“In my work, I focus on what we can do to live our best lives, especially in underserved communities. My goal is to work with a group of diverse people who can inspire, educate, listen, collaborate and inform. The Encore Fellowship taught me about connecting with others, helping me to refine and amplify my message and join other voices who embrace aging.”
Brenda Atchison
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Brenda continues to live in her Roxbury community. She contributes her skills and expertise to numerous non-profit and community-based organizations. As an advocate and social entrepreneur, Brenda applies her insight and resources from a varied career in government, industry and education to bring about new possibilities.
Concerned about health outcomes and quality of life disparities in communities of color, Brenda focuses on living our best lives as we age. She works with groups to sponsor events that bring value to the lives of people over 50. She is dedicated to meeting new people, connecting with folks of all ages and backgrounds to collaborate on ideas that will have meaningful impact.
Recent projects include events and advocacy through Encore Boston Network (EBN), Encore.org, AARP Massachusetts, Age Strong Boston and local community groups. She is a member of the board at EBN, working with the organization to leverage the power of older adults and bring about change and social justice for all. With a view on the intersectionality of aging/longevity and intergenerational connections she will co-facilitate a series of virtual intergenerational conversations about racism for My Life, My Stories as well as at EBN. Brenda participates in intergenerational “homesharing” through Age-Friendly Boston and Nesterly. She continues to pursue healthy aging causes to bring about the best possible outcome for the future of aging and longevity and has been featured as a guest chef for Oldways, A Taste of African Heritage Program. As an artist, Brenda has provided art experiences for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia through Memory Cafes Massachusetts.
A lifelong learner, Brenda holds a M.Ed. in adult education from Antioch University and a B.A. from UMass Boston. After many years, she returned to UMass to study Gerontology at the McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies and completed the Senior Civic Academy as part of Age-Friendly Boston. An avid online learner, Brenda continually pursues her passion for growth and development. As a member of the Museum of Modern Art online learning community, she participated in an In the Studio Exhibition at MoMA. Through these efforts, Brenda hopes to be one of the many who come together to change the world.
Learn more here about the Encore Public Voices Fellowship, which supports diverse voices focusing on aging, longevity and the intergenerational opportunity.