A Monthly Opportunity to Learn and Network
Networking is the best thing you can do for your own professional development! Share, learn and grow from other professionals in the Fredericksburg area.
This event takes place monthly, with themed discussions led by local leaders, and all are welcome. Interested in a topic below? Please join us! Walk-ins are always welcome.
This Month
For August’s coffee talk, Lisa Henry, Vice President, Advocacy and Member Communications, at American Hospital Association, discussed the topic of “Empowering Your Voice.” We had an engaging conversation on how networking is the best thing you can do for your own professional development!
Next Month
Save the date for September’s Coffee Talk, which will be held on Tuesday, September 9th, at 718 Venue.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Engage Confidently in Uncomfortable Rooms – In this empowering session, Michelle Caldwell Thompson will share practical strategies to silence self-doubt, project confidence, and fully engage—especially in spaces where you may feel out of place. Through personal stories, proven communication techniques, and mindset shifts, attendees will learn how to reframe intimidating situations into opportunities for connection, influence, and impact. You’ll walk away inspired, equipped, and ready to engage with clarity and authority in any room.
Share, learn and grow from other professionals in the Fredericksburg area.
Location
8:00am-9:00am
718 Venue
718 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Parking:
Sophia Street Deck, George St Lot, Street parking on Caroline
2025 Coffee Talks:
January 14th – led by Devin Fedor, Senior Director, Organizational Design & Effectiveness at Great Minds, we discussed the topic of Empowering Your Year. Starting your year with confidence, this workshop was designed to help you power your intentions with action. Through guided discussion and practical self-coaching techniques, we learned to discover the courage to commit to what matters most and make 2025 a year of impact.
February 11th – led by Terri White, Certified Coach, Speaker, and Leadership Strategist, we discussed the topic of “Empowering Your Team.” Focusing on how help boost your team’s morale, encourage innovation and foster greater accountability. This session of Coffee Talk discussed how to do this and more. We had the opportunity to reflect on the great things you’re already doing to empower your team as well as gained new ideas and insight that could take your team performance even further.
March 11th – led by Alex Dunn, PhD & the Women in Business Club, we discussed the topic of “Empowering the Next Generation.” We joined together for an engaging Coffee Talk featuring students from the Women in Business Club at UMW as they share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations as emerging women in the workforce. Together, we explore how we can empower the next generation of leaders and foster a more inclusive and supportive professional landscape.
April 8th – led by the Hon. Kerry Devine, we dove into Women’s Voices in Politics. We heard firsthand from the Mayor of Fredericksburg about the impact of women in leadership, the challenges they face, and the power of civic engagement. This was a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and be inspired to make a difference.
May 13th – led by Karen Foster, Director of Talent Acquisition and Retention at Germanna Community College, we had an engaging conversation on Empowering Leadership and Career Goals, where we explored how to define your unique leadership style and map out a clear path toward achieving your career aspirations. The session included interactive discussions where we explored strategies to align your strengths with career goals and with leadership opportunities and how to navigate challenges along the way.
June 10th – led by Brittany McBride Doughty, CFP®, Financial Advisor, Assistant Vice President at Cary Street Partners, we discussed the topic of: Empowering Your Finances. Focusing on helping women gain control over their finances through nurturing confidence, expanding financial knowledge, and fostering strong support networks. In this session, we explored the importance of achieving financial security and provided actionable advice to guide you on your journey toward greater financial empowerment.
July 8th – led by Karen Chalmers, of Naturally Radiant, participants were introduced to Nutrition Response Testing- a non-invasive, individualized method of assessing the body to uncover hidden stressors and deficiencies that may be impacting health. Karen explained how this technique works, including how the body communicates through neurological reflexes and muscle testing, and how Nutrition Response Testing helps identify root causes of common health concerns. These include hormonal imbalances, skin issues, immune challenges, digestive distress, and more. Attendees learned how Nutrition Response Testing goes beyond symptom management to provide personalized nutritional and lifestyle support designed to restore the body’s natural ability to heal and function at its best. Whether you were dealing with chronic issues or simply looking to optimize your wellness, this session offered insight into how this approach can uncover answers and guide lasting change.