Published in SwagHer Magazine
Encore.org today announced that Sherreta Harrison of MetroMorphosis, a Baton Rouge nonprofit, has been selected as one of 15 Gen2Gen Innovation Fellows, a group of the nation’s most talented innovators and entrepreneurs marshaling their best ideas to create and scale intergenerational solutions. Harrison was selected from a field of more than 160 applicants.
“Encore is one of the leading voices on intergenerational issues. It is not just an honor to be a part of the inaugural Cohort of their Gen2Gen Fellowship, it is truly a dream come true to work alongside others to bridge the generational gap in leadership” Harrison said.
As a component of the fellowship she will undertake a project, IG Co-Lead, focused on the need of community-based and community-oriented organizations to ensure future leadership to sustain their efforts for community change. Ms. Harrison remarked,“Ultimately, we have the opportunity to build more sustainable futures— for social service organizations, the folks who lead them, and the communities they serve.”
Raymond A. Jetson, Chief Executive at MetroMorphosis commented, “Sherreta Harrison is one of the most thoughtful and innovative change agents in our community. I am thrilled that others are beginning to recognize her immense skills and potential.”
Encore.org, a nonprofit bridging generational divides, launched the fellowship to spur and support new ways to bring older and younger people together.
Even before Covid-19, connections between generations were strained. Since then, physical distancing has created more division, disconnection, ageism and loneliness.
“Innovation is often born out of crisis,” says Eunice Lin Nichols, VP for Innovation at Encore.org. “And this particular crisis is inspiring and accelerating the work of innovators who recognize that we can do better together, solve problems together, and create a better world together.”
The 15 fellows selected are bringing generations together to fight social isolation, even the playing field for youth, create stronger cities and more affordable housing, strengthen the multigenerational workforce, and so much more.
Over the next nine months, fellows will meet (virtually) with one another and with experts who will help them advance their work. Each fellow will receive $10,000 and the chance to win a $5,000 Judges’ Prize at the Gen2Gen Innovation Showcase, a virtual live-pitch event taking place in Spring 2021.
The Gen2Gen Innovation Fellowship is funded by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Eisner Foundation, John Templeton Foundation, the May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust, and RRF Foundation for Aging.
Learn more about the fellowship at encore.org/gif . Learn more about Sherreta Harrison and MetroMorphosis at metromorphosis.net.