2025 Autumn Institute for Public Assistance Professionals: Making the Impossible Possible
UC Davis Human Services proudly welcomed attendees from across the state to our annual Autumn Institute for Public Assistance Professionals.
Taking place online over three mornings—November 12, 13 and 14—this year’s Autumn Institute provided proven tools, actionable insights and energizing inspiration.
Participants learned ways to leverage data collection and decision-making tools to support their workplaces and communities, and explored program updates and strategies to improve outcomes for some of our state’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations. Attendees also learned how peer-to-peer teams can drive exceptional performance and engagement, plus crucial concepts of self-care, wellness and resiliency to build and bolster growth mindsets.
Mission: Possible
This longstanding UC Davis Human Services event offers innovative networking and educational opportunities to support public assistance professionals in their vital and varied roles of serving all Californians.
With the theme of Mission: Possible, this year’s Autumn Institute included:
- More than a dozen workshops identifying challenges, finding solutions and celebrating successes
- Impactful presentations by recognized leaders in social services, family engagement, workforce development, customer service, wellness and other key fields
- Daily networking breakouts that brought attendees together to create across-the-state connections
In addition, Steve Cozart and Laurie Cozart bookended the event with interactive Mission: Possible-themed keynotes that reminded attendees how they make the impossible possible each and every day.
Steve Cozart’s opening presentation took participants through typical daily tasks and uplifted how human services professionals create order out of chaos for both their co-workers and the Californians they serve.
“From this moment forward, you don’t just survive the chaos—you operate in it; you lead in it; you shape it for others,” he said. “Be the agents of what’s possible.”
Laurie Cozart closed the event on a motivating note by reminding each attendee of their “why.”
“Chaos doesn't decide our mission—we do,” she said. "With purpose as our North Star, presence as our compass and possibility as our path, we turn hard days into human impact.”
Attendees Share Their 2025 Autumn Institute Experiences
- "Excellent training with a stellar instructor."
- "Great insight and helpful in my daily job duties."
- "I really enjoyed how the training was interactive."
- "The speaker was awesome, very knowledgeable and well spoken, super-attentive to chat and questions."
- "I really enjoyed the communication with everyone and their input."
- "I liked the emphasis on remembering my Why and what drives me in doing my work to the best of my ability."
Statewide Summit for Public Assistance Professionals
In 2026, the Autumn Institute becomes the Statewide Summit for Public Assistance Professionals.
Learn more