When CoGenerate and Citizen University launched a project to deepen cogenerational ties, our goal was to get teens excited about working alongside older adults to create change. What we discovered surprised us. Teens didn’t need convincing to work across generations....
Reinventing the American University for a Multigenerational Future
In an episode of this season of Hacks, the Emmy-winning intergenerational comedy, the older comedian Deborah Vance returns to her alma mater (UC Berkeley) to receive an honorary degree. Shortly after arriving, a video containing offensive jokes she delivered early in...
Event Recording: Knowing our Neighbors
https://youtu.be/mUAKKP6SfNk "Stoop Chat with Jimmy and Shanaya” is a 13-minute, touching, intergenerational conversation between two Brooklyn neighbors, as captured on film. Watch the award-winning documentary, then listen in on a discussion with filmmaker Marj...
Event Recording: Cogenerational Solutions to Social Isolation and Loneliness
https://youtu.be/J9uzkEZpaPQ Young people and older ones are the two groups most affected by social isolation and loneliness. At CoGenerate, we believe the most important solution to social isolation and loneliness is to bring these two groups together. Not as...
Meet 15 New Innovation Fellows
All have creative, ambitious initiatives to solve problems and bridge generational divides.
We’re excited to introduce you to our 15 newest Innovation Fellows!
They bridge generational divides while fighting for racial and environmental justice, supporting mental health, strengthening communities, healing trauma, registering young people to vote, reducing ageism and loneliness, and so much more.
Ranging in age from 27 to 75, the group includes an array of social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders, a leader in a big city mayor’s office, an artist, an actor, a filmmaker and photographer, a journalist and author, an academic, and the founder of an intergenerational card game.
Each fellow will receive $10,000 to advance their work, coaching and peer assistance, exposure to funders and experts, media attention, and help with strategy, storytelling and scaling.
Without further ado, meet the 2022 Innovation Fellows (names and brief descriptions of their work below and their bios here). We’ll provide more opportunities to get to know them soon.
We hope you see the urgency and creativity of their work — and are as inspired by them as we are.
The 2022 Innovation Fellows
ANYA KAMENETZ
Founder, Planet Ed Climate Media for Kids
Helping scientists, educators, content creators, parents and grandparents tell compelling climate stories that inspire children to take action
CHRISTINA HERNANDEZ
Coordinator, Early Childhood Education Student Advancement Program, Los Angeles Mayor’s Office
Matching Los Angeles community college students with experienced professionals invested in developing the next generation of early childhood educators
ELLY KATZ
Founder & Executive Director, Sages & Seekers
Breaking down stereotypes, diminishing ageism and building empathy through authentic conversation between teens and older adults
GENEVIEVE LEIGHTON-ARMAH
Founder, Bay Area Black Leaders
Supporting the future of Black communities in the Bay Area through intergenerational learning, reflection, rest and healing
JON ADAM ROSS
Founding Artist & Executive Director, The In[heir]itance Project
Working with intergenerational, intersectional and interfaith communities to build relationships across divides through collaborative theater projects inspired by shared cultural touchstones
JOSEPH LAM
Co-Creator, Parents Are Human
Sparking deep conversations across generations to bridge language and cultural divides, especially within immigrant families
LEWIS BERNSTEIN
Co-Founder, SWAN 3G Mentoring
Engaging former Sesame Workshop employees in a three-generation mental wellness initiative where they mentor high school students who, in turn, mentor preschoolers using curated Sesame Street segments that spark discussion, empathy, and joy
LIBBY STEGGER
Founder & Executive Director, Move for America
Training bridge builders in cities and small towns to draw out diverse perspectives across generations and drive collaborative community solutions
MARIAM SANKOH
Office and Finance Administrator, Coming Together Virginia
Facilitating cogenerational, cross-racial dialogue that contributes to racial healing and creates thriving, equitable and just communities
NATILEE MCGRUDER
Co-Chair, Alabama Leads
Bridging generational divides felt by black and and brown grassroots leaders in Alabama to create a foundation of peace, safety and community healing for all
NICOLE KENNEY
Founder, Hey Auntie!
Connecting Black women across ages and life stages to learn the “rules,” gain the tools and deepen their networks to thrive at home, work and everywhere in between
RODERICK HEATH
Founder, Generation Uplift
Teaching young people to use the power of film to capture the rich stories and history of older generations in North Carolina and develop solutions that can help create a better future for all
SAMUEL RUBIN
Co-Founder, Hollywood Climate Summit
Fostering multigenerational, youth-led, story-driven efforts to showcase environmental action in the entertainment industry
SKY BERGMAN
Filmmaker & Activist, “Forever Voters”
Helping high school students and The League of Women Voters join forces to boost youth voter registration and civic engagement, making youth voices heard, one vote at a time
TARA CHADWICK
Artist & Creator, The Papalotl (Butterfly) Project
Bringing elders and children together to share knowledge about food, health and urban farming through art, storytelling, music and dance
Janet Oh directs and Michelle Gahee coordinates CoGenerate’s Innovation Fellowships program.