The William H. Gates Sr. Institute at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health recently celebrated a significant milestone—25 years of scholarship and science dedicated to social change. Our 2024 Annual Summer Convening brought together faculty, staff, and global partners, both in-person and virtually, to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and chart the course for the future.
Day One Highlights: Vision for the Future and Strategic Collaborations
August 6th, 2024
Our convening started with a hybrid session titled “W. H. Gates Sr. Institute: 25 Years of Scholarship & Science for Social Change.” Dr. Phil Anglewicz, our new director, opened the day with inspiring remarks outlining his vision for the institute’s future. The session featured updates on the progress and challenges faced by our global programs and platforms and identified key areas for collaboration across WHGI, PFRH, and our international partners.
Lunch & Learn: Spotlight on WHGI Communications and FPNN
Following the morning session, attendees were treated to a “Lunch & Learn” seminar focused on WHGI’s communications strategy, spearheaded by Christina Cherel, Molly Moesner, and Matt Matassa. The team introduced the new Community-Powered Media Network (FPNN), highlighting the potential of WHGI platforms to amplify research, best practices, and advocacy efforts worldwide.
Evening at Captain James Landing: Networking and Celebration
Participants gathered for dinner at Captain James Landing to close out the day. The evening was filled with camaraderie as team members, both old and new, shared stories, discussed the day’s insights, and celebrated our collective achievements over the past 25 years.
Day Two Highlights: A Heartfelt Farewell to Oying Rimon
August 7th, 2024
Day two of the convening began with “Coffee and SRHR Stories with Oying,” a heartfelt session dedicated to reminiscing and learning from Oying Rimon’s extensive career. Participants had the chance to gather insights and advice from Oying, whose leadership in social and behavior change communication has been invaluable to WHGI.
The day continued with a farewell lunch co-hosted with the PFRH Department, where faculty, staff, and partners shared stories, celebrated Oying’s impact, and wished him well in his next chapter.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of WHGI
As we move forward, WHGI remains committed to its mission of scholarship and science for social change. The 2024 Annual Summer Convening was more than just a celebration—it was a pivotal moment for reflection, strategic planning, and recommitment to our goals. We look forward to the next chapter of WHGI, driven by the insights, collaborations, and renewed energy from this year’s convening.
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Photos courtesy of Kellie Welborn
