Could You be a Writer?

Each March, Women’s History Month invites us to recognize leadership. The 2026 theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” celebrates women whose work strengthens communities and builds what lasts. When we picture leadership, we often imagine early success, public recognition, or formal authority. But some of the most powerful leadership unfolds later. It rises after interruption. It deepens with experience. It grows stronger over time. Consider Barbara Hillary. She was a nurse and community advocate in Harlem. She survived both breast and lung cancer. At 75, she became the first Black woman to reach the North Pole. At 79, she reached the South Pole. She did not train her whole life for those expeditions. She did not wait for the perfect moment. She decided she was not finished. Her story is not only about exploration. It is about endurance. It is about courage. It is about refusing to let age define possibility. She stands alongside women like Grandma Moses, who began painting seriously in her late seventies. Vera Wang, who built a global brand after 40. Julia Child, who published her first cookbook at 49. Toni Morrison, who began publishing in her late thirties and reshaped American literature for generations. None of these women followed a narrow timeline. None accepted the idea that influence belongs only to the young or the already established. They expanded what leadership looks like. This is worth celebrating. Many women practice this kind of leadership every day without headlines. Through caregiving, mentoring, organizing, teaching, building businesses, managing households, returning to work, and stepping into new arenas, they develop skills that strengthen families, workplaces, and communities. These are not small contributions. They are sustaining contributions. They are the kind that build futures. For anyone navigating a second chapter, this message is clear. Leadership does not expire. Experience compounds. Reinvention is not a sign that you are behind. It is proof that you are still growing. Women’s History Month honors those who led before us. It also celebrates the leadership unfolding right now. It celebrates persistence. It celebrates bold decisions made later in life. It celebrates the willingness to begin again. The future is not shaped only by those who started early. It is shaped by those who continue. Where might you decide you are not finished? We welcome your ideas and reflections. If there are topics you would like to see explored in future blogs, especially related to work, career transitions, community contribution, or aging with purpose, we invite you to share them with us. Donna Satterthwaite Vice Chair, Juanita C. Grant Foundation MotivAction Coaching https://www.motivactioncoaching.com

Ambassador Training Program I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Juanita C. Grant Foundation Village Connector Experience (VCE) Ambassador Training Program. Having participated in a significant number of (mostly legal) professional training sessions over the years -- some more useful and interesting than others -- I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from my VCE training overall. Having now completed this training, I can honestly say that I gained a wealth of useful guidance that will allow me to undertake this new role in a meaningful way. The curriculum was thoughtful and well organized; providing me not only with a fundamental understanding of the overarching goals of the VCE program as it relates to supporting its members, but it also gave me the tools to assess and interact with members experiencing social isolation in a way designed to promote their better reintegration into their community. In this regard, I also learned more about the multi-faceted nature of the issues that might be causing a member to experience social isolation (e.g., mental health, physical challenges, abuse) that can often be identified with these assessment tools. Additionally, the highly interactive nature of the instruction was critical in providing me with “real life” scenarios and challenges that I might be faced with in my role as a VCE Ambassador, and how I might address these situations on a day-to-day basis. I also appreciated how the class instruction showed me how translatable these same assessment tools and information are as a means by which any person can conduct a self-inventory of the relationships in their own lives as it relates to their levels of community engagement and social stability. I am thankful for this learning opportunity and, as a result, feel well equipped to start in my role as a VCE Ambassador.

Each February we celebrate Black excellence, but behind the month stands one man whose stubborn vision reshaped how America remembers its story.

Why This Month and This Practice Are Personal Black History Month has always held a personal significance for me. As a Black woman, I learned resilience from kitchen‐table stories, quiet sacrifices, and the daily choice to keep showing up when the world felt heavy. Guided journaling became a space where I could hold grief and joy simultaneously. It helped me name what my body already knew: I come from brilliance, I’ve survived so much, and my creativity is a lifeline. From Love of Learning to a Living Journal What supported me most weren’t random questions, but prompts rooted in time‐tested ideas about how to live well. I began studying cultural concepts from communities that treat the work of living with intention: Ubuntu from Southern Africa (interconnectedness), Fika from Sweden (intentional pause), Kaizen from Japan (continuous improvement), and Sisu from Finland (inner courage). Life in Practice grew from the meeting point of guided journaling and this global wisdom. Each month centers one concept and explores it through prompts, gentle self‐care practices, and simple mantras. Instead of telling you to “journal more,” it offers a clear, themed path that meets you where you are. How Life in Practice Works I wanted Life in Practice to feel like a steady companion - something you can return to during busy mornings, quiet evenings, or small pauses between responsibilities. Each month opens with an introduction to the theme, followed by weekly posts with daily prompts, self‐care actions, and mantras. There’s a mid‐month check‐in to help you adjust and an end‐of‐month reflection to honor your progress. Journaling is proven to support emotional processing, reduce stress, and help people make meaning from their experiences. This practice turns that research into something simple and humane: a few sentences at a time that help you see yourself more clearly. Ubuntu and the Heart of Black History Month February’s theme is Ubuntu, which sits at the center of Black History Month’s focus on resilience, brilliance, and creativity. Often expressed as “I am because we are”, Ubuntu reminds us that we become ourselves through the people who raised us, challenged us, protected us, and made room for us. This month’s prompts invite you to notice where you’ve been deeply seen, name the values you inherited from your community, and practice inclusion, mutual support, shared laughter, and the courage to admire others out loud. Sankofa, Chi, and Your Ongoing Story Later in the year, Sankofa invites you to “go back and get it”, retrieving lessons, strengths, and unfinished grief from your past. Chi, from Igbo cosmology, turns your attention to the spark within you - your purpose, your gifts, and the environments where you feel most yourself. These Black-rooted philosophies sit alongside concepts like Fika, Kaizen, and Sisu as essential threads, reminding us that Black cultures have long offered profound language for surviving, thriving, and imagining new futures. Resilience, Brilliance, and Creativity in Your Own Handwriting For me, celebrating resilience means recognizing the ways you’ve bent without breaking and giving yourself tools, like guided journaling, to keep bending back toward wholeness. Celebrating brilliance means honoring the wisdom you carry, the values you’ve inherited, and the gifts you offer, even when no one is clapping. Celebrating creativity means making deliberate space for joy, imagination, and possibility, even when the world is loud and demanding. A few minutes of writing each day can become a quiet act of resistance and renewal, a way of saying, “My story matters. My mind and heart deserve care. I am still becoming.” In this season of honoring Black history, Life in Practice is my offering: a year-long guided journal that helps you weave resilience, brilliance, and creativity into the fabric of your everyday life and keep writing the next chapter, one prompt at a time. Join the practice ➡️ lifeinpracticejournal.substack.com

Expanding Social Connections, Outreach, and Mental Wellness Across Generations The Juanita C. Grant Foundation is proud to announce the launch of Forward Together , a transformative initiative designed to strengthen mental wellness and social connectedness across communities. Built on three dynamic pillars, Forward Together empowers individuals of all ages to thrive through meaningful multigenerational relationships, motivational outreach calls, and practical wellness strategies. 🌱 Forward Wellness — Where Belonging Thrives The first pillar focuses on rebuilding social connections as a pathway to mental wellness. Through interactive workshops and guided presentation sessions, participants will: Explore the interconnections between social connectedness, lived experience, and emotional health Develop personalized mental wellness plans with achievable daily goals Learn practical strategies to foster a sense of belonging and purpose 🤝 Forward Unity — Sharing Voices and Strengthening Futures The second pillar, Forward Unity, bridges generations through intentional, sustainable friendships. Our co-generational and intergenerational model includes: Activities that celebrate shared experiences, the gift of wisdom, and the brilliance of youth Power-sharing education to promote mutual respect and appreciation for each generation Tools to permanently eliminate social isolation by fostering deep, reciprocal bonds Trainings for older adult and youth advocates to facilitate co-generation and intergeneration programs in their communities 📞 Forward Village Connection — Building Resilience Through Connections Inspired by our successful Village Connector Experience outreach program launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, this pillar empowers older adults to re-engage with friends, family, and the community. Key components include: Lifelong skills in setting achievable goals, conquering challenges, and making new social connections Support systems that reinforce belonging and mental wellness through social connection Measurable outcomes demonstrating gains in social connectedness and improved mental wellness A Movement Toward a More Connected Future Together, these pillars form a powerful framework for healing, growth, and unity. Forward Together is more than a program—it’s a movement toward a more connected, compassionate future. 📧 For partnership opportunities, program details, or to support our mission, contact us at ogrant@jcgfdn.org  🌐 Visit us at www.juanitaCgrantfoundation.org

Life is full of ups and downs, and our emotions often ride the waves with us. Some days we feel light and hopeful, while other days can feel heavy and overwhelming. Because emotions are such a central part of being human, I’ve developed a simple framework to help navigate them with more clarity and resilience. It rests on three pillars: Emotional Optimism, Emotional Bravery, and Emotional Efficiency. I use the word emotional intentionally. We are emotional beings, and while we can’t always control what we feel, we can choose how we respond. This framework is about moving through emotions productively, rather than getting stuck in them. Emotional Optimism This is the ability to see possibility even when life feels hard. Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine. It means remembering that tomorrow can be better, because you’ve already survived every hard day you’ve faced so far. For example, after a difficult conversation with a loved one, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt. But optimism reminds you that feelings are temporary, and you have the power to shift your inner dialogue. No one else can rewrite your negative self-talk—only you can. Emotional Bravery Optimism is the mindset, but bravery is the action. It’s about taking a step forward instead of sitting still in discomfort. Maybe you had a fight with a friend and feel hurt. Emotional bravery is reaching out the next day to say, “Yesterday was tough for me. Can we talk about it again when you’re ready?” Bravery doesn’t erase fear or sadness—it simply means you act anyway. Emotional Efficiency The third pillar is about speed and momentum. The more you practice optimism and bravery, the faster you can move through emotional turbulence. Think about the last time you faced disappointment—maybe missing out on an opportunity or experiencing rejection. The first time, it might have taken days to recover. But with practice, you learn your own triggers, and you can bounce back in hours instead of days. Efficiency doesn’t mean rushing your feelings; it means not letting them hold you hostage. At its core, this framework is about movement. Emotions are real, powerful, and deeply human—but they don’t have to define us. By practicing optimism, bravery, and efficiency, we can keep moving forward, even when life feels heavy. Michael Bare, ISHC Board Treasurer Chief Executive Officer Bare International

As another school year begins, I’m reminded that learning isn’t confined to the classroom, it happens throughout our lives. In my Chinese heritage, there’s a famous saying attributed to the philosopher Confucius: 三人行, 必有我師”, which translates to “When three persons walk together, there is always a teacher among them.” The wisdom is simple yet profound: yes there is always something to learn from others. Recently, I had the privilege of learning from S. Orlene Grant, Founder and CEO of this Foundation, during a workshop sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America’s Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care. Alongside Lorenzo Ramirez of Colorado, we spoke on a panel about how a person-centered, trauma-informed (PCTI) approach shaped our caregiving journeys. Orlene shared movingly about caring for her late parents, who had endured the realities of life in segregated America. Though we came from different backgrounds—African American, Latino, and Chinese immigrant—we all understood the critical importance of acknowledging past traumas in the lives of those we care for. PCTI care, introduced in 2015 by the federal Administration for Community Living (ACL), is an approach to services that integrates an understanding of trauma into programs, policies, and practices. The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) has been a leader in championing this model, particularly for Holocaust survivors. I first encountered PCTI principles through a JFNA webinar during the pandemic, and it changed my caregiving approach. JFNA defines PCTI as “a holistic model of care that prioritizes health and well-being by accounting for the role of trauma across the life course, resisting re-traumatization, and promoting strength, agency, and dignity.” For me, these principles became essential while caring for my late mother. My parents, immigrants from China, carried the deep scars of war and displacement. Understanding those experiences helped me become a more effective advocate in navigating the healthcare system on their behalf. For example, when completing medical intake forms, I often couldn’t provide information about previous generations—my parents had fled their hometown during the Communist army’s siege, leaving family and records behind. I made sure to explain this to my mother’s doctors so they understood the gaps in her medical history.  Before adulthood, my parents had already endured the Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) and, in the late 1940s, years of displacement during the Chinese Civil War. They were detained in a refugee camp in Southeast Asia for nearly four years before being rescued to Taiwan. These years of illness, malnutrition, and hardship took a lasting toll on their health—challenges that resurfaced decades later when I was their caregiver. During the workshop, Lorenzo and Orlene shared equally moving accounts of caring for loved ones whose lives were marked by trauma. Together, we recognized what the ACL calls “the long-term and adverse consequences of trauma” and how PCTI care empowers caregivers to respond with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and advocacy. Together on stage, we shared a bond across cultures and were united in knowing that we had tried to do our best as family caregivers for those we loved.

It is not surprising that during these unprecedented times, anxiety disorders are the highest reported mental health issue in the US with 42.5 million Americans claiming to suffer from this illness. We can experience greater mental and emotional fatigue. We may think that an aspirin, a nap, or a drink of wine will make things better. And sometimes it does. And sometimes it doesn’t. Similar to mistaking a fractured bone for a simple sprain, mental and emotional well-being often requires dedicated attention—particularly during challenging periods. The World Mental Health Day, initiated by World Federation for Mental Health and the World Health Organization in 1992, was created for times such as these. It aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health. This year’s theme emphasizes ensuring access to services during crises, highlighting the importance of maintaining support for mental and emotional health. Effective strategies include coping with adversity, developing healthy mechanisms for managing stress, nurturing relationships, and addressing mood disorders. The following recommendations aim to support overall mental health: Acknowledge how you’re feeling. Notice and name your feelings. There’s no right or wrong way to feel. Talking to a trusted person or seeking professional assistance can be helpful. Quick Facts and Statistics About Mental Health | Mental Health America Participate in calming activities. Utilize stress-management techniques such as meditation or yoga to facilitate relaxation. Consider limiting digital device usage. Incorporate regular physical activity. Engage in exercise—walking, stretching, chair yoga, swimming, hiking, or other suitable forms of movement—to enhance well-being. Foster community connections. Building and sustaining relationships with biological and chosen family, colleagues, and friends can alleviate loneliness and provide essential support networks. Optimize sleep hygiene. Establish consistent bedtime routines, such as budgeting 30 minutes for winding down, create a calming environment, and unplugging from electronics. On this World Mental Health Day, we are reminded that we are not alone, and we do have support. If you're feeling depressed or experiencing other mental health concerns, know that these are treatable health conditions. Remember that wherever you are on your life’s journey, prioritizing mental health enables a fuller and more rewarding life. Dr. Imani Woody is an internationally and nationally recognized thought leader and an advocate of women, people of color and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/same gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people. For more than 20 years, she has been a personal and professional coach assisting people of color and women to live their lives more fully through visioning. 2. Mastering Sleep Hygiene: Your Path to Quality Sleep

We are living in resourceful times, where industries are adapting quickly and workers of all ages are finding new ways to contribute. Layoffs and shifting priorities are reshaping the workplace nationwide. While these changes affect everyone, they also highlight the stability, perspective, and creativity older workers bring as essential strengths for employers navigating uncertainty. Research shows that job searches can sometimes take longer for people over 50. Yet the very qualities that come with experience such as problem-solving, adaptability, mentoring, are the same qualities that can spark innovative solutions and move organizations forward. During National Employ Older Workers Week (September 21–27) , the JCGF is celebrating the value of older professionals and shining a light on bold, creative strategies that keep them visible, hired, and in demand. Unconventional times call for unconventional approaches, and older workers are well-positioned to lead with ingenuity. Here are a few practical moves to consider, whether you stay in your current role or prepare for something new: Pitch a Transition Plan If you sense shifts at work such as new leadership, restructuring, or reduced communication, consider a proactive conversation. Propose a phased transition where you mentor a successor, consult part-time, or take on a more strategic role. Even if the answer is no, offering solutions shows foresight, flexibility, and leadership. Teach What You Know Your decades of insight can become a workshop, lunch-and-learn, or online course. Whether through community colleges, virtual platforms, or inside your company, turning knowledge into learning opportunities increases visibility and extends impact. Try AI as a Career Companion AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Claude, can streamline tasks, brainstorm ideas, or polish your resume. Being able to say, “I’ve been experimenting with AI to improve my productivity” is a standout in any interview. Start Something Small You don’t need a business loan to launch a consulting gig, seasonal side hustle, or encore project. Think local, low-cost, and aligned with your passions. What do people come to you for or ask you for advice on? What skill could you monetize in a few hours a week? Reconnect Strategically Dust off old contacts, not with a resume but with curiosity. Ask how others are navigating this landscape. Offer encouragement. One reconnection a week can lead to surprising opportunities, sometimes in roles that were never advertised. Returning to the Office Yes, many have grown to prefer remote work. But remember, most careers were built in traditional, in-person environments. That history of navigating office dynamics, mentoring across desks, and collaborating face-to-face is a strength. In interviews, do not hesitate to frame it that way. Your Action Step Pick one idea above and try it this month. Whether it sparks income, a conversation, or renewed confidence, it’s a step forward. National Employ Older Workers Week is not just about appreciation. It’s a reminder that the next chapter may look different, but it is still yours to design and your ingenuity will keep moving both you and our communities ahead. Have a question or topic you'd like us to explore in a future blog? Drop us a note—we're listening. Donna Satterthwaite Vice Chair, Juanita C. Grant Foundation CEO, MotivAction Coaching