Bloom Public Health Hosts 6th Brown Bag Session on Global Networking and Cross-Border Collaboration

Bloom Public Health held its sixth Brown Bag Session on September 7, 2026, providing an opportunity for team members to explore the importance of global networking, cross-border collaboration, and the opportunities available within the global public health landscape.

Led by Pharm. Ikenna Orakwue, Director, Special Projects, Bloom Public Health, the session, themed “Global Networking and Cross-Border Collaboration: Assessing Global Opportunities for Bloom Public Health Staff,” encouraged participants to think beyond familiar professional networks and consider how intentional connections can open pathways to collaboration, learning, funding, and professional growth.

Pharm. Ikenna highlighted the interconnected nature of global public health and the importance of bringing together different competencies, resources, perspectives, and capabilities to address shared health challenges. As public health challenges increasingly transcend national boundaries, meaningful collaboration between organizations, institutions, funders, and professionals becomes essential to achieving sustainable impact.

The discussion also explored the global public health ecosystem, including key players, funders, institutions, and opportunities, while helping participants consider how to build and sustain professional relationships that can grow into meaningful partnerships.

Participants were encouraged to approach networking intentionally by identifying the people and organizations relevant to their areas of interest, engaging in meaningful conversations, creating value, and nurturing relationships over time. The session also introduced formal and informal approaches to cross-border collaboration and how these can be applied within public health organizations.

Importantly, the conversation moved from ideas to action. Participants were encouraged to develop a 90-day roadmap for their global professional journey, identifying practical steps they can take to build connections, explore opportunities, and position themselves within the wider global health community.

The session was also a reminder that some of the biggest challenges in public health cannot be solved alone. Bringing different skills, perspectives, expertise, and resources together can open the door to greater impact.

The sixth Brown Bag Session reflects our continued commitment to creating spaces where its people can learn, exchange ideas, develop professionally, and discover new possibilities for contributing to better health outcomes.

A special thank you to Pharm. Ikenna Orakwue for leading the session and challenging the team to think more broadly about global networking, collaboration, and the opportunities that exist beyond borders.

We remain committed to equipping our people to learn, connect, grow, and contribute to meaningful change in public health.