Eleventh Annual Abundant Aging Symposium

2026 Abundant Aging Symposium

The Symposium on Intergenerational Connection will bring together thought leaders, practitioners, advocates, and community members for a day of learning, inspiration, and networking focused on strengthening relationships across generations.

Attendees can look forward to:

• Interactive networking experiences that encourage meaningful connections and creativity before the formal program begins.
• A keynote presentation by Dr. Shannon Jarrott, a nationally recognized expert on intergenerational engagement, exploring why intergenerational connections are essential for healthy, thriving communities and successful aging.
• Insights from Eddie Gonzalez, Senior Fellow at CoGenerate, highlighting national trends, research, and opportunities for bridging generational divides.
• Real-world stories and experiences from intergenerational leaders and advocates, including the voices behind the Raised by Her podcast and organizations creating impactful cross-generational relationships.
• Practical strategies and best practices for developing and sustaining intergenerational programs, presented by experts from The Ohio State University and community partners.
• A panel discussion featuring innovative programs that connect younger and older generations through education, mentorship, community engagement, and lifelong learning.
• Opportunities to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and discover resources that can be applied in organizations, communities, and everyday life.

Whether you are new to intergenerational work or an experienced practitioner, the symposium will provide valuable insights, actionable tools, and meaningful connections that inspire stronger communities across all ages.

Speakers

Dr. Shannon Jarrott

Dr. Shannon E. Jarrott is Professor of Social Work and Director of Faculty Development in the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University, with a courtesy faculty affiliation in Extension. Her work focuses on intergenerational community-building strategies, aging studies, community-based participatory research, and programs that support individual and community development across the life course. Trained in human development, family studies, and gerontology, Dr. Jarrott has studied community-based services, therapeutic programming, and research approaches involving youth and older adults with diverse strengths, needs, and life experiences.

Dr. Jarrott has collaborated with students, practitioners, researchers, and community organizations across disciplines and sectors, including childcare centers, adult day services, schools, nursing homes, food banks, churches, and universities. Her funded projects and applied research have advanced evidence-supported intergenerational programming, including initiatives that promote meaningful roles, healthy food access, empathy, resilience, life skills, and a sense of purpose for both younger and older participants. She is Editor of The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, and the Australian Association of Gerontology’s 2023 Gary Andrews International Fellow.

Eddie Gonzalez Jr.

Eddie Gonzalez Jr. is an engagement leader, writer, chaplain, and facilitator whose work explores the intersections of story, spiritual care, social healing, and intergenerational connection. He currently serves as an Impact Fellow with CoGenerate, where he has conducted national research on intergenerational collaboration in faith communities, including extensive interviews with scholars, faith leaders, and practitioners. His work has helped shape public reports, convenings, and resources designed to support faith communities in building deeper relationships across generations. Previously, Eddie served as Director of Engagement for Social Healing at The On Being Project, where he cultivated relationships, gatherings, and fellowship experiences for leaders working at the intersection of inner life and public change. His professional background also includes leadership with StoryCorps, hospice chaplaincy and bereavement care, teaching, editing, and literary publishing. Eddie holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston and completed clinical pastoral education in chaplaincy.

Lauren Feyh

Lauren Feyh, MNM, LNHA, ACC, CDP, CMDCP, is an Instructor of Practice in The Ohio State University College of Medicine’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of GrowIN – Intergenerational Community Programming. Their teaching, research, and community-engaged work focus on aging education, intergenerational learning, service learning, and programs that promote social connection and well-being across the life course. Lauren has led and supported numerous intergenerational initiatives, including Get WISE, ARISE, Age UP, Buds N’ Blooms, and other partnerships that connect students, children, older adults, and community organizations. They bring extensive experience in long-term care administration, dementia care, student mentorship, curriculum development, and age-inclusive learning. Their scholarship and presentations have contributed to best practices in intergenerational engagement, older adult education, and workforce development in aging services.

Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders

Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders is an award-winning executive, entrepreneur, civic leader, and advocate for women, minority entrepreneurs, arts education, and community advancement. She is the former CEO of the internationally acclaimed Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and founder of Hawes-Saunders Broadcast Properties, where she became a trailblazer for African American women in commercial broadcasting. Her leadership earned the prestigious Marconi Award, along with numerous honors recognizing her influence in business, education, the arts, and civic life.

Donnica Hawes-Saunders

Donnica Hawes-Saunders is the Founder and CEO of The Averity Group, a public affairs firm specializing in strategy, advocacy, communications, and reputation management for highly regulated organizations. With experience in the private sector, on Capitol Hill, and in global public affairs, she brings expertise in public policy, coalition-building, strategic partnerships, social impact, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Donnica has been recognized by Lawyers of Color as one of D.C.’s top lobbyists and influencers, selected as a Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree, and honored for her leadership in business, civic engagement, and inclusive organizational change. She is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of Dayton School of Law, serves in several civic and advisory roles, and co-hosts the Raised By Her podcast with her mother, Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders.

Elaine Miller

Elaine Miller is Community Engagement Coordinator for Connections Volunteer Center, a community program of HelpLine. She is passionate about building relationships with community members, local organizations, schools, businesses, and partners throughout Delaware County to strengthen volunteerism and social connectedness. Her work focuses especially on programs and opportunities for adults age 55 and older, including Volunteer Happy Hour and the intergenerational Sages & Seekers program, which fosters empathy, reduces isolation, and bridges generational divides.

Suzanne Pingry

Suzanne Pingry is Director of Connections Volunteer Center, a community program of HelpLine. She oversees day-to-day operations and coordinates the Senior Companion Program, connecting volunteers with opportunities that strengthen the community. A member of the HelpLine team since 1999 and Connections Volunteer Center since 2005, Suzanne brings more than two decades of experience in volunteer engagement and program development. She has led intergenerational initiatives including the Pen Pal Program and Sages & Seekers, and is currently developing an intergenerational Friendly Visitor Program to support older adults throughout Delaware County.

Brianna Rawlins

Brianna Rawlins is a graduate of Perkins High School and currently attends Bowling Green State University, where she is pursuing a degree in nursing. While at Perkins, Brianna launched Parkvue Pals, a program designed to build meaningful friendships between high school students and older adults at Parkvue. Through Parkvue Pals, she saw firsthand how powerful intergenerational relationships can be and how much both students and residents can learn from one another. She is excited to share her experience with the program and the impact these friendships have had on everyone involved. 

Jedd Rawlins

Jedd Rawlins is the Regional Director of Healthcare Services for United Church Homes and brings more than 30 years of experience in skilled nursing, senior living, and post-acute care. His career has focused on developing strong teams, improving resident satisfaction, strengthening organizational culture, and driving operational performance across both individual communities and multi-site operations.

Randy Marker

Randy Marker is a lifelong learner, business leader, and advocate for active, engaged aging. More than four decades after graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in engineering, Randy returned to the classroom to study calculus alongside his grandson, creating an intergenerational learning experience that has been featured in multiple publications and community discussions.

Randy believes that curiosity does not diminish with age and that some of life’s most meaningful relationships are strengthened through shared challenges and learning experiences. His experience studying side-by-side with his grandson reinforced the idea that learning flows in both directions across generations, with each person serving as both teacher and student.

An avid learner who continues to explore new ideas and technologies, Randy is passionate about bringing generations together through shared experiences, mutual respect, and lifelong curiosity. He joins the symposium to share insights on aging, learning, family relationships, and the unexpected ways that education can deepen human connection

Oliver Yetman

Oliver Yetman is a freshman at The Ohio State University studying Business Economics, with experience in business development, workforce development, and public policy through internships and campaign work. One of his most meaningful college experiences has been taking a class alongside his grandfather, Randy Marker—an opportunity that has deepened his appreciation for lifelong learning, shared experience, and the ways generations can learn from one another. Oliver brings a young person’s perspective to today’s conversation about abundant aging and intergenerational connection. Please join me in welcoming Oliver Yetman.

 

REGISTER HERE

Friday, October 16, 2026
9:45AM – 3:30PM
Quest Conference Center
Columbus, Ohio