🎓 Unmasking Potential at Northeastern University Oakland’s “Taste of Oakland”
Date: September 6, 2025
By: Ever Forward Club
"There is more to you than anyone can see by looking at you." — Ashanti Branch
On September 2nd, Ever Forward Club had the honor of participating in Northeastern University Oakland’s “Taste of Oakland” — a vibrant orientation event welcoming over 750 first-year students to their new academic home.
We were invited by the incredible team at Northeastern’s Career Connections & Experiential Learning Office to be part of this special day of community, culture, and connection. Ashanti Branch (Founder & Executive Director) and Parth Savla (Director of the #MillionMaskMovement) represented Ever Forward Club with purpose and presence.
Planting Seeds of Connection
Our table offered something different — not just flyers or sign-up sheets, but a moment of reflection. Students were invited to take part in the #MillionMaskMovement, a global campaign rooted in self-awareness, emotional expression, and authentic connection.
Each student received a mask card and was asked to reflect:
What are three words you let the world see? (front of the mask)
What are three words you usually hide? (back of the mask)
This simple but powerful activity gave students a chance to pause and check in with themselves:
💬 “What am I carrying that others don’t see?”
💬 “Who else might be feeling the same way I do?”
Many left our table with their first mask completed — and we hope it's the first of many. For others, it was the beginning of a new awareness: that being real is not weakness — it’s strength.
🌱 Imagine being a first-year student — far from home, stepping into a brand-new environment — and realizing that you're not alone in what you're feeling. That everyone, in some way, is wearing an emotional mask. Now imagine being given permission, from the very beginning, to take yours off. To know you're in a community where vulnerability is not only welcomed, but respected. Where connection begins not with perfection, but with honesty.
Creating this kind of emotional safety — even for just a few minutes — can have a lasting impact. It helps students feel seen, reduce social anxiety, and begin building deeper relationships with their peers. It’s the kind of foundation that supports mental wellness, academic success, and true belonging throughout college.
Building Community from Day One
From local food trucks to conversations with changemaking community partners, “Taste of Oakland” was more than just an orientation — it was an invitation to build something meaningful. As students explored opportunities to serve, lead, and grow, Ever Forward Club stood ready to support them in leading with empathy, emotional awareness, and authenticity.
We were also excited to begin conversations with Northeastern about deeper partnerships, including opportunities for students to volunteer with us at future Ever Forward Club events and bring their energy to meaningful community experiences.
A Huge Thank You 🙌
Thank you to Inés C. Barbosa, Katherine Perez, and the entire Northeastern Oakland team for making this event such a success. And to every student who paused, reflected, and shared a piece of your truth — we see you. We appreciate you. Welcome to the journey.
🌍 Coming Soon: The Global Young Men’s Conference
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Global Young Men’s Conference, a transformative experience designed to bring together young men from across the world to explore identity, emotional wellness, leadership, and the power of connection.
This conference will offer workshops, speaker panels, healing circles, and collaborative action planning — all rooted in the spirit of the #MillionMaskMovement.
Whether you’re an educator, student, parent, or partner organization, you won’t want to miss this.
👉 Learn more and stay updated here:
https://everforwardclub.org/youngmensconference
