Community Conversations: Well-Being and Vibrancy in our Communities

Join our Next 100 Years Partners, High Foundation and WITF, for a series of conversations about Well-Being and Vibrancy in our Communities with local leaders. 

You can expect:

• Drinks and light snacks
• An opportunity to connect with others
• A moderated panel discussion with local experts 
• Live recording of the event with Marquis Lupton of WITF and The Spark

Event runs from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Come before 5:30 to mix, mingle, and enjoy snacks! This event is free and registration is encouraged.

About the presenters:

The Lancaster County Community Foundation

100 years ago, a group of forward-looking funders established the Lancaster County Community Foundation. This year, we honor them—and you. Your generosity, innovation, and commitment are part of our history of community philanthropy, and will be part of shaping the next 100 years. Philanthropy is for everyone. Whatever the size of your gift, giving to one of our endowed funds means you’ll be supporting the community for the next 100 years and beyond.

High Foundation

High Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of people who live and work in Lancaster City, Lancaster County, and other communities in which High companies provide economic investment and employment. Our objective is to enact positive, systemic change that will last well beyond our lifetimes. We support and champion projects which enable the dignity, diversity, equality, and inclusion of all people and generate beneficial social and environmental impact. The Foundation engages with those sharing a common interest in eliminating poverty and creating a vibrant, thriving community for all. High Foundation’s investment is distributed through grant programs and collaboration with community organizations and stakeholders. Foundation decisions are based on the core principle that all people are created equal and that we need to help shape a diverse and inclusive world for the next generation.

WITF and The Spark

As one of 350+ PBS member stations, we provide a steady stream of engaging, educational and entertaining shows for explorers of all ages – for children learning about their neighborhood helpers through adults looking to explore the wilds of Africa. WITF also delivers the best of NPR‘s news, culture, and music coverage to virtually any device, anytime you want to listen.

Most importantly, we create and curate enriching original programming and experiences by, for, and about the people around us. With programs like The Spark, we strive to foster a deeper understanding of the world and its people in Central Pennsylvania and beyond. With WITF Music, we spotlight and uplift emerging artists and creators in our midst. There’s so much more to come, so please join us as we grow this engaged community right here with you.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Marquis Lupton starts the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home.

Panelists

Dr. Sharee Livingston was born and raised in the inner city of Harrisburg, PA. She always knew she wanted to become a physician. Dr. Livingston received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. She received her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Livingston completed a rigorous Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA. She is currently serving as the Ob/Gyn Department Chair at UPMC Lititz. She is a member of the UPMC Lititz Board of Trustees. She is the highest volume female robotic surgeon in the county of Lancaster. Dr. Livingston is a Founding Board Member of “Patients R Waiting,” a non-profit organization that is very dear to her. The mission of Patients R Waiting is to eliminate health disparities by increasing diversity in medicine. Patients R Waiting aims to 1) increase the pipeline of minority clinicians; 2) make the pipeline of minority clinicians less leaky; and 3) support minority clinicians in practice.

Jihan Owens-Tyler, MS, MFT is a psychotherapist with over ten years of clinical experience. Jihan has worked with various populations ranging in age, mental health diagnoses, and levels of care. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and minor in Ethnic Studies from Shippensburg University. Jihan then went on to receive her Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Pyshcology with a certification in Marriage and Famliy Therapy from Chestnut Hill College. Jillian has expertise in BIPOC communities and specializes in working with anxiety, depression, stress, familial conflicts, trauma, PTSD, family of origing and coming of age issues. Jihan works as a full-time lecturer at Elizabethtown College in the Master of Counseling and Psychology program and as a part-time psychotherapist at Mind Body & Sol Counseling and Consultation. Jihan is currently pursuing a PhD in Antioch University’s Doctorate of Couple and Family Therapy program.

Johnny Rivera is a Lancaster native and the proud owner of The Avenue in Neffsville, PA. Johnny brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for holistic client care to every appointment. The Avenue’s commitment to clients extends far beyone the haircut, with a focus on ensuring that every visit is an opportunity for rejuvenation and empowerment. The Avenue is more than just a barbership–it’s a sanctuary for self-care and community.

Chris Kennedy is founder and senior project manager of Age2Age Associates. Kennedy is a nationally recognized thought leader in aging-in-place, an expert in emerging models of housing, and an evangelist of the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Program.

Chris draws on her six careers that span urban planning, telecom and high tech, in roles that include grants manager, lobbyist, parent and account executive. With 20 years of projects, presentations and networking in the field of aging, Chris is well-regarded by colleagues and clients.

As a dynamic keynote speaker and an expert facilitator of cross-discipline convenings, she energizes innovation by skillfully connecting people and ideas in forums that stimulate collaborative thinking.