giving-exchange-clothing-and-home-goods-swap/tickets

Meet Ted Patterson, Changemaker in Residence at Assembly, Product and GTM Engineer Reelist, and Director of Community & Strategy for The AI Collective • 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 , Regent University, ECPI University, Supabase, Make HQ, NSU Innovation Center, , 757ColorCoded, The HIVE - VB Business Resource Center, , & 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.