About Grandmother Collective

Our Story

Across the globe, grandmothers have always been at the heart of community life — guiding generations, holding families through crisis, and leading with wisdom forged by experience. They are caregivers, peacebuilders, advocates, storytellers, and organizers. Their leadership is grounded in trust and relationship, and it moves across generations and social divides—bridging generations, shifting mindsets, and driving cultural and community-level change.

Grandmother Collective was formed to build and connect a global community that advances research, fosters collaboration, and nurtures leadership—ensuring elder women are recognized, supported, and activated as a vital force for positive impact.

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Our Mission

Grandmother Collective builds and connects a world community to elevate, support, and activate elder women as a powerful force.

Our Vision

A world where the power of elder women is visible, valued, and activated to drive positive impact.

Our Team

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Jessica Kohnen

Interim Executive Director
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Karen Smith

Program Manager
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Operations Coordinator

Leigh Horton

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Board of Directors

  • A white woman with long blonde hair, light skin, and wearing a white patterned blouse and teardrop-shaped earrings looks directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

    Jennifer Hanks-Allaire

    Board President

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  • A white man with short hair smiles broadly while standing outdoors. The photo is in black and white, and the background is softly blurred, suggesting an urban street or building setting.

    Matthew Moneypenny

    Board Treasurer

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  • A professional headshot of a light-skinned woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling gently at the camera. She is wearing a black turtleneck under a textured, dark-patterned blazer against a simple gray background.

    Dr. Lori Esposito Murray

    Board Member

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  • A light-skinned woman with dark hair tied back, wearing pearl earrings, smiles at the camera. The background is blurred with partial, indistinct text visible.

    Silvia von Guten

    Board Member

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