Coffee & Connect
Join Flourish & Thrive Labs for monthly virtual networking events designed for professionals working in governmental public health departments across the United States. Whether you're at the local, state, or federal level, Coffee & Connect offers engaging conversations, learning opportunities, and peer collaboration to strengthen the public health workforce through inclusive, accessible virtual public health networking and conversation events.What to Expect
Short Presentation on a Topic Related to Governmental Public Health
Connect with other public health officals through breakout rooms for networking and conversation
Designed to respect busy governmental public health schedules, each session wraps up by :55 after the hour — giving you time to transition to your next commitment without stress.
- Strengthen professional networks across local, state, and federal public health agencies
- Participate in public health workforce events that foster collaboration and innovation
- Gain insights from peer experiences and real-time conversations within the governmental public health space
- Stay informed on public health department challenges, new strategies, and leadership development
- Engage with a vibrant U.S. governmental public health community in a relaxed virtual setting
What’s the Format of Coffee & Connect?
Our Governmental Public Health Coffee & Connect are a casual conversation about a topic focusing on connection. Here’s how a typical conversation goes:
- I. Introductions– We introduce ourselves and give space to those looking for work to do a 45-second intro and those with job postings to provide space for that!
- II. Topic Presentation: The F&T Labs Team will present on this month’s topic. These presentations are short and focused on getting you thinking while also providing something that applies to your work!
- III. Breakout room #1! We want to focus on building connections! You will be put into a breakout room with other practitioners. You will have some questions related to the presentation that you can discuss– or you can network and discuss any topic!
- IV: Breakout room #2: You’ll move into a second breakout room to keep meeting new faces! Again, you can discuss the provided questions or another topic of your choice.
- V: Wrap-up: We wrap it up by the 55-minute mark so you can have a few minutes before your next meeting!
Frequently Asked Questions: Coffee & Connect
Who can attend Coffee & Connect networking events?
Coffee & Connect is open to all professionals working in governmental public health, including local, state, and federal levels. Whether you are an emerging practitioner, mid-career leader, or seasoned expert, you're welcome to join us for engaging conversations and peer-to-peer learning.
What is the purpose of Coffee & Connect?
Our monthly virtual event aims to strengthen professional networks across the governmental public health workforce. Through short presentations and breakout discussions, participants gain valuable insights, foster collaboration, and build lasting connections within the public health field.
How is Coffee & Connect different from other public health webinars?
Unlike traditional webinars, Coffee & Connect emphasizes real-time conversation, mutual support, and community-building. Each session is designed to be highly interactive, with small group breakouts and participant-driven discussions that promote connection over consumption.
Do I need to register for each Coffee & Connect session separately?
Yes, registration is required for each individual session. This helps us ensure appropriate breakout room sizes and a welcoming experience for all attendees. You can register quickly using the link provided on this page for the upcoming date.
Is Coffee & Connect relevant to my role in public health?
Absolutely. Whether you work in program management, policy, epidemiology, communications, workforce development, or another area within governmental public health, you'll find value in our discussion topics and the connections you make during the event.
What topics are covered during the Coffee & Connect sessions?
Each month, we present a timely topic relevant to the challenges and opportunities facing public health departments. Topics have included leadership in public health, equity and inclusion, workforce resilience, and emerging public health strategies.
How long is each Coffee & Connect event?
Each session is under one hour, typically lasting 55 minutes. We intentionally wrap up early to respect your schedule and give you time to transition to your next meeting without stress.
Can I share job opportunities or let others know I’m job seeking?
Yes! During introductions, attendees can briefly share if they are hiring or looking for a new role. It’s one of the ways we support career growth and connection across the public health community.
Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
No preparation is required. Just bring yourself, your curiosity, and a willingness to connect with others in governmental public health. We’ll provide guiding questions for the breakout discussions.
Is there a cost to attend Coffee & Connect?
No, Coffee & Connect is free to attend. It’s part of our commitment at Flourish & Thrive Labs to support a thriving, connected public health workforce across the United States.