In August 2020, Normal Next was hired to assist in reimagining the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWFJ) Culture of Health Leaders (COHL) program for a new, remote-centered world. They ensured that the vibrant 3-year fellowship program of 300 health, race, and equity leaders could thrive during the pandemic and work seamlessly between future in-person gatherings. After gathering information by interviewing stakeholders, it became clear that an online community would continue the momentum of the program’s existing model while also providing participants with ongoing support and a way to create a lasting network.

After the successful launch of the platform, our contract was expanded to task C/Corps Associates with evaluating and propping up a community technology platform. They also assisted the program officers in bridging offline and online community-building practices, hiring and training a dedicated community manager, and preparing the program for long-term repetition and success. The onboarding process for program participants into the online community began in the spring of 2021.