2025 Annual Staff Retreat

The 2025 Staff Retreat, held at Mission Bay, was a tropical affair where attendees received leis and built camaraderie between teams through contests of limbo and balloon-aided cup stacking. The department’s Culture of Recognition Committee (CORC) diligently organized the staff retreat and arranged the excellent panel of speakers on personal and professional development.

Malena Ryan joined Chris Hess, MD, PhD, Olivia Herbert, MBA, Cathy Garzio, MBA, and Sharmila Majumdar, PhD, to deliver a discussion on what they have learned about leadership. Christine Glastonbury, MBBS, spoke on career development, sharing her tips on identifying and achieving your professional goals.

Anne Bartoletti Receives Malena Ryan Award

Anne Bartoletti, Research Administration Officer, is the 2025 winner of the Malena Ryan Award, presented at the retreat. Bartoletti was nominated for this award by ten independent submissions, all of whom cited her tireless work, positivity, friendliness, and dedication to going above and beyond.

Her leadership in organizing and executing the annual Research Conference exemplifies a spirit integral to the culture of teamwork in the department. In addition to Anne’s involvement on the Research Conference planning committee, she greeted attendees at the welcome table, handled behind-the-scenes logistics to secure additional chairs and equipment, and volunteered to facilitate ice-breaker exercises.

Another example of Bartoletti’s consideration for others: In the middle of the staff retreat, prior to the award presentation, she briefly left the event to walk to a nearby flower store and purchase a bouquet for someone she bumped into at the event, because Bartoletti thought she could cheer someone up today.

What Her Teammates Say