BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
Convening of a diverse group of local organizations from across the country to help families live with dignity, purpose, and security.
ABOUT THE CONVERSATION:
On September 10, 2020, Latinos for a Secure Retirement will partner with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and a diverse group of local organizations from across the country to host a Cafecito (coffee chat) on Community Conversations on Money and Aging. This partnership coalesced by NCOA will bring resources to help families apply for money-saving benefits through the NCOA BenefitsCheckupTool© to live with dignity, purpose and security.
We will talk about how as organizations, we have faced the pandemic, continue to have critical discussions on the REALITY, RESPONSE & SUPPORT needed to rectify the health, economic inequities, and impacts of COVID-19 on these diverse communities across the country.
This effort was supported in part by grant 90MINC0001-01-00 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services. Points of view or opinions do not necessarily represent official ACL policy.
Condensed Agenda
1:00 PM Welcome Remarks
1:05 PM NCOA Remarks
1:10 PM Panel and Q&A
1:45 PM Benefits Check-Up Tool Training & Q&A
1:55 PM Closing Remarks
Speakers
Alison Westermann, Program Director, Borderland Rainbow Center
S. Orleane Grant, President and CEO, Juanita C. Grant Foundation
Sindy Benavides, CEO, League of United Laitn American Citizens
Marva E. Overton, Executive Director, Alliance for African American Health of Central Texas
Alejandrina, Arevalo, Director of Patient Engagement, San Ysidro Health
Abigail Zapote, Executive Director, Latinos for a Secure Retirement
Moderator: Vivian Nava-Schellinger, Director, Community Partnerships & Network Activation, NCOA
#LSRCafecito #LatinosRetire
Meet The Speakers

Sindy Benavides, League of United Laitn American Citizens
Sindy Marisol Benavides is a Honduran-American immigrant who has experienced the American dream, and now devotes her career to public service, ensuring that countless young people, women, and immigrants have the same opportunity. She is currently Chief Executive Officer for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country. She previously served as the Chief Operating Officer and National Director for Civic Engagement and Community Mobilization for LULAC, Vice President of Field & Political Operations for Voto Latino and as Northern Virginia Political Director for the 2012 Kaine for Virginia senatorial campaign. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, where she graduated Valedictorian of her class and studied Political Science with a minor in Spanish. She has also attended American University for her Master’s degree in International Affairs.

Alejandrina Arevalo, Director of Patient Engagement, San Ysidro Health
After earning a degree as a Medical Doctor with an emphasis in General Practice and Public Health from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexico, I spent my early career as the medical director for a rural medical clinic. This allowed me to only serve patients, but to experience first hand the impact of psychosocial determinants of health. This experience reinforced my passion for patient empowerment and value-driven strategies for integrated medical home models. At San Ysidro Health, I assist in the expansion of Patient Engagement and Care Management as part of the core functions of the organization.

Marva E. Overton, VExecutive Director, Alliance for African American Health of Central Texas
Ms. Overton received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Vanderbilt University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. She is actively engaged in the community as demonstrated by her involvement various civic and volunteer activities. In her leisure time, Ms. Overton enjoys reading, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Abigail Zapote, Executive Director, Latinos for a Secure Retirement
Abigail is the Executive Director for Latinos for a Secure Retirement where she leads a coalition of national Latino organizations to advocate for Social Security, Medicare, increased pension access and greater financial literacy for Latinos of all ages. Abigail has a life-long passion for social justice which emerged through her experiences as a Dreamer and the 22 year process of gaining U.S. Citizenship. Follow Abigail’s work at @AbigailZapote

Vivian Nava-Schellinger, Director, Community Partnerships & Network Activation, NCOA
Vivian leads the National Council on Aging’s ecosystem of national and community partnerships, external engagement of NCOA’s policy priorities, and programs focused on vulnerable populations of older adults. Vivian resides in Washington, DC, with her husband Jake, and their two rescue dogs (Fernando and Phil-Chepito). Her twitter handle is @NavaSchellinger

Marva E. Overton, VExecutive Director, Alliance for African American Health of Central Texas
Ms. Overton received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Vanderbilt University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. She is actively engaged in the community as demonstrated by her involvement various civic and volunteer activities. In her leisure time, Ms. Overton enjoys reading, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.

S. Orleane Grant, President and CEO, Juanita C. Grant Foundation
S. Orlene Grant, RN, BSN, MSN, is the President, Founder and CEO of the Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF). Ms. Grant is a dynamic leader in the aging field engaging with the community to convert ideas into community-based solutions. Ms. Grant received her Nursing undergraduate degree and Master’s in Community Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing from Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Previous career paths include practicing as a Psychotherapist specializing family therapy, Mental Health Consultant for The Joint Commission, Executive Director of the District of Columbia Delmarva Foundation, Mayoral Appointee to the Washington DC Commission on Mental Health and Director of Medical Homes for District of Columbia Primary Care Association. Ms. Grant presents at professional organizations and provides education and training to community groups. She is a frequent guest on WHUR shows the Daily Drum and Taking It To the Street as well as WUSA9 Morning Show. Ms. Grant serves on local boards and participates in civic activities.

Alison Westermann, Program Director, Borderland Rainbow Center
Alison is a mom, wife, educator, singer, songwriter, knitter, social justice warrior and all-around student of life. For the past decade or so, Alison has been involved in teaching in the Jewish community of El Paso, and began weaving together her passions for social justice and Judaism in 2018 by coordinating the recruitment, training and scheduling of volunteers for a house of hospitality for Annunciation House, along with enormous support from the BRC. This relationship led to closer ties between Alison and the LGBTQ community in El Paso and eventually, her position at the BRC.
Partner Organizations








Questions, Comments or Concerns?
Please Email Monica at monica@latinoretirement.org