Saturday, November 1st
11:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Highbrow Kitchen
12 Crafts Ave #1, Northampton, MA 01060
About the Event
Financial Literacy
Cultural Steps features Liberty Bank’s Credit for Life game, led by Dawn Creighton, teaching practical money management through real-life scenarios. Participants gain the tools to make informed financial decisions that support long-term independence and opportunity.
Cultural Exposure
Guests will savor globally inspired dishes crafted by Chef Drew of HighBrow Kitchen and explore the visual storytelling of Jeff Byrnes. Through food, art, and shared experience, Cultural Steps invites our community to celebrate heritage, question norms, and connect across cultures.
Creating Pathways
By combining financial education with cultural experiences, Cultural Steps empowers youth and families to access new opportunities. This event is more than a celebration—it’s a step toward equity, enrichment, and lasting impact.
Presented by Highbrow
Chef Andrew “Drew” Brow, owner of HighBrow Kitchen in Northampton, brings bold flavors and community passion to this year’s Cultural Steps. Known for his creative approach and deep local roots, Chef Drew will craft a diverse menu celebrating global cultures through the lens of food, flavor, and unity.
Sponsored by Libery Bank
We’re proud to welcome Liberty Bank as a Cultural Steps sponsor, championing access, equity, and financial empowerment. Dawn Creighton of Liberty Bank will lead the "Credit for Life " simulation—a hands-on experience that equips participants with real-world financial skills. By building financial literacy, we open the door for more members of our community to explore and enjoy cultural experiences with confidence and independence.
Budgeting and Basics with Omar Vélez
A dedicated educator and advocate for youth empowerment, Omar Vélez teaches Personal Finance and Geometry at Duggan Academy in Springfield. Through his engaging session, Budgeting and Basics, Omar helps students build practical financial skills that strengthen independence and opportunity. His passion for education and community growth reflects Follow My Steps Foundation’s mission to equip young people with the tools to thrive.
Whispers in the Medina by Jeff
Multimedia artist and Follow My Steps Creative Director Jeff Byrnes will showcase selections from his personal project, “Whispers in the Medina, Black Magic in the Red City,” a visual journey through Morocco exploring the hidden practice of black magic within Islamic culture. Paired with a traditional Moroccan dish by Chef Drew and Moroccan-inspired coffee from Take Flight Coffee Company, this immersive experience invites guests to explore the intersection of culture, mysticism, and storytelling through taste and imagery.
