This week, San Antonio welcomed our 2023-2024 U.S. fellows for a transformative leadership retreat and networking event, fostering collaboration between emerging public health leaders and the city’s esteemed healthcare and business community.
The retreat kicked off with a special panel discussion, “Unlocking Potential: Investing in Emerging Leaders to Transform Public Health,” hosted at Texas Biomedical Research Institute. The panel featured esteemed speakers including Texas Biomed’s President and CEO Dr. Larry Schlesinger, GHC’s CEO Heather Anderson, and 2023-2024 U.S. fellow Wanji Banda. The discussion was moderated by Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, President & CEO of greater:SATX, and centered on the vital role mentorship and networks play in shaping the next generation of public health leaders.
Beyond the panel, the fellows immersed themselves in a weekend of leadership training, team-building, and reflection. The retreat served as the culminating event of their fellowship, providing an opportunity to synthesize learnings and strengthen bonds before transitioning to the next phase of their GHC journey. With the support of generous hosts and sponsors—including greater:SATX, UT Health San Antonio, and Visit San Antonio—the gathering underscored the power of partnerships in advancing public health solutions.
As the U.S. faces evolving public health challenges, from shifting demographics to increasing disease burdens, cultivating skilled leaders is more critical than ever. Through immersive experiences like the San Antonio retreat, GHC continues to equip fellows with the tools, networks, and confidence to step up as changemakers in the field.
As GHC’s 2023-2024 U.S. fellows prepare to conclude their fellowship year, their time in San Antonio marks not just the end of a journey but the beginning of their lifelong commitment to advancing health equity. The connections made and lessons learned during this retreat will undoubtedly shape their careers and fuel their impact in the years to come.