Celebrating Community: A PassportUSA Engagement Event in Dothan, Alabama

In Dothan, Alabama, over 75 healthcare professionals and their families gathered for a special PassportUSA engagement event on June 25^th, 2025 — a day filled with connection, laughter, music, and heartfelt conversations. What started as a company-hosted event quickly evolved into something more: a community celebration. Led by Maeve Maloney, an International Employee Supervisor (IES), and supported by Engagement Manager Ashley Patterson and Danny Bruce, both from the IES team, and Success Manager John Laird, the event served as a warm reminder of the strength and spirit within the healthcare professional (HCP) community.

A Welcoming Crowd and Lasting Energy

Mave Maloney described the turnout as “beyond what we expected,” with families filling the venue and turning the atmosphere into something that felt more like a community gathering rather than a company event. “The mix of conversation, laughter, and families enjoying themselves really showed how important these events are in helping our healthcare professionals and their loved ones feel at home,” Maloney shared.

She also recalled a particularly touching moment: a chat with two young girls proudly announcing their recent graduation from grade school.

“They were so excited to talk about their favorite subjects and hobbies; their excitement was contagious. It reminded me why we do this work. It’s not just for the healthcare professionals; it’s for their whole family to feel supported and thrive in this journey.”

Behind the Program: Connection in Every Detail

Ashley Patterson reflected on the evening’s energy:

“My favorite moment of the event was during Singo Bingo. Every time we paused the music, the entire room would keep singing the lyrics at the top of their lungs! You could feel the energy — everyone was laughing, dancing, and just completely in the moment. That moment really captured the spirit of the night: connection, celebration, and community.”

The program began with a warm welcome and light refreshments, allowing guests to mingle. Raffle Prizes were handed out throughout the night; the team provided dinner and desserts. And to finish the evening with a good time, singo bingo followed putting a musical spin on a traditional bingo that had everyone on their feet dancing and singing. The event closed with thank-you remarks and group photos to capture the joy and togetherness that had filled the room.

Patterson also shared the impact of heartfelt feedback received during the night:

“Several nurses and even some of their family members told me how much they appreciated us hosting the event and visiting them in person. For many, it wasn’t just about the food or the venue — it was about being seen, valued, and celebrated. It reminded me why this kind of in-person connection is so powerful.”

Building Trust Through Presence

For Danny Bruce, who supervises many nurses in Dothan, Alabama, this event was a chance to meet the people he typically supports from afar. “My role was to be there and connect with the nurses and help answer any questions they may have,” he explained. More than that, it was an opportunity to strengthen relationships in a more relaxed setting.

“I feel these events improve relationships because they give us a chance to meet with our healthcare professionals on a more personal and human level,” Bruce said. “Speaking with someone outside of work is very different. You can really understand their background, thoughts, and beliefs better when you're in a casual setting.”

One standout highlight? Singo Bingo — a musical twist on bingo that had attendees singing along, dancing, and cheering each other on. “The energy that can be generated by people is great,” Bruce added.

Voices from the Community

The feedback from attendees reflected a strong desire for more. More time. More games. More chances to connect.

Juliet N., RN, originally from Uganda, expressed her hope that future events might include more IES team members.

Alvin A., RN from the Philippines, shared: “Thank you for this kind of initiative. My family and I had a great time. Kudos to the team!”

Reji P., RN, who is originally from India, reflected that it was truly an enjoyable experience. She said, “I am also deeply grateful to Health Carousel International for hosting such a memorable and well-coordinated event. Kudos to the team for your hard work!”

And Vanie Rose G., RN, also from the Philippines, echoed the sentiment: “Looking forward for more events like this in the future. Hopefully we can meet most of the IES and staff. We enjoyed so much!”

Why These Moments Matter

“These events play a huge role in helping our healthcare professionals feel connected, supported, and seen,” Maloney emphasized. “We saw people from different shifts or units meeting for the first time, exchanging phone numbers, and planning to eat lunch together in the future. That kind of support makes adjusting to a new life in the U.S. a little easier on everyone.”

Patterson agreed:

“In-person engagement is critically important for the international healthcare community because it fosters trust, cultural understanding, and relationships in ways that virtual interactions cannot fully replicate!”

Looking Ahead

The success of the Dothan engagement event reinforces what many already know: in-person connection matters. As PassportUSA continues to organize similar gatherings across the country, one thing is certain — these aren’t just events, they’re shared experiences that create lasting bonds and remind healthcare professionals and their families that they are part of something bigger.

If you're a nurse or allied healthcare professional considering a career in the U.S., these stories are just a glimpse into the kind of support and community you can expect with PassportUSA. Our program goes beyond job placement — it’s about helping you build a life, form lasting relationships, and feel truly supported throughout your journey.

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