On April 18, 2026, Young Government Leaders (YGL) hosted a Federal Employee Appreciation Coffee Event at Chocolate Moose in Beckley, West Virginia. As part of YGL’s broader national initiative to recognize and uplift public servants, the event offered a space for connection, conversation, and community among federal employees in the region.

The event was organized and hosted by Ryan Heimer, a member of the American Society for Public Administration National Capital Area Chapter (NCAC), where he serves as Communications Officer. Demonstrating a strong commitment to public service and community engagement, Ryan led local coordination efforts, brought together key partners, and helped ensure that attendees had access not only to a welcoming environment, but also to meaningful resources.

Among those partners was Fayette Federal Credit Union, which supports federal employees across the region. Their involvement highlighted the importance of local institutions in sustaining and supporting the federal workforce, particularly in communities like Beckley. By connecting attendees with practical financial resources and services, the event extended beyond appreciation to tangible support.

While attendance was modest, the event underscored an important truth: meaningful engagement does not require a large crowd. The smaller setting created an environment where attendees could connect more personally by sharing stories from their careers, reflecting on the challenges facing today’s federal workforce, and reaffirming a shared commitment to public service.

A highlight of the event was the participation of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Women’s and Fair Practices Department. Their presence brought added depth to the gathering by providing valuable resources and information focused on workplace equity, employee rights, and support systems available to federal workers. Their engagement complemented YGL’s mission by ensuring attendees left not only feeling appreciated, but also better informed and supported.

Throughout the morning, conversations touched on professional development, navigating change within federal service, and the importance of building strong networks—particularly in smaller communities like Beckley. Events like this reinforce that public service is not just about the work itself, but about the people who carry it forward every day.

The Beckley coffee event reflects YGL’s and AFGE’s continued commitment to reaching federal employees where they are, from across agencies, regions, and roles. Through leadership, partnership, and intentional outreach, even small gatherings can create lasting impact. YGL is helping to strengthen the fabric of public service—one conversation, one connection, and one community at a time.