In this issue
Archives
Summer CPHA Newsletter
Letter from Elizabeth
I've been thinking a lot lately about the idea of connection.
We talk frequently about "networking" in public health, but too often that word has come to mean something transactional—a stack of business cards, another LinkedIn connection, or a quick exchange of résumés before moving on to the next conversation. Those things have their place, but they aren't what build a profession.
Real connection happens when we show up. When we stay after the program ends because the conversation isn't finished. When we discover not only what someone does, but what motivates them, what challenges they're facing, and what ideas make them come alive. Those are the relationships that become collaborations. Those are the conversations that spark new ideas, open unexpected doors, and remind us that none of us is doing this work alone.
As I look back over the past few months, I'm struck by how much of CPHA's work is really about creating those opportunities for connection. We saw it at the NextGen Workforce Showcase during National Public Health Week, where students and seasoned professionals came together to learn from one another. We saw it at our two recent Happy Hour Mixers, where conversations flowed easily between people from different institutions, sectors, career stages, and corners of the state. We saw it as we welcomed a new member to our Board of Directors, bringing fresh perspectives and new energy to our work.
As you read through this issue, I hope you'll notice that same thread running throughout its pages. Whether we're highlighting an intern's experience, launching new professional development opportunities, or celebrating the accomplishments of our members & committees, we're really telling the same story: public health is strongest when we invest in one another.
That's also the spirit behind an undertaking I'm especially excited about—our new Public Health Workforce Initiative. While you'll read more about it later in this newsletter, I hope you'll see it as more than a professional development opportunity. At its heart, it's another way for us to connect, learn from one another, and strengthen Connecticut's public health workforce together.
If you're already part of the CPHA community, thank you for helping create the kind of association where genuine connection can flourish. And if you've been wondering how to become more involved, I encourage you to take that first step. Join a committee. Attend a webinar. Come to a mixer. Introduce yourself to someone you don't know yet. You never know where a single conversation might lead.
Public health has always been about improving the health of communities. It starts by building one.
Stay well,
Member Spotlight
Every public health journey has a story. In each newsletter, we'll introduce a member of the CPHA community whose experiences and contributions are helping strengthen public health in Connecticut. We're pleased to begin with Emma Acampora, a recent Southern Connecticut State University graduate and former CPHA intern.
Emma joined CPHA hoping to better understand how public health organizations operate while building her communication, event planning, and organizational skills. During her internship, she supported a wide range of initiatives, but found the greatest reward in helping connect students with experienced public health professionals through CPHA's mentoring program.
"Seeing those connections being made and knowing I played a role in helping future public health professionals network and learn from experienced mentors was incredibly rewarding," Emma says.
Emma helped support CPHA's mentoring initiatives at both the Annual Conference and the NextGen Workforce Showcase, where she also stepped into a new role as a panel moderator.
Her advice for future interns? "Don't be afraid to ask questions, volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone, and connect with the professionals you meet along the way."
Emma's internship made such an impact that she has joined CPHA's Mentoring Committee, where she'll help foster meaningful connections between students and experienced public health professionals. We're delighted that her CPHA journey is continuing, and we look forward to seeing where it takes her next.
Membership News
Investing in Connecticut's Public Health Workforce
Public health is constantly evolving, and so are the skills needed to make a difference. Whether you're a student just entering the field, an early-career professional, or a seasoned leader, learning doesn't stop with a degree or a job title. At CPHA, we are committed to strengthening Connecticut's public health workforce and creating opportunities for all our members.
That's the vision behind CPHA's new Public Health Workforce Initiative. We are launching training and microcredentials for members to strengthen the skills they need to succeed. Over time, this initiative will offer a growing portfolio of practical, high-quality learning opportunities designed to help our members lead, collaborate, communicate, and advocate effectively.
To earn the microcredential, you will complete four to five interconnected learning experiences, combining virtual and in-person sessions to help you build practical skills while connecting with colleagues from across the state.
Registration information and dates will be announced soon.
We hope you'll join us as we continue building a stronger, more connected public health workforce, one skill, one relationship, and one shared learning experience at a time.
Opportunities & Resources
CPHA Fall Internship Opportunities: Investing in the Next Generation
One of the best ways to strengthen Connecticut's public health workforce is to invest in the people who will shape its future. That's why we're excited to announce that CPHA is expanding our internship program for the coming academic year.
This fall, we'll welcome two interns who will work alongside CPHA's Board of Directors, contributing to meaningful projects while gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit leadership, communications, advocacy, event planning, membership engagement, and professional development. Rather than focusing on a single project, our interns become part of the team. They’ll work across committees, collaborating with public health leaders from a variety of professional backgrounds, and gain a broad perspective on how a statewide public health association advances its mission.
This year's internship opportunities include:
-
Programs & Engagement Intern, supporting member engagement, events, communications, and professional development.
-
Advocacy & Policy Intern, helping strengthen CPHA's advocacy initiatives, legislative engagement, and public policy efforts.
Of course, internships aren't just about what students gain. Each year, our interns bring fresh ideas, new perspectives, and infectious enthusiasm that make CPHA stronger as an organization. In fact, several former interns have gone on to become committee members and board leaders—proof that an internship can be the beginning of a lasting connection to Connecticut's public health community.
Applications are open through July 30th. If you know a talented undergraduate or graduate student who is passionate about public health, we encourage you to help us spread the word.
Learn more at https://cpha.info/Internships
Membership Committee Co-Chair: Help Grow CPHA’s Community
CPHA is seeking a Membership Committee Co-Chair to help strengthen and grow our professional community. If you have experience in membership, community engagement, nonprofit leadership, or association management—and are passionate about building connections across Connecticut's public health workforce—we'd love to hear from you. Learn more about the role and how to apply on our website.
Be a Voice for Public Health: Join APHA Advocacy Efforts
Help shape policies that improve the health and well-being of communities across Connecticut and the nation. Advocacy efforts focus on protecting access to care, securing funding for essential public health programs and services, reducing health disparities, and strengthening the public health workforce. They also address critical issues including emergency preparedness, food safety, nutrition, climate and environmental health, disease prevention, global health, and tobacco control.
Whether you're new to advocacy or have years of experience, your voice can make a difference. We encourage all members to stay informed, respond to action alerts, and share their expertise with policymakers when opportunities arise.
Ready to get involved? Join APHA’s advocacy efforts and help advance policies that create healthier communities for everyone. Public Health Advocacy Center
