Out & About in RI: Senior Agenda Coalition of RI – The Age of Influence (photos)

The Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island’s annual conference, The Age of Influence, brought nearly 200 people to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet on Friday, October 2, for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and celebration. Advocates, community leaders, service providers, policymakers, and supporters filled the room.

They were there to explore how older adults and adults with disabilities are shaping public life in a fast-changing digital world. U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S., Congressman Gabe Amo, State Representative Lauren Carson, and State Senator Lou DiPalma greeted the audience with updates on what’s happening at the state and federal levels.

The keynote by Jane Govednik  of Instagram’s @RhodyFamily set the tone for the day. She talked about what brought her to creating content and having a very public persona. Jane spoke openly about her online experience and staying honest with her followers.  Her message was clear: influence has few limits and no expiration date, have fun, be smart.

The presentation of awards closed out the afternoon. Norma Gonzales received the Marjorie Waters Impact Award and gave a warm, heartfelt thank you. Her  transformational work continues at the DaVinci Center.

Dr. Robert Carl then received the inaugural Robert Carl Wavemaker Award, and the crowd responded positively to his remarks. The award celebrates his lifelong dedication to the developmental disabilities community and his tireless effort to close the Ladd School. It was a wonderful day.  And executive director, Carol Anne Costa reminded everyone, “Rhode Island’s older adults aren’t just part of the conversation. We are leading it.”!