Strategic Collaboration for Better Community Health, Well-being, and Equity 

An offering of the PHIL Collective hosted in Denver, Colorado  

A 2-day workshop experience to help you collaborate to improve community health systems, advance equity, and sustain collaborative outcomes 

Workshop Update

Thank you for your interest in the PHIL Collective workshop! Due to financial constraints, the Population Health Innovation Lab (PHIL) is no longer hosting it.  

BUT there’s good news: One of the workshop’s lead trainers has generously volunteered their time to lead this training through the Collaborative Capacity Co.   

While PHIL no longer manages workshop oversight, hosting, and delivery, we’re proud to have supported initial planning, design, and materials development and are excited that the workshop will progress. 

Visit Collaborative Capacity Co. for Upcoming Workshop Info 

We encourage you to join PHIL’s mailing list so we can send you the latest about future offerings!  

Workshop Details 

  • Location: Colorado Health Foundation, 1780 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203
  • Dates: June 17 & 18, 2025 
  • Cost: $760 – $950
  • Registration: Register here.
    • Last day for early bird pricing: May 6, 2025
    • Last day to register: June 3, 2025
  • Agenda: Detailed workshop overview below.

*Please note that at checkout, you will only be able to select the start date for the series you are registering for. Purchasing the ticket for the start date of the workshop will give you access to the full, two-day workshop. 

About the Workshop 

Feeling stuck in your collaboration efforts? Struggling to get partners aligned? You’re not alone. Many leaders face challenges when trying to bridge sectors, build consensus, and drive real change. This workshop is designed to help you break through those barriers and create lasting, high-impact partnerships. 

The Population Health Innovation Lab (PHIL) invites you to a workshop experience that will empower you to leverage strategic collaboration for lasting, systemic change. Whether you’re an emerging leader or seasoned professional, this workshop will unlock new pathways for you to enhance impact through proven strategies focused on improving systems, advancing equity, and sustaining high-performance collaborations. 

Why You Should Join Us 

By the end of this 2-day experience, you’ll walk away with a concrete collaborative action plan, a deeper understanding of strategic frameworks, and a new network of allies to support your work. 

Participating in this workshop will empower you to: 

  • Transform Your Expertise into Action: This workshop is grounded with theory and research but moves beyond those concepts to equip you with actionable strategies to lead collaborations that deliver measurable outcomes for population health. 
  • Learn from Experts: Gain insider knowledge from cutting edge research, engage in hands on exercises, problem solve with peers and gain insider strategies from those that have tackled the same challenges you are facing. This workshop is led by systems change agents with academic workshop and professional experience in population health and collaboration across sectors and boundaries.  
  • Gain Access to Proven Resources: Leverage the lessons learned from PHIL’s Aligning Systems for Health research that investigated what led to effective collaboration and outcomes in 22 collaborative groups across tribal, rural, suburban, and urban communities throughout California and Washington state. Bring home tested tools, useful templates, and a free copy of PHIL’s recently refreshed “Powering Change: Building Healthy, Equitable Communities Together” to immediately strengthen your partnerships. 
  • Be Part of Exclusive Networking: Meet and connect in person with changemakers from diverse sectors who are passionate about solving complex problems—just like you. 
  • Gain Valuable Takeaways: Walk away with a draft collaborative action plan, actionable strategies, and new connections that can elevate your organization’s impact. 

As an added bonus, you can check out local highlights around the University of Colorado, Denver! The University of Colorado, Denver is located in the heart of vibrant, downtown where you can find attractions ranging from scenic city parks along the river to the lively River North Art District and a plethora of museums. Come to learn and stick around to explore and play! 

What You’ll Learn

  • Improve Systems with Strategic Collaboration: Discover how to bridge silos across sectors, jurisdictions, and levels and types of government. Learn how to implement collaboration frameworks that drive meaningful change across community health systems. 
  • Advance Equity Through Collaboration Dynamics: Learn to embed equity into every phase of your collaborative work to create fair and inclusive processes that generate equitable solutions. 
  • Sustain Long-Term Collaborative Success: Get the tools you need to maintain momentum and high performance in your collaborative partnerships for lasting results. 

What Workshop Alumni Say 

  • It was WONDERFUL…I can’t wait for the next workshop. Please keep me on the mailing list! – Workshop Participant 
  • The workshop was awesome….not only did I learn a lot of information, I learned about Mural! -Workshop Participant 

About what was most valuable from the workshop: 

  • All the resources and mix of presentations and time to practice/apply what we were learning. – Workshop Participant 
  • Really liked how you used Mural to keep attendees engaged and connected us with one another in breakout rooms. Thank you for giving us “work time” to really think about how to use the work book that was provided to us as a tool. –Workshop Participant 

Who Should Enroll

  • Leaders working across sectors and boundaries. 
  • Backbone or bridge staff of collaborative partnerships (i.e., support staff for groups like Accountable Communities of/for Health, Accountable Health Communities, public health coalitions, Collective Impact initiatives, etc.). 
  • Conveners stewarding the work of health-focused collaboratives (e.g., foundations, local health departments, etc.). 
  • Members of committees, boards, advisory groups, or other collaborative bodies who are working across sectors, disciplines, or boundaries to improve population health, well-being and equity. 

Registration

Workshop Rates

IN-PERSON

  • Early bird rate: $835 (processing fees included in ticket price) when you register by the early bird deadline for the workshop. 
  • Regular rate: $950 (processing fees included in ticket price) 
  • Group discount: There is a 20% discount off the regular workshop rate for any group registering 2 or more participants. 
  • Self-Funded Learner: If you’re a self-funded learner without access to professional development or project-based funding to support your attendance, please contact info@pophealthinnovationlab.org for more information on individual discounts. 
  • Scholarships: We are holding seats for a limited number of scholarship recipients to attend this workshop. Scholarships cover the workshops fees but do not cover travel or accommodations.
  • Click here to complete the scholarship application for this workshop.
Register Today!

Registration Deadlines

IN-PERSON | Denver, CO

  • OPEN: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 – Wednesday, June 18, 2025; Last day for early bird registration rate: May 6, 2025; Last day to register: June 3, 2025 
  • Last day for early bird registration rate: May 6, 2025 
  • Last day to register for workshop: June 3, 2025 

Cancellations and Refunds 

Refunds are available, minus Eventbrite non-refundable fees and a 10% fee for PHIL administration costs, if registrants contact us ahead of the cancellation deadlines listed in our FAQ below. Please review our FAQ for cancellation deadlines. 

Questions? 

Please see our FAQ below for answers to frequently asked questions. If your question is not addressed, please reach out to the Population Health Innovation Lab at info@pophealthinnovationlab.org. 

Your Lead Trainers

Sue Grinnell

Sue works every day to support collaboratives in approaching their work with innovative practices and data-driven research. Her decades of experience in public health have led her to a deep understanding of and work addressing issues such as chronic disease, access to prenatal care, and children’s health. Sue is a champion for multi-sector collaboratives and Accountable Communities of/for Health (ACH) sites. Sue was instrumental in forming the initial ACH model in Washington and has played a leading role in 19 other sites, including 10 ACH sites in Vermont and 9 in California. She served as the Special Assistant for Health Transformation and Innovation, Director of the Office of Healthy Communities, Director of Office of Community Wellness and Prevention as well as the state Chronic Disease Director and Maternal and Child Health Director. Prior to her role at WSDH, she served as Director for the Cowlitz County Health Department in Longview, Washington.

Stephanie Bultema

As a trainer, Stephanie draws on her experience as a lecturer teaching Evidence-Based Decision Making to Master of Public Administration students at University of Colorado Denver and as Network Science Fellowship director for Visible Network Labs. She also leverages training in effective college instruction from the Association of College and University Educators. Throughout each training, she draws on practical experience gained as Director of MERLIN (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning Innovations) at PHIL (2020-present), senior researcher at CU Denver’s Center on Network Science (2017-2020), multiple roles at SRHD (2011-2017), president of the School Health Care Association of Spokane County (2015-2017), and board member for Communities in Schools of Spokane County (2015-2017). She also draws on academic training gained while earning a PhD in Public Affairs from University of Colorado Denver and a Master of Arts in Administrative Leadership from Whitworth University, with additional coursework completed through Washington State University’s Master of Health Policy and Administration program.

Esmeralda Salas

Esmeralda earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Specialization in Clinical Psychology from the University of California, San Diego in 2021. She is deeply committed to advancing population health and well-being, particularly for low-income, minority communities in both national and international contexts. Her work is characterized by a diverse range of strategies that promote strategic collaboration, such as community-based participatory planning, cultural and arts-based engagement, collaborative asset mapping, and cross-sector partnerships, and trust-building techniques. Esmeralda currently serves as a Research Associate at PHIL, where she specializes in research and evaluation efforts centered on equity and systems-change. 

Detailed Workshop Overview 

 A 2-day, project-based workshop designed to deepen understanding and practice of strategic collaboration for improved population health and health equity. The workshop blends theory with practical applications, helping participants develop collaboration strategies tailored to their own practice. 

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear understanding of effective collaboration strategies and developed plans for applying sustainable, equity-driven approaches to strategic collaboration in their communities. 

Target Audience: Professionals in public health or related fields looking to build their strategic collaboration skills and implement equity-driven strategies in population health initiatives. 

Day 1 | June 17, 2025, 9am-5pm MT

Day 1 Learning Outcomes 

After participating in Day 1, you will be able to: 

  • Name at least two new people you met. 
  • Explain at least two collaborative theories or frameworks. 
  • Provide an example for how evidence-based theories and frameworks can guide strategic collaboration. 
  • Describe at least one new insight about your partner network.

Day 1 Agenda  

Morning 

I. ”Get to Know You” Breakfast 

  • Kick off the day with your learning partners in a lowkey, informal setting designed to build familiarity among workshop participants. 

II. Welcome & Introduction to Collaboration for Improved Population Health 

  • Why is strategic collaboration needed to improve population health? 
  • Which theories and frameworks can guide your collaborative efforts? 

Afternoon 

III. Provided Lunch 

  • Join an organized lunch with the group or take time to refresh and recharge solo. 

IV. Aligning Systems for Health Research 

  • What have we learned from PHIL’s Aligning Systems for Health with Accountable Communities of/for Health research? 

V. Analyzing Your Partnership Networks

  • Improve understanding of current and potential partner networks.

VI. Practical Application 

  • How can you apply theories, frameworks, research, tools, and practical resources to your real-world collaborative efforts? 

VII. Review and Reflections  

VIII. Closing 

  • Review key points for each learning objective. 

IX. Informal Networking and Q&A 

Day 2 | June 18, 2025, 9am-5pm MT

Day 2 Learning Outcomes 

After participating in Day 2, you will be able to: 

  • Provide two examples of actions you can take to create positive systems change through your collaborative efforts.
  • Provide two examples of actions you can take to transform systems or advance equitable outcomes through your collaborative efforts. 
  • Provide two examples of actions you can take to sustain collaborative productivity. 
  • Create a web-based network map in Kumu. 

Day 2 Agenda 

Morning 

I. Breakfast

II. Welcome & Check-In

III. Day 1 Recap & Reflections 

IV. Linking Strategic Collaboration to Outcomes 

  • How can collaboration create positive changes in your community health system? 
  • How can collaboration advance equity in population health outcomes? 
  • How can collaborative productivity be sustained over time? 

Afternoon 

V. Provided Lunch 

  • Join an organized lunch with the group or take time to refresh and recharge solo. 

VI. Partner Network Mapping in Kumu

  • Introduction to network science.
  • Kumu demo and partner network creation.

VII. Practical Application 

  • How can you apply research, tools, and practical resources to your real-world collaborative efforts? 

VIII. Review and Reflections  

IX. Closing 

  • Review key points for each learning objective. 
  • Share collaborative action plans. 
  • Celebrate lessons learned and areas of growth. 

X. Informal Networking and Q&A 

Questions? 

Please see our FAQ below for answers to frequently asked questions. If your question is not addressed, please reach out to the Population Health Innovation Lab at info@pophealthinnovationlab.org. 

The PHIL Collective  

This workshop is an offering of the PHIL Collective. The PHIL Collective supports individuals and communities dedicated to improving health, well-being, and equity by collaborating with diverse partners. Why? Because tackling any community challenge requires some serious teamwork to keep everyone rowing in the same direction, elbow-grease to change systems, and sprinkles of humor along the journey to keep everyone sane. 

We hope you’ll allow us to join you on your journey to make the world a brighter place! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • I only see one date listed on the ticket at checkout. Isn’t this a two-day workshop? 
    • Answer: When purchasing a seat for this workshop, please select the ticket with the start date of the workshop you are planning to attend. This will register you for both days of the two-day workshop. You will receive a follow-up email from PHIL with additional details 
  • Is this workshop being hosted online or in person? 
    • Answer: This is an in person workshop in Denver, Colorado, though we can host this virtually or in person for your organization or partnership. If you’d like more details, please reach out to us at info@pophealthinnovationlab.org. 
  • Can more than one person from my organization attend? 
    • Answer: Yes! Workshops are more powerful and easier to implement when you have multiple people from your team sharing knowledge and building skills together. We offer a 20% group discount off the regular rate when two or more people register together to attend the same workshop. 
  • Can multiple people attend with a single registration? 
    • Answer: No. This workshop is interactive and will require each person to participate in activities within small groups. We have capped the registration at a certain number of participants to ensure effective teaching and connection between peers. Each person, therefore, requires their own registration. 
  • What currency does this workshop series use? 
    • Answer: We are based in the United States and our registration is in US dollars. 
  • What can I do if my organization doesn’t allow me to pay by credit card? 
  • What resources will I receive? 
    • Answer: We will send out copies of any presentation or handouts ahead of the workshop session. After the workshop, we will share any additional referenced resources. 
  • Do I have to be seasoned in collaboration work to attend this workshop? 
    • Answer: This workshop is intended for leaders, stewards, and members of collaborative bodies working to advance well-being in their communities. Turn-over is a common thing in collaboratives. We invite anyone who identifies with any of the “Who Should Enroll” bullets to attend-despite years of experience. 
  • Are tickets refundable? 
    • Answer: Tickets are refundable until two weeks prior to the event (June 3, 2025). Registrants who cancel will receive a refund of their registration fee minus Eventbrite fees and a 10% PHIL processing fee. The 10% fee covers non-recoupable administrative expenses associated with registration and event preparation. 
  • How do I request a refund? 
    • Answer: All refund requests should be emailed to info@pophealthinnovationlab.org. Please note, we are unable to process refunds after a refund deadline has passed. The refund request deadline is June 3, 2025. 
  • What is the refund request deadline? 
    • Answer: All refund requests must be sent to info@pophealthinnovationlab.org, 14 days or more before the event start date. The last day to submit a refund for the June 17-18 workshop is June 3, 2025. 
  • Who do I contact with additional questions? 
    • info@pophealthinnovationlab.org