Inside Our 2026 Team Retreat

Each year, the TVCR team sets aside time to step away from daily responsibilities and take a closer look at how we’re doing, not just operationally, but as a team working toward a shared mission. Our annual retreat is designed to create space for reflection, conversation, and alignment as we plan for the year ahead.

On March 14, we gathered for our 2026 team retreat with a focus on understanding where we stand today and how we can continue strengthening the culture that supports our work in the community.

A Workshop Guided by Gallup

This year’s retreat featured a workshop led by Awa Diaw of Gallup, a global organization known for its research on workplace engagement, strengths-based development, and organizational performance. Gallup’s work is widely used by healthcare systems, nonprofits, and corporations to better understand team dynamics and identify factors that drive meaningful outcomes.

By incorporating Gallup’s framework, the session went beyond general discussion. Awa brought both the rigor of data and the wisdom of experience, guiding the TVCR team through an honest and energizing look at where the organization stands today. This approach provided an objective lens and helped ensure the conversation was grounded in measurable results rather than assumptions.

The workshop also created space for open dialogue, allowing team members to reflect on their experiences and share perspectives from across the organization.

What the Results Showed

The feedback from the workshop highlighted strong alignment throughout the organization. Team members reported a high level of belief in TVCR’s mission and a clear understanding of how their individual roles contribute to that mission. There was also consistent alignment with the organization’s vision and values.

In healthcare and clinical research, where the work can be demanding and detail-oriented, this kind of shared purpose matters. It supports collaboration, helps guide decision-making, and reinforces consistency in how we serve participants and partners.

The data confirmed something we aim for every day: a team that is connected to the “why” behind the work.

Why the Retreat Matters

While the workshop offered many valuable insights, the retreat itself serves a broader purpose. It provides a dedicated opportunity to connect with one another, review progress, identify areas for growth, and ensure the team remains aligned as the organization evolves.

These conversations help reinforce priorities and maintain a strong culture. When teams take time to reflect together, they are better positioned to address challenges, build on strengths, and continue improving how they work. For TVCR, this intentional approach supports both day-to-day operations and long-term impact in the community.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 retreat left the team with a clear sense of direction for the months ahead. The strong alignment reflected in the workshop results provides a solid foundation, while the discussions sparked during the day will continue shaping how we collaborate and serve our community.

As TVCR moves forward, the focus remains the same: conducting ethical clinical research, supporting the communities we serve, and contributing meaningful data that advances care. The retreat served as a reminder that achieving those goals starts with a team that understands the mission and works together to carry it out.

Here is to another year of purpose-driven work.