Learn Fresh Staff Retreat Recap

Last week, Learn Fresh held its annual company retreat in Chicago, Illinois. For some of us, this was the first time meeting all our colleagues in person as official members of the Learn Fresh team.

Like many other staff members, my journey to Learn Fresh began in the classroom, though this time as a student rather than an educator. During the fall of my junior year in college, I took a marketing course focused on Customer Insights. We were challenged with a real-world client project: developing a creative marketing solution to shift customer perspectives on a particular product and grow sales. Our solution, which involved a sponsorship with Learn Fresh, earned us a spot as one of the three winning teams and caught the attention of Learn Fresh staff. Enthusiastic by the idea and the project’s potential, they offered me the opportunity to intern. A year later, I joined the team officially.

Day one of the retreat kicked off with a “state of the org” presentation by our CEO, Nick, who discussed the history, development, and future of the organization. This was followed by in-depth presentations from each department, showcasing their work, achievements, and major updates from the past year.?

The afternoon was filled with workshops on topics ranging from effective data collection and management to exploring the role of AI in our modern working world.?

The day wasn’t over just yet. Once business concluded, the long awaited staff trivia game ensued. Held only once a year, you can imagine how high the stakes were, with staff members eager for their chance of redemption or to defend their champion status.

I was on the losing team, or as we affectionately say, the “learning team.”?

Spirits remained high, as we enjoyed a staff outing to a comedy show that evening. The show was hilarious, a perfect way to unwind with colleagues.

The following day focused on the future of Learn Fresh. We discussed how to lead not only in our individual roles but also within the nonprofit sector. This led to a pitching exercise where we practiced articulating the organization’s mission. Understanding your personal pitch is crucial, as it requires self-reflection. While the fundamentals of the pitch—what, who, and how—remain consistent, the personal connection—why you’re passionate about the organization—is what makes it impactful.

We engaged in an activity reflecting on why we joined Learn Fresh. Initially, I felt out of place as this was my first job and I couldn’t compare it to previous career experiences. However, as I sat there typing, deleting, and revising my thoughts, I was flooded with memories from freshman year during senior send-offs. This is a time when graduating senior members of my professional business fraternity dedicate a chapter to say their goodbyes and share advice. What stood out to me were those who spoke passionately about their upcoming jobs—not just because of the exciting new chapter they were embarking on, but because they resonated deeply with the work they would be doing, which went beyond just themselves.

When it was my turn to share my personal pitch, I said:

“When I started thinking about my future career, I knew I wanted my work to be more than just a 9-5 job. I wanted it to be something bigger. That’s exactly what I found with this company: a combination of my personal passions and making a greater impact on the community.”

This exercise evoked deep emotions in all of us. You could feel the room shift as we listened to each individual’s story, reflecting on and connecting with their experiences. I came into the retreat with excitement and curiosity, but that afternoon left me energized.

I was inspired by how much Learn Fresh means to each member of this staff–why they changed careers, why they show up every day, why they work hard, and why they go above and beyond. It’s all because they believe. They believe in the organization, the mission, and the “why.”

The retreat concluded with a final dinner, family style. That evening, I had the chance to learn more about my coworkers as people, sharing a meal and a seat at the table, both literally and figuratively.

Starting any new job, especially right out of college, is daunting for most of us, if not all. However, knowing I’m working alongside a group of talented, passionate, and driven individuals makes the transition easier and serves as motivation. Here’s to a great year ahead!