Boston Bridge grew out of a friendship between Elana Kieffer, a college student who volunteered at a senior housing site in the Boston-area, and Barbara Friedman the Director of Intergenerational Programs at that senior housing site. When Barbara retired, she was inspired to create an organization to train and educate emerging leaders in the field of aging. She contacted Elana, who was enrolled in graduate school and still an avid volunteer with older adults, to assist her in reaching out to “emerging” students. They both felt the need to foster the next generation of professionals in the field of aging and recognized the value of the other’s expertise, professional connections, and viewpoints. While Boston Bridge was initially patterned after Chicago Bridge in Illinois, the mission, vision, and core components of Boston Bridge are significantly different.

Our Mission: Provide opportunities for professional development, exploration, networking, career growth, and mentorship to emerging professionals and leaders in the field of aging.

Our Vision: Inspire and invigorate connected, passionate, and informed professionals to be a part of the transformation of an aging America.