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This Cogenerational Pair Calls for ‘Radical Inclusion’ of Youth

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I was thrilled when I heard about the new book, Why Aren’t We Doing This! Collaborating with Minors in Major Ways, written by Denise Webb, age 20, and Wendy Schaetzel Lesko, age 73, (both pictured above) and published by Youth Infusion, a clearinghouse co-founded by...

Meet 15 New Innovation Fellows

All have creative, ambitious initiatives to solve problems and bridge generational divides.

By Janet Oh and Michelle Gahee | Oct 19, 2022

collage of 15 innovation fellows

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.