2024 Autumn Institute for Public Assistance Professionals Builds Resilience and Leadership in Human Services
Human services professionals gathered from across California to exchange insights and develop approaches for cultivating resilience, advancing leadership and creating transformative outcomes.
Held on November 13-15 as an online conference, the 2024 UC Davis Human Services Autumn Institute brought together leaders and professionals statewide from across the field to virtually explore strategies for fostering resilience, leadership and meaningful change. Dynamic keynotes, thought-provoking sessions and interactive activities left participants inspired and equipped with tools to overcome challenges and transform their organizations.
Kelly Bazzani’s powerful keynote set the tone for the event, delivering an inspiring message about resilience and purpose. She offered actionable insights to navigate challenges, embrace change and transform setbacks into opportunities for growth by sharing her raw, authentic story of resilience. From excelling as a student-athlete and ICU nurse to facing a life-altering injury at age 27, Bazzani described her journey of rediscovery after being paralyzed and grappling with substance abuse.
Her three-part framework — Be (beliefs), Do (actions), Have (results) — offered participants a pathway for personal and professional transformation. She emphasized the importance of cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience and intentionality. Bazzani’s vulnerability and strength empowered attendees to reflect on their own beliefs and actions, urging them to not only weather life’s storms but to harness their energy for growth.
“Improving resiliency in social services positions is critical for workers’ mental health,” said one participant. “The keynote was a perfect introduction into what the Autumn Institute was going to provide."
Throughout the institute, attendees participated in sessions that emphasized adaptive leadership, innovative problem-solving and building inclusive, trauma-informed systems. From peer discussions to interactive exercises, the workshops fostered collaboration and practical application of concepts. There were 16 workshops offered, covering topics like effective communication strategies, foster care eligibility fundamentals, managing triggers with emotional intelligence and the impact of poverty and scarcity.
“I think this must be my most favorite session thus far,” said one participant about the workshop Unveiling Your Future:
Career Exploration and Connecting to a Purpose. “Connecting with career and purpose and the things I am most passionate about just uplifted my spirit. I was able to visualize what I'm most passionate about and connect it to my work environment – planting seeds in the lives of others and being that water and sunshine to assist in their growth and development.”
Kimberle Smith-Austin brought the institute to an end with her vibrant and empowering closing keynote. She emphasized the importance of reframing adversity, fostering compassion and keeping a growth mindset through an interactive presentation with polls and audience engagement.
Smith-Austin recounted growing up in Southside Chicago surrounded by adversity, addiction and systemic challenges. With humor and a growth mindset, she reframed her experiences as opportunities for learning and elevation. She left participants energized and inspired to apply these principles in their personal and professional lives.
“I can see why she is a renowned speaker!” one participant said about Smith-Austin. “She was fantastic and definitely has the gift to inspire others.”
“I feel unstoppable!” said another participant after the closing keynote.
The 2024 Autumn Institute underscored the collective commitment of human services professionals to lead with purpose, resilience and compassion. As attendees returned to their organizations, they carried with them not only new tools and strategies but also a renewed sense of hope and connection.
Here’s to another year of growth, resilience and progress in human services. We look forward to what 2025 will bring!
The Human Services team at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education would like to express our gratitude to all the speakers, workshop presenters, participants and staff who brought the 2024 Autumn Institute for Public Assistance Professionals to life. It has been an outstanding and inspiring success.