Friends After Five

Friends After 5 is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Holmes Community College Training Center.  This mentorship and networking program was founded by Mr. Robert Hill in partnership with former Governor Haley Barbour and draws inspiration from the timeless Southern saying that “a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”

The purpose of Friends After 5 is to encourage meaningful connections and dialogue across diverse backgrounds while strengthening community and professional relationships. Mr. Hill recognized that while our communities often work together during the day, many return to separate environments after hours. This event seeks to bridge that gap by fostering an atmosphere of unity and collaboration. Friends After 5 provides a diverse social networking platform where participants can engage in genuine fellowship while exploring opportunities for mentorship, employment, and community partnership.

In alignment with Holmes Community College’s commitment to student development and community engagement, this event will offer students a valuable opportunity to network with industry professionals, government leaders, and community representatives. By connecting students to these networks, we aim to help them build lasting relationships that contribute to career readiness, business collaboration, and overall economic growth. We are honored to share that former Governor Phil Bryant and other distinguished guests are expected to attend.