On June 6 and 7, participants gathered in Philadelphia for a two-day retreat, offering the Project ELEVATE community a valuable chance to connect, engage in professional development, and build relationships with future collaborators, mentors, and sponsors. Participants explored the importance of diverse relationships in their personal and professional lives, practiced active listening to appreciate their colleagues’ perspectives, and received practical advice on navigating the academic environment for promotion and tenure.

The retreat featured structured sessions and activities, including welcome introductions, dialogues with academic leaders, and working sessions on sustainability and fulfillment in academic careers. Notable sessions included the Deans’ Dialogue, where leaders shared insights, and workshops on designing intentional academic and professional lives. The agenda also included networking breaks, team dinners, and informal receptions, providing ample opportunities for participants to connect. The retreat equipped attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement institutional changes that support the advancement and success of our early career engineering faculty.