I just returned from my first @SkollWorldForum in Oxford. A few hundred of the world's most committed social impact leaders, five days, lots of coffee, and a few key takeaways that resonated with me and made me worried, hopeful, pensive, inspired, and echoed as I reflect on this impactful gathering:

A strategic plan is only as strong as the voices behind it. In shaping the future of health across Coachella Valley, Sowen prioritized deep, intentional community engagement—hosting seven listening sessions, removing barriers to participation, and centering lived experiences. This reflection explores why proximity, trust, and inclusive design are critical to building strategies that drive real, measurable impact.