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
August’s Coffee Talk, led by Janel Donohue, Leadership Facilitator, Podcaster, Speaker, & Nonprofit Executive, was a remarkable session on “Affirming Your Genius.”
In this interactive session, we learned about the fastest growing assessment for understanding yourself and your team. We explored what energizes you, where you do your best thinking, and how affirming your natural genius can change how you work and lead.
Next Month
September’s Coffee Talk will take place on Tuesday, September 8th, at 718 Venue.
September’s Coffee Talk, led by Dr. Cara Graham Parker, Strategic Planning & Leadership Development Consultant, Owner at C Parker Consulting, Inc., will be a remarkable session on “Affirming Communication Through Difficulty.”
Difficult conversations are unavoidable — but how we show up in them defines our relationships, our leadership, and ourselves. In this interactive session, we explore what it means to communicate with affirmation even when the stakes are high, emotions run hot, or the message is hard to deliver. Drawing on principles from organizational psychology and emotional intelligence, participants will examine their own communication patterns, practice reframing techniques, and leave with practical tools for navigating challenging conversations with clarity, confidence, and compassion. This is not about avoiding conflict — it’s about engaging it in a way that honors both truth and the people involved.
Networking is one of the most powerful tools for your professional development. At Coffee Talk, you’ll have the chance to share experiences, learn from others, and grow alongside professionals from across the Fredericksburg region.
Location
8:00am-9:00am
718 Venue
718 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Parking:
Sophia Street Deck, George St Lot, Street parking on Caroline
2026 Coffee Talks:
January 13th – led by Latasha Brooks, Leader and Dedicated Business Consultant, we had a thoughtful discussion on “Affirming an Inspired Mindset.” We discussed the stories we tell ourselves, the moments that challenge our confidence, and the intentional shifts that help us show up with purpose — for our work, our communities, and ourselves.
February 10th – led by Barbara Gustavson, Founder of Discover Next Step, we had an uplifting session on “Affirming a Positive Year.” We explored what quietly drains you, what truly restores you, and how your brain shapes both. Participants left with clarity and a tangible plan to regroup your days, so they work with you instead of against you.
March 10th – led by Nancy Tilley, NCCAOM-Certified Professional Acupuncturist, we explored ways to improve vitality and overall well-being to look and feel your best while enjoying the process along the way. In addition to acupuncture, Nancy provides cupping, Gua Sha, electroacupuncture, and other traditional modalities of Chinese medicine.
April 14th – led by Dr. Janet Gullickson, Former President of Germanna Community College & Consultant, we discussed what emotional fatigue looks and feels like, why it’s common now, and what we can do about it. We are in charge of our limits and explored ways to use our own consciousness to master our minds.
May 12th – led by Alicia Turner, CEO & President at North Compass Solutions LLC, we had an intriguing session on “Affirming Workplace Relationships.” In this engaging and interactive session, participants explored what it truly means to create affirming working relationships and how those relationships directly impact communication, performance, and workplace culture.
June 9th – led by Beth Williams, Executive Director for Human Resources at the University of Mary Washington, we had a remarkable session on “Affirming Your Emotional Intelligence.” Emotional Intelligence is what makes you a leader, a collaborator, and a resilient professional. We discussed moving beyond automatic reactions to a more intentional way of working and living with Emotional Intelligence.
July 14th – led by Brittany M. Doughty, CFP®, Financial Advisor, Vice President, Cary Street Partners, was a remarkable session on “Affirming Financial Wellness.” This was an engaging and interactive conversation focused on financial wellness and the unique opportunities and challenges women face throughout their financial lives. Whether you lead a business, are managing a career, are supporting a family, or are balancing all three, this session explored practical strategies for building financial confidence, reducing stress, and aligning your financial decisions with your personal and professional goals.