2026 Maryland Aging Innovations Summit: Designing for Longevity

Maryland Philanthropy Network’s 2026 Maryland Aging Innovations Summit provides an opportunity to learn, network, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and express appreciation for the dedication and commitment to those working in the field of aging. This year's theme, Designing for Longevity, will explore the creative age-well initiatives that extend along the generations and the threats to aging well. 

The Summit will open with Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA) Secretary Carmel Roques who will set the stage with opening remarks about the public inter-agencies and private organizations' collaborations that are involved with implementing her conceived Longevity Ready MD plan. 

Our keynote speaker, Dr. Leanne Clark-Shirley, Gerontologist and President and CEO of the American Society on Aging, will speak about innovative, successful intergenerational programs such as ASA RISE, and others throughout the country, to reshape the future of aging.

A thoughtful panel discussion on 'Age-Friendly Systems Benefit All Communities’ will feature intergenerational developments and "Village" models implemented throughout Maryland’s communities. 
Our panelists include:

• Emily Kearns, Dementia Specialist Coordinator, Baltimore County Department of Aging
• Jane Rohde, Founder, Live Together Intergenerational Communities
• Sharon L. Vanzego-Johnson, Director of Aging Services of the Maryland Umbrella Group, Care Manager & Dementia Care Practitioner, City of Greenbelt
• Chelsea Wheeler (Moderator), Supportive Communities Program Manager, Maryland Department of Aging

We’ll finish the summit with a presentation and uplifting performance by the Iris Music Project, which has a unique Ensemble-in-Residence program of professional musicians developing relationships with residents to inspire them to become lyricists, performers, rehearsal directors or simply audience members. 

Continental Breakfast and lunch will be served. 

Who Should Attend

This event is for members of Maryland Philanthropy Network, members of the Maryland Aging Innovations Group, and invited guests.  

This year’s venue at Coppin State University will facilitate having university students attend and interact with nonprofit partners, tying into our theme of Designing for Longevity and the roles we can all participate in. 

Accessibility

We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment; please feel free to review our general Accessibility guidelines. We also invite you to use the "Comments Section" of the registration process to share any accommodation you require to participate in the event.

Registration Details, Assistance, and Cancellations

You must have a website account to register for this event. Those who are not MPN members or do not already have a website account will need to request an account. Once the account has been approved, you will receive another e-mail containing information about how to set your password and log in to register for events. Please allow up to 2 business days for this process.

Please contact Maryland Philanthropy Network with questions, assistance with registering, or changes to your registration. We expect this event will reach capacity before the registration deadline. If you are not able to attend, please let us know prior to the event or update your registration on the website.

This free event is generously sponsored by: 

The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and Keswick