AI Researcher • Emmy Award–Winning Filmmaker • Creator • Taco Enthusiast Jake Roper, Emmy Award winner for Can You Survive the Movies?, has captivated more than 130 million viewers through curiosity-driven storytelling that blends science, exploration, and imagination. A former YouTube sensation, Jake believes that curiosity is not a trait—it’s a practice built through experimentation, questioning, and daring to follow ideas wherever they lead. Jake’s purpose—and his success—emerged from this core belief:

• Curiosity demands research, testing ideas, and learning from others.
• He speaks to audiences as geniuses with room to grow.
• His series attracted millions of like-minded explorers of all ages.
• His subscription project,The Curiosity Box, helps others build and express their curiosity in hands-on ways.

H.E.A.R.T. 9/11 — Good Does Come From Loss John Viola knows the true meaning of service and sacrifice. As a Lieutenant with Engine 4 Ladder 15 in Lower Manhattan, his firehouse responded to the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001—where fourteen of his fellow firefighters lost their lives. Out of that devastation came purpose. John became a founding part of H.E.A.R.T. 9/11, a team of skilled first responders—FDNY, NYPD, PAPD, and the NYC Building Trades—united to build healing in the aftermath of tragedy. Their mission proves every day that good does come from loss, through hands-on compassion and action-driven recovery. Key Areas of Impact

• Disaster Response:Deploying teams to natural and man-made disaster zones with emergency and construction expertise.
• Community Rebuilding:Restoring community centers and local infrastructure to reignite hope and connection.
• Responder Support:Providing assistance, home accessibility, and mental wellness programs for injured first responders.
• Resilience Training:Equipping frontline workers—nurses, teachers, and responders—with tools to process trauma and foster strength.

Advocating for Purpose Ryan Thompson, CEO of Peak Experiential, is an inspiring, intuitive, and tenacious brand builder known for delivering award-winning experiential design, integrated marketing strategy, and breakthrough brand activation. With a legacy of driving results and reshaping the way audiences connect with brands, Ryan understands that strategy alone isn’t enough—purpose must lead the way. While at Heineken USA, Ryan participated in a corporate purpose strategy led by the Authentic Leader Institute. On the second day, participants were asked to create a one-sentence personal purpose statement. That challenge forced Ryan into an emotional, deeply personal journey that transformed how he leads, creates, and lives. Why Having a Personal Purpose Statement Matters

• It anchors your decisions in authenticity, not pressure or expectation.
• It becomes a compass when opportunities are many or clarity is scarce.
• It builds confidence by aligning actions with values.
• It strengthens resilience when facing adversity or change.
• It inspires others, creating cultures where meaning matters as much as performance.

Founder of OATS & Senior Planet | Advocate for Tech-Accessible Aging Tom Kamber is the founder and executive director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet, two groundbreaking initiatives dedicated to empowering older adults through technology. Under Tom’s leadership, Senior Planet has delivered award-winning programs that help seniors stay connected, confident, and engaged in a rapidly changing digital world—now operating nationally as charitable affiliates of AARP. A renowned expert on aging and technology, Tom has been featured in major media outlets and has shared his research, insights, and innovation on five continents. At Senior Planet, older adults learn how to:

• Use social media safely to connect with family and community.
• Access telehealth platforms for healthcare from home.
• Participate in online classes that spark creativity and lifelong learning.
• Build confidence through digital banking, services, and everyday tools.
• Explore new platforms like Instagram, Zoom, and YouTube to share their voice and experiences.

Transformational Speaker, Storyteller & Unapologetic Original Chosen as one of the best speakers in the country by Meetings & Conventions Magazine—alongside icons like Tony Robbins, Bill Gates, Colin Powell, Lou Holtz, Zig Ziglar, Mike Ditka, and Jay Leno—Mikki Williams stands in a class all her own. Her signature program, Transformational Tales: How We Grow Through the Stories We Tell, exemplifies the purpose she lives with intention and the legacy she aims to leave behind. Mikki believes purpose isn’t fixed—it can shift instantly—and her own brand was born through life’s unexpected turns and the courage to stand out. Known for her motto, “Be outrageous—it’s the only place that isn’t crowded,” she challenges others to uncover what makes them unique and to lead in ways that leave something meaningful inside the people they touch. Five Key Takeaways from Mikki Williams

• Know and communicate yourUSP—what makes you uniquely you.
• Purpose evolves; stay open to transformation.
• Avoid “shiny object syndrome”—clarity outperforms distraction.
• Strip away the material, and what remains is gratitude, mindfulness, and purpose.
• Leadership and speaking are not about performance—they're aboutimpact and what you leave behind.
• At 82 she has reached well over Tic Tok viewers and connections

Public Policy & Affiliate Relations Manager, NAMI Connecticut Thomas Burr has been a dedicated mental health advocate for more than two decades through his work with NAMI Connecticut. Serving as Public Policy & Affiliate Relations Manager—and previously as affiliate board member and Board President—Tom has helped shape statewide initiatives supporting mental health services, education, and community connection. With anxiety, depression, and social isolation rising across all generations, Tom emphasizes that conversations about mental health and purpose are no longer optional—they are essential. His work underscores the power of advocacy, early support, and community partnerships in improving outcomes and reducing stigma. Five Key Takeaways from Tom Burr

• Mental health affects every age and every community.
• Reducing stigma starts with open, everyday conversation.
• Purpose and connection are protective factors against isolation.
• Advocacy drives change—silence does not.
• Access to support early can transform lifelong outcomes.

Purpose Pioneer, Author & Co-Founder, Conspiracy of Love Afdhel Aziz’s journey toward purpose began in the wake of the Indian Ocean tsunami in his native Sri Lanka—an experience that shifted his focus from corporate success to meaningful impact. After two decades leading global brands at Procter & Gamble, Nokia, Heineken, and Absolut, he founded Conspiracy of Love, a “Best for the World” B Corp working with companies like Adidas, Coca-Cola, The Gap, and Sephora to embed purpose into business strategy. He also co-founded Good is the New Cool, partnering with organizations such as Time Magazine to create content that closes what he calls “The Hope Gap.” Five Key Takeaways from Afdhel Aziz

• Purpose and profit are not opposites—they amplify each other.
• Major brands can be powerful engines for social and environmental good.
• Employees are most engaged when work aligns with meaning.
• Storytelling and creativity accelerate movements for change.
• The future belongs to companies that serve—not just sell.

Margit Novack is an author, storyteller, speaker, entrepreneur, and pioneer in Senior Move Management. As the founding president of the National Association of Specialty and Senior Move Managers (NASMM), she helped shape a field that now supports thousands of families navigating transition with dignity and clarity. In her insightful memoir, Squint: Re-Visioning the Second Half of Life, Margit blends memorable personal stories with universal experiences—downsizing, caregiving, forgiveness, estrangement, and identity. With honesty and humor, she challenges cultural assumptions about aging and reveals a future filled with purpose, acceptance, and new beginnings. Her work invites us to view aging not as decline, but as expansion. Five Key Takeaways

• Perspective determines possibility—A shift in how we “squint” changes how we see aging.
• Downsizing is emotional, not just logistical—belongings hold history, not just weight.
• Caregiving reshapes love and patience—for both giver and receiver.
• Forgiveness frees more than it fixes—especially when reconciliation isn't possible.
• The second half of life invites reinvention—identity continues to evolve, even—and especially—as we age.

Emmy-Winning Media Executive & Creator of Fat Bear Week Naomi Boak is an award-winning media and communications executive recognized for developing innovative, audience-captivating television and digital content with lasting community impact. A Primetime Emmy and double Webby Award winner, Naomi spent over 25 years producing successful media projects for major broadcasters and global brands. In 2019, she made a bold pivot—combining storytelling with her passion for Alaska brown bears—becoming the Media Ranger for Katmai National Park. There, she co-produces and hosts live broadcasts for Explore.org and helped elevate Fat Bear Week into a viral global phenomenon featured by top news outlets worldwide. Five Takeaways from Naomi Boak

• Reinvention is possible at any stage of life.
• Passion is a powerful career compass.
• Great storytelling builds community and drives impact.
• Media platforms can transform education and conservation.
• When work includes fun and purpose, audiences feel it.

Having held leadership positions at Dell, Nike, Whole Foods, and Indeed, Natalie has always been on a purpose and passion pilgrimage spanning 20+ years. She worked in Supply Chain, Product Management, and Engineering, which led to Chief of Staff positions and beyond. With over 11 million people unemployed in the US, she seeks to ease the way for job seekers to view postings and aggregate job postings from thousands of agencies and employment firms. Natalie is a firm believer in always seeking the right fit for location, cultural mix, using specific skills, while also following purpose and passion

• Never run from a job but rather to a job.
• Keep pipelines of opportunity open always.
• Look for growth: search for where you want to be; plant seeds to get there.
• Identify your natural gifts; seek environments/positions that allow you to flourish.
• Take the teacher, not the class.  It makes the world of difference.

Accomplished businesswoman, educator, author, social entrepreneur, and convener of intergenerational collaboration, Barbara applies her skills to empower others to create social change. She founded Champions of Caring, a non-profit organization empowering over 10,000 youth in Philadelphia and South Africa to become leaders and engaged citizens. She wrote the book, Live Your Legacy Now, and empowerment guide, to encourage youth and adults of all ages and backgrounds locally and internationally, to embrace and live their legacies. A documentary film, The Coral Ring Legacy, traces her story and serves as a call to action for global change makers to create a kinder world.

• Never stay silent or indifferent when facing injustice.  Speak up; your voice matters.
• Cultivate your interests and live your legacies NOW, don’t just plan for the future.
• Gather diverse ages/ backgrounds in community service to build allies and reduce prejudice.
• Involve people of all ages. It is never too early or too late to make a positive difference.
• Cultivate and train youth to act beyond good intentions. Every action matters to someone.

An underwater enthusiast for 30+ years, Kramer is a scuba diver and scuba ‘instructor, while growing his company, Dive Tours International, LLC. He is committed to preserving Black maritime heritage, mentorship, marine science, and outreach to underserved youth. Kember teaches people of all ages to scuba dive and enjoy the water. He is a prominent African American in the mostly white diving community so part of his message addresses need for diversity. Kramer volunteered with five nonprofit organizations, works with youth in New York City, and has achieved over 3,000 dives into water around the globe. He is a dive instructor for Dive With a Purpose (DWP), an underwater Archaeology Survey program to teach coral restoration, preserving valuable future resources and documenting shipwrecks from Atlantic Slave Trade to honor people who were lost and preserve their heritage.

• Humans are all part of a larger ecosystem; treat it respectfully with a keen eye to conservation.
• Weave Black stories/ heritage into marine conservation to inspire broad, diverse participation.
• Cultivate a support system to help overcome fears, negativity, and life’s inevitable challenges.
• Practice skills for survival and success; add fun to continually enjoy adventures throughout life.
• Volunteer to give back; find causes to help community and enrich your own life.

Helen is a nationally recognized leader in the field of aging, employment, and the new retirement which she calls Renewment. Her LA Times bestseller book, Project Renewment, outlines issues faced by most with thoughtful questions. She edited two books, has written over 100 articles, and penned well over 1,000 columns on Successful Aging for the Southern California Newspaper Group. Her specialty is non-financial aspects of retirement, where she has assisted over 25,000 individuals in future preparation. She has been quoted in numerous newspapers and was named by PBS Next Avenue as one of the 50 top influencers in aging. Helen served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging and remains involved in five non-profit organizations. Helen has been recognized with numerous awards for her teaching at USC’s Davis School, Andrus Gerontology Center, plus contributions to the community, the field of aging, and literary arts.

• When transitioning to renewal, refresh yourself and become the best version of you.
• Maintain strength, balance, and engage your mind. Stay active; don’t give in to frailty.
• Staying flexible and adaptable are key; adjust to physical changes, and learn new technologies.
• Be open-minded, resourceful, and take initiative. Opportunities are out there; seek them.
• Connect with peers for mutual support; view elderhood as a purpose-filled adventure.

Syble’s background includes gerontology, executive coaching , and earlier expertise in education. She focused on skills in money personality and financial planning across the age spectrum to where she is an expert on the psychology of money. Syble is founder of LifeWise, and creator of the Money Habitudes (MH) card deck. The MH card game and accompanying manual assists individuals to learn how their habits and attitudes about money support or sabotage relationships, career, and goals. Her firm, LifeWise, promotes financial education and the psychology of money, Syble garnered numerous awards for Money Habitudes, including Educator of the Year Award from The Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education and Book of the Month selection by the Washington Post.  She has been quoted on financial education in publications such as USA Today, Bankrate.com, and MSN Money.

• When individuals understand their habits/attitudes around money, better choices are made.
• Increasing your knowledge of money habitudes helps to manage spending behavior.
• Recognize red flags to avoid financial abuse and maintain financial safety/wellbeing.
• Help to develop positive financial habits in youth so they realize they can manage money.
• Understand origins of money habits from family, culture, events to provide necessary insight.

Jan brings 30+ years of experience to her workshops in resilience, coaching, successful aging, and life transitions in mid to later life. She works in both public and private sectors, focusing on the needs of Baby Boomers, redefining aging in midlife. In addition to coaching, Jan facilitates discussion groups to promote successful aging to midlifers. She hones in on health and wellness, social connections, life transitions, and strategies to cultivate positive aging. Jan is an active community member, having served as Co-Chair of the Philadelphia chapter of Life Planning Network, Chair of the Bux-Mont Neighborhood Community, and developed the Sandwich Generation Series, providing support to Baby Boomers in caregiving roles.  She brings unmatched sensitivity, resourcefulness, and diligence to her coaching and workshops.

• When you become resilient, perspective shifts to manage issues that once were impossible.
• Practice gratitude as a key strategy for physical and emotional health and well-being
• Rid yourself of “busy” handcuffs to find out ”Who am I?” and “What do I want?”
• Set priorities and boundaries; both are important and use them daily as your guide.
• Identify your reciprocal support system; be there for them as they are here for you.

Thelma is a retired professor of English and Education with a lifelong interest in language.  She organized the World Symposium on Family Literacy in Paris at UNESCO, created the advisory council for Hooked on Phonics, and served as spokesperson in the 1990’s.  Thelma was Director of the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on Literacy and was a frequent media presenter. She was instrumental with Philadelphia Young Playwrights and chaired the Board of Children’s Literacy Initiative. Thelma Co-authored three books on healthy aging and founded the popular blog. Elderchicks, exploring reinvention in later life. Recently, Thelma launched Seriously Senior on Substack.  Now a nonagenarian, Thelma is a mother, grandmother, and resides in Philadelphia with her husband, Harvey, an artist and author. She is engaged in several organizations and lends legitimacy to issues being discussed. When Thelma speaks, those gathered listen.

• Whatever project is undertaken, make sure it has academic foundation, credibility, and visibility.
• Find and develop your voice to promote what matters to you; media presence is an imperative.
• Literacy education is fundamental and must be recognized and supported.
• Engage youth in creative writing/literacy through playwriting; the skills will be used for life.
• If a cause is important and matters to a specific population, stand up and speak out!

Major General (ret.) Lorraine Potter was the first female chaplain commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and the first woman to serve as the Air Force Chief of Chaplains.  She served our country from 1973 to 2004, breaking numerous gender barriers throughout her distinguished 31-year career.  After earning a Master of Divinity degree, Lorraine learned that applicants for Air Force chaplaincy had to be male. She questioned that restriction and the gender requirement was dropped. Lorraine was commissioned in 1973, making history for breaking numerous barriers. She served at every command level and was the Command Major General and the most senior chaplain in the Department of Defense. In retirement, Lorraine remains active and The American Baptist Home Mission Societies established the Lorraine K, Potter Military Chaplaincy Merit Award in her honor.

• Open doors for others to leadership roles; break gender barriers with conviction and respect.
• Step up to champion the rights for all faiths to practice religious freedom freely in the military.
• Provide emotional, spiritual, moral support and pastoral care to 850,000 Air Force personnel and families; n retirement, continue lifelong service to new constituencies.
• Advise on ethical matters and quality of life as part of the Armed Forces Chaplains Board.
• Practice lifelong deep-seated beliefs and faith to serve country and God.

Larry Jacobson authored five books devoted to transitions, post-career planning, a children’s book on sailing the world, drawing from personal experience, and his newest book, Beyond the Meeting Room Mastering Communication in a Remote World.  Larry is a sought after and seasoned business/personal coach and mentor to aspiring leaders. With 20 years of business experience, including work as a CEO, he embarked on a six-year sailing adventure around the world as a model to clients to reach identified goals. He excels in navigating entrepreneurship and his work is used in business schools and higher ed institutions.  From rich experience, he speaks about leadership, visioning, goal setting, managing fear, risk taking, decision-making, perseverance, and leading with passion.  Larry was  the recent recipient of the Retirement Catalyst Award by the Retirement Coaches Association for his contributions to the life planning field.

• Get away from your desk; engage face-to-face with acquaintances, allies, and advocates.
• Gain comfort with remote communication tools: texting, email, phone, video conference, and document collaboration. Your future may depend on it.
• Connect with your purpose, and how to fulfill it; then set your course, and stick to it.
• With added longevity, create a plan with purpose, fulfillment, and fun at its core.
• Identify your passions, look for consistent themes, and gather what it will take to get there.

Founder Christine Crosby is the brains, spark, and energy behind GRAND Magazine since its birth in 2004. The magazine transformed how society views grandparenting.  Her mission has remained constant through ups and downs of the Pandemic, the impact of COVID, and even a hurricane that destroyed Grand’s headquarters. Through it all, GRAND continues to celebrate the joys and challenges of the grandparent role in today’s bewildering and tech-savvy world. Christine is a firm believer that grandparenting is life-changing. It opens new chapters of renewed purpose, love, and diverse needs, while the flipside is also true. Each grandparent has his or her own needs, navigating the transitions that come with elderhood. Exploring these crucial roles is the essence of GRAND, and kudos to Christine Crosby for her leadership and devotion that keeps GRAND in the limelight.

• GRAND provides the help to stoke and transmit new trends, stories, and wisdom to generations.
• GRAND  is a bridge to intergenerational dialogue, bonds, and deepened understanding.
• GRAND stays future-focused by drawing content from experts in positive aging and beyond.
• GRAND honors experience and stories while balancing lessons learned with new perspectives.
• GRAND invites new, emerging topics along with creative ways to engage with grandchildren.

Kathleen is the Entrepreneur behind Bellicchi’s Best Biscotti, a story that honors her late husband and their love for baking together.  She turned that shared hobby into a successful, full-time home food business, selling products in New England stores and aligning with large chains such as Whole Foods. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Alzheimer’s Association, honoring the memory of her husband, Eric, who died of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2013.  Kathleen emphasizes using local ingredients, including Rhode Island eggs, Cabot butter, and she sells her goods at farmers' markets. Kathleen remains active, vibrant, teaching presentation skills to executives and entrepreneurs while maintaining physical fitness, and planning new products like “Nona the Stonah’s Cannabiscotti.”

• Turn a passion into a business.  Resources, networks, and tools are out there; get connected.
• Entrepreneurship is a viable outlet for talent, interest, income, and the development of new skills.
• Home businesses contribute mightily to local economies, + employ family and local talent.
• Entrepreneurship honors family expertise, ingenuity while meeting current market demands.
• Personal passion provides new purpose which is especially true as other markets dissipate.