For the CTSI Parents Leading Science program, leadership and connection do not end when formal programming wraps up. Instead, parents continue to come together year after year to reconnect, build on what they have learned, and maintain relationships that support their work as researchers and leaders.
A gathering across cohorts
This was especially clear at the 2025 all-cohort retreat, which brought together parent researchers from across the program’s history for an afternoon focused on connection, reflection, and leadership development. Some participants attended the retreat for the first time, while others returned after several years in the program. In total, 33 current and former program participants took part in the gathering.
“The retreat gives me an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with members of my cohort and to connect with colleagues from other cohorts as well,” said Rebecca Shlafer, PhD, a 2021 cohort participant. “The presentations and networking are a meaningful way to end the calendar year and to set my intentions for my work in the year ahead.”
Building leadership over time
The program was created to support faculty researchers who are parents, recognizing the ways caregiving responsibilities intersect with leadership, career development, and research. This year, it was re-launched as Parents Leading Science, building on the earlier Mothers Leading Science program and expanding participation to include fathers and a broader range of parent researchers.
Participants complete a year of structured programming and continue to engage through monthly Community of Practice seminars, retreats, and alumni leadership roles.
Time to reflect and reconnect
The annual all-cohort retreat is a key part of that ongoing work. This year’s gathering centered on the theme “Meeting the moment with strong backs and open hearts.” Participants shared a meal, took part in group activities, and spent time reconnecting with faculty from other cohorts.
“I’ve always viewed the retreat as a way to protect time to reflect on the year in a safe space,” said Lindsey Sloan, MD, PhD, a 2023 cohort participant. “It’s also a source of inspiration for how I want the next year to be my best year yet.”
Learning from one another
The retreat opened with a keynote from Teresa Jacobson Kimberley, PT, PhD, FAPTA, a scientist and mother. Her talk, “Just Keep Swimming: The journey of one scientist mom,” reflected on her personal and professional experiences over the course of her career and helped frame the day’s conversations.
Over time, alumni have continued to stay involved in the program, with former cohort members serving on advisory boards, facilitating sessions, and contributing to ongoing programming.
“Most professional development fades as the exigencies of life take over,” said Michelle Lamere, MPA, ACC, CPDC, Parents Leading Science program co-director. “Parents Leading Science was created to be different, as a truly self-sustaining community where the transformation lasts. Through monthly Community of Practice seminars and our annual all-cohort retreat, we don’t just brush up on skills. We share wisdom across cohorts, celebrate resilience, and set intentions to lead with authenticity. Six cohorts in, the continued engagement shows the value of investing in a whole-hearted community of leaders.”
Returning year after year
For parent researchers, the retreat is also a chance to reconnect with peers who understand the realities of balancing research, leadership, and family life.
“Participating in the all-cohort retreat is a refreshing way to end the year,” said Ellen Ingolfsland, MD, a 2022 cohort participant. “Seeing my cohort feels like a reunion, and I’ve also built new connections with parents from other cohorts. The speaker and reflection activities help me process the year and prepare for the next one. Seeing others keep going reminds me that I can keep going too.”
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