Restoration Through Community Engagement
Presented by Ashley Beard-Fosnow, Policy Impact Strategist, Health Forward Foundation
Friday, September 18, 2026
Roy Blunt Center for Healthcare Integration & Innovation (MPCA Building)
3450 W. Edgewood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
1 CEU available
How does community building improve health and well-being? Join Ashley Beard-Fosnow, Policy Impact Strategist at Health Forward Foundation, for a discussion around the benefits of community building through civic engagement and advocacy to combat the societal caries of our times. Together, we will learn more about connecting with community leaders, attending community events, and how we can become more effective advocates for change.
Learning Objectives:
- History and definitions of civic engagement, advocacy, and lobbying.
- Guide on identifiying and influencing civic leaders, elected officials, and public meetings
- Deeper understanding of the individual and community benefits of civic participation.
Ashley Beard-Fosnow
Ashley Beard-Fosnow serves as a Policy Impact Strategist at Health Forward Foundation. Prior to this role, Ashley led a team at Missouri Humanities Council where her sincere and contagious belief in the power of dialogue, lifelong learning, and civic engagement helped expand grant dollars awarded by 617%, cultivate strategic relationships in Jefferson City, and establish the largest social media and digital following among the nation’s humanities councils. Before Missouri Humanities, Ashley worked for various Kansas City nonprofit organizations including American Public Square, University of Missouri- Kansas City Foundation, and Missouri Jobs with Justice. She earned a Master of Public Administration, Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, and the Worker Education and Labor studies certificate from the University of Missouri- Kansas City.
Health Forward Foundation is a public health foundation dedicated to strengthening communities by expanding equitable access to health care and improving health outcomes. Through leadership, advocacy, and resources, Health Forward is advancing an equitable future that benefits everyone. Since 2005, the Foundation has partnered with nonprofit organizations and invested more than $445 million to address community health needs.