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April 2026
Spring Wellness Fair
4/29/26 - Adam Suomala
Our members at Volunteers of America - Minnesota and Wisconsin Caregiver Support and Dementia Services are hosting a Spring Wellness Fair with the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Board on Aging on May 2, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Fellowship Baptist Church - Centers for Families (3333 North 4th Street) in Minneapolis.
All are welcome to discover tools for healthier living and connection with programs that support you and your loved ones. From health and wellness information booths to community resources and caregiver education or dementia services information, there are opportunities for everyone to help us all build a healthier community!
Minnesota's Comprehensive Aging Survey
4/23/26 - Adam Suomala
As our state's population grows older, efforts to better-inform statewide planning is key. The Minnesota Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Minnesota Board on Aging and Age-Friendly Minnesota Council, Minnesota Area Agencies on Aging, Minnesota Management and Budget and University of Minnesota Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation are inviting Minnesotans age 60+, caregivers or professionals in the field to share perspectives in a new Comprehensive Aging Survey from early May through mid-July.
This statewide survey is designed to better understand the experiences, needs and priorities of Minnesotans. Insights gathered will directly inform planning for policies, programs, and services supporting each of us as we age. MN Leadership Council on Aging encourages you to help promote and ensure real experiences are used to help guide decision-making, improve services and influence the future of aging in our state.
Delegate Profile: Joy DesMarais-Lanz
4/8/26 - Adam Suomala
We look forward to welcoming a new Delegate to our ranks this May, when Joy DesMarais-Lanz takes the helm as Executive Director of the Minnesota Home Care Association.
A seasoned nonprofit executive with more than 15 years of experience, Joy has served as a trusted strategic partner to CEOs and boards, where she strengthened finance, operations, and organizational culture to help complex, mission-driven organizations navigate change, build resilient systems, and deliver lasting impact at scale.
Joy holds a BA in Communications as well as a Masters in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University.
The Right to a Different Story
4/8/26 - Adam Suomala
The Right to a Different Story challenges along-standing belief that aging is defined by inevitable decline, which is a narrative that has shaped everything from Medicare coverage rules to guardianship decisions.
Drawing on legal precedent, including the Jimmo v. Sebelius settlement, and emerging research on later-life improvement and resilience, this piece argues that need — not predicted improvement — should guide care and policy. At its core, the article calls for a fundamental shift in how we think about aging: toward dignity, potential, and the right of every older adult to be seen through a more accurate and empowering lens.
Our First Catalyst Café
4/7/26 - Adam Suomala
Next month, our Catalyst Conversations move from your monitor to an in-person Minneapolis location for our first Catalyst
Café:
We Age Because We Survive: How Are Black Trans Women Aging in Minnesota?
Join our Research Consultant
Charles "Tysen" Tyson for an in-person session. As leaders across our aging sector, we'll take the first steps in an important community conversation. We'll embark on a journey to understand what safety and belonging look like across the life course for Black trans women in Minnesota as they age. From mapping community assets to seeing where service gaps and systems fail us, this conversation is the start of a long-term project of community-led research and systems change efforts to strengthen our respective aging organizations, systems, and state.
March 2026
Minnesota World Elder Abuse Awareness Conference
3/17/26 - Adam Suomala
Our members at the Minnesota Elder Justice Center invite you to the 20th Annual Minnesota World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Conference on June 17, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center featuring a keynote address by Adult Protective Services professionals from Tribal Nations across Minnesota exploring Tribal Adult Protective Services: Voices from the Frontlines.
This annual conference offerse diverse and robust workshop offerings, including two tracks this year - a "New to the Field" track for people just starting out their work serving older and vulnerable adults and a "Financial Exploitation" track exploring intervention, investigation, and prosecution of financial exploitations incidents.
Brain Health Fair
3/16/26 - Adam Suomala
Our members at the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation at the University of Minnesota invite you to a Brain Health Fair on March 21, 2026 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach Engagement Center (UROC) in Minneapolis.
All are welcome to enjoy free food and great music as you walk around to over 30 tables featuring experts from the community and the University of Minnesota - not to mention lightening talks featuring
Delegate Profile: Nathan Danielson
3/3/26 - Adam Suomala
The newest Delegate to join our ranks is Nathan Danielson, Associate Vice President of Older Adults at Lutheran Social Service of Minesota.
Nate joined LSS in 2020 as director of Trust Services and in 2023 was promoted to senior director of Guardianship, Supported Decision-Making & Pooled Trust. Now in this new role, he continues to expand his deep expertise and a spirit of collaboration leading all the LSS Meals, Supported Decision-Making & Guardianship Options, Trust Services, and Companion & Caregiver Services initiatives.
Nate holds a BA from Minnesota State University in Mankato, is a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor, and actively serves groups such as the National Plan Alliance, Association of Pooled Trusts, WINGS of Minnesota, and National Guardianship Association. He lives in Eagan.
February 2026
2025 Annual Report: Purpose, Policy, Power
2/26/26 - Adam Suomala
The MN Leadership Council on Aging has published its 2025 Annual Report: Purpose, Policy, Power, which reviews a year of collective action, policy leadership, and progress towards an age-friendly Minnesota.
This year's report offers a look into how the Council and its partners are advancing equitable aging through systems change, strengthening relationships across the sector, and amplifying community voices to shape policy and practice statewide. From convening hundreds of leaders to championing key policy priorities, learn more about this growing movement dedicated to ensuring we all can age well.
Free Framer Fridays are Back!
2/26/26 - Adam Suomala
The first 2026 gathering of the Reframing Aging Minnesota is coming up on March 6, from 10–11 a.m. and we want to see you there!
Measuring Ageism is a free, 1-hour virtual session designed to help each of us recognize and address age bias. Join Andy Brown, Vice President of Communications and Engagement at Trellis, and Meghan Redmond, Associate State Director – Community Engagement at AARP Minnesota, we'll explore the three dimensions of ageism, new tools to measure our bias, and work through a case scenario to help us practice spotting and responding to bias in everyday situations.
Recognizing Caregivers Across Minnesota
2/20/26 - Adam Suomala
Today is National Caregivers Day. This day holds a particularly special relevance for Minnesotans responding with love and resilience to so many community needs these days.
As Minnesotans, we support each other in navigating complex systems, managing health needs, and remaining connected to our community as we age. Yet too often, caregivers shoulder emotional, physical, and financial strain without adequate recognition or support. Caregivers in a just society should feel fearless about what lies ahead, seen and respected in their workplaces and communities, and be recognized as essential contributors to our collective wellbeing.
If you are a caregiver, we see you. We honor your dedication in showing up to care, and we recommit to strengthening the policies and supports needed to ensure you do not carry this responsibility alone.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Day at the Capitol
2/19/26 - Adam Suomala
On March 10, 2026, advocates from across Minnesota will join our members at the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter at the Minnesota State Capitol to speak up and create change for Minnesotans living with Alzheimer's, other dementias, and the caregivers who support them.
This is a powerful opportunity to show collective strength and advance legislation that would expand access to Alzheimer's treatments for Minnesotans under age 65. Events start at 10 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda with engaging speakers and a briefing on the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 policy priority. After a lunch break, meetings with elected officials will ensure your voice is heard. No advocacy experience needed - they will help you feel confident and empowered.
2026 Policy Endorsements
2/16/26 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota’s 2026 Legislative Session begins tomorrow, and it is expected to move quickly. Early outreach and visible engagement matter. Wherever you are in the state and whatever your role, now is the time to connect with lawmakers and elevate the issues you see affecting life as we age in your community.
This year, the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging has endorsed a focused set of policy solutions that we will support before the Minnesota Legislature that you can view on our policy page.
Our Deepest Appreciation: Chao Yang
2/1/26 - Adam Suomala
It is with respect and sadness that I share Chao Yang is stepping down as our Director of Equity and Engagement. From her first day with us at our 2022 Summit, she has worked to elevate our part-time role while also running her own company, Ziag Management Consulting LLC. After three years leading our diversity, equity, and inclusion work, she now seeks a return to full-time employment.
Chao has consistently shown up as a trusted advisor, thoughtful strategist, and a caring professional partner. Throughout her time at the Leadership Council, Chao strengthened both our internal culture and our external impact in many ways:
- Leading convenings with diverse elders to inform our priorities, strengthen trust, and elevate community-informed decisions.
- Providing leadership to our committees to support governance, strategy alignment, and implementation efforts.
- Directing talent and co-leading the Catalyst Conversations series, advancing cross-sector dialogue and learning.
- Spearheading our Diversity Matrix, establishing an annual tool that we now use for transparency, accountability and learning.
- Strengthening organizational thought leadership by expanding capacity and practice around community-centered engagement.
- Serving as faculty and subject-matter lead for professional learning, such as “Bridging Vision and Action: Practical Steps for Embedding Community Engagement in Projects and Proposals."
- Cultivating strategic relationships that resulted in four powerful organizations joining and strengthening our membership.
I’m thankful that while Chao may be leaving her position, she remains committed to our shared cause. She will continue her work in and with the community, noting “the work ahead in this contentious landscape is about changing power, priorities and accountability in how we serve and value older adults from all walks of life.” We are better positioned to address our part in this thanks to her thought leadership and service.
January 2026
Delegate Profile: Margaret Rog
1/10/26 - Adam Suomala
We are pleased to introduce our newest Delegate, Margaret Rog,
Advocacy Manager at the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter.
With over 30 years of experience helping nonprofit organizations strategize and grow, she joined the Alzheimer's Association team last year to help build trusted relationships between elected officials and the advocates whose lived experience can create real policy change.
She also represents the city of St. Louis Park as a twice-elected city council member, holds a B.A. in English from Augsburg University and a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Minnesota.
Now Open: AARP Community Challenge Grants
1/7/26 - Adam Suomala
AARP has officially launched the 10th year of its Community Challenge grant program, which funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable for all ages, and spark long-term change.
Follow the link to learn about the program's history, the achievements of past grantees — and how to apply for a grant.
- Application Deadline: March 4, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CT
- Submission site: AARP.org/CommunityChallenge
- Project Completion Deadline: December 15, 2026
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations, government entities, and others on a case-by-case basis.
Aging Dementia Grant RFP Opens
1/6/26 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota Board on Aging Dementia Grant RFP is open and has a responders conference January 7 at 1 p.m. to share more about this competitive grant program focusing on the impact dementia has on family, friends and caregivers. Grants should:
- Increase awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
- Increase the rate of cognitive testing
- Promote the benefits of early identification
- Connect family, friends and neighbors who are caregiving with education, support and resources.
Grants should stimulate collaboration and coordination and strengthen community relationships and partnerships that promote the benefit of physician consultation for all people who may have a memory or cognitive concern.
You're Invited: Vital Voices
1/2/26 - Adam Suomala
Our members at the Vital Aging Network are doing something new, and hope you'll join in. Vital Voices provides an opportunity to share your views, listen to others, and support each other in taking action. "Together we’ll find ways to use our influence - in big ways and small ways - to make a better world." The first session is January 26, from 1-3 pm at HealthPartners Neuroscience Center in St. Paul followed by monthly meetings.
MGS 50th Annual Conference - Call for Speakers
1/2/26 - Adam Suomala
Our members at the
Minnesota Gerontological Society extended thier
Call for Speakers to Friday, January 8. They invite proposals from educators, researchers, thought leaders, practitioners, and more on a wide range of topics related to aging and the lives of older adults for the 50th anniversary conference:
Learning, Leading, Embracing Our Future.
Welcome Our New Accountant:
1/1/26 - Adam Suomala
With the start of the New Year, we also welcomed a new team member to serve as our Accountant. Vanesa Arreola Rodríguez comes to us as part of our contract with Studio501, which focuses on our accounting systems, reporting, internal controls structure, and compliance. She is responsible for our bookkeeping, financial reports, and other services.
From owning her own restaurant to her experience across corporate and nonprofit accounting, her focus today is "giving back to the community behind the curtain" and she believes "we can make a difference in our communities through accounting." Rodríguez holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Accounting from Rasmussen University.
Delegate Profile: Jill Kozberg
1/1/26 - Adam Suomala
We are pleased to introduce our newest Delegate, Jill Kozberg. She serves as Mental Health and Senior Services Director for Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minnesota.
Effective January 1, Jewish Family Service of St. Paul and Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis now operate as one organization, providing 30+ programs and services for our state.
Jill is also a Licensed Psychologist with 25+ years of experience. She believes everyone has their own answers, and works collaboratively to offer support, feedback and perspective. She holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Minnesota.
"I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody."
Lily Tomlin
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