about us
The Chicago Bridge is a grassroots organization for professionals in the early to mid stages of their careers in aging. It is our goal to provide support, networking and social opportunities for our members of all ages while encouraging leadership potential. Click here to become a member.
Mission:
Chicago Bridge provides opportunities for professional development, leadership, and support to emerging professionals in the field of aging.
Our Vision:
To inspire and invigorate connected, passionate, and informed professionals to be a part of the transformation of an aging America.
Membership:
Anyone who works with older adults, who is in the early to mid stages of their career experience can join the Chicago Bridge for free- there are no dues or membership fees. Learn more on our Membership Page. In order to stay connected to all of those working in the field of aging, the Chicago Bridge has also opened a different level of membership to those who are more established in the field of aging. This level of membership is called “Friend of the Chicago Bridge.” To learn more please visit our membership page.
Programs available to Members:
(click on titles below to learn more about each program) Or download this handout about each program and opportunity through the Chicago Bridge HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN THE CHICAGO BRIDGE
Monthly Free Educational Events
Leadership:
The Chicago Bridge works with a flat leadership. Together interested Chicago Bridge members lead the group to insure the group stays mission focused and grows towards the defined vision.
Meet our current Leadership Core 2013-2015:
Tim Andriano, University and Professional Liaison
Stacy Delvo, Social Media Director
Mewish Issa, Membership Director
Meghan Jenkins Morales, Program Director
Laura Sutherland, Events Director
Shannon Stone, Communications Director
2011-2013 Chicago Bridge Leadership Team:
Maria Soria, Events Director
Emily Mysel, Communications Director
Carmen Wyttenbach, Membership Director
Kristen Pavle & Gayle Shier, Mentorship Program Co-Directors
Alix Burns, Social and Support Program Director
2009-2011 Chicago Bridge Leadership Team:
Jaimie Robinson, Communications Director
Gayle Shier, Student Outreach Director
Alix Burns, Events Director
Michael Kocher, Operations Director
Past leaders of the Chicago Bridge included:
Rob Mapes
Cynthia Phon
Karen Kolb
Kate Krajci
A Brief History:
The Chicago Bridge evolved after several local professionals attended the 2003 ASA-NCOA conference. There interested emerging professions from Chicago learned of NextWave, a networking group based in the San Francisco Bay area with a mission to cultivate leadership among Generation X professionals in the field of aging. San Francisco NextWave provided opportunities for personal and professional development, networking and support. As the Chicago NextWave group started up became more active, it was decided that our mission wanted to include professionals of every age who are in the early and middle stages of their careers. In 2006 Chicago Nextwave become Chicago Bridge.
