2024 Age + Action Conference: Positive, Inclusive Aging Policymaking and the Role of Policymakers

NCOA welcomes Portia Reddick White who is serving as a strategic thought partner with the Policy, Advocacy, Research, and Evaluation Team (PARE). Her consultancy work will include further developing NCOA’s policy agenda, strengthening visibility and relationships on Capitol Hill, and enhancing grassroots and grasstops collaborations on key issues and programs.

Portia brings extensive experience in the nonprofit world from her work at NAACP, AARP, National Council for Negro Women, Society for Human Resource Management, National Education Association, Democratic National Committee, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, and Transport Workers Union of America, AFLCIO. Her governmental role as senior advisor to the late Senator Harry Reid coupled with her roles in nonprofits in partnerships, coalition building, organizing, and strategic planning has elevated her skills and expertise in the areas of advocacy and policy. Her devotion in areas such as education, health care, civil rights, women’s rights, housing, environmental justice, voting rights, economic justice, and workers’ rights are key in the programs, campaigns, and outreach initiatives that she has supported over the years. 

Earning her Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore, Master of Education Administration and Bachelor of Arts from Oral Roberts University, Portia has enjoyed various awards and recognition over the years. Her greatest joy is being the mother to her three children and partner with her husband.  

Growing up Alabama, Portia has a passion for the forgotten and underprivileged, and she lives by the motto – “I walk with those that need support, listen with an open and honest heart, and speak with passion for those that need a voice."

Howard Bedlin has led NCOA's legislative advocacy efforts on issues and programs of concern to older adults for the past 25 years, which include the Older Americans Act, Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, income security, and community services. Prior to joining NCOA, he worked for the American Association of Homes for the Aging (now LeadingAge), the National Association for Home Care, and AARP. Howard received his law degree and Master of Policy Science from the University of Maryland, and Bachelor’s in Political Science from Binghamton University in New York.

Sophie Morgado serves as the Legislative & Policy Associate at the National Council on Aging. In this capacity, she advocates for older Americans at the federal policy level, focusing on critical issues such as the Older Americans Act, mental health, vaccine equity, falls prevention as well as other healthcare, equity, and retirement issues. 

Prior to starting her professional career at NCOA in September 2023, Sophie served as Health Policy Intern at Powers Pyles Sutter and Verville, a Washington, DC-based law firm focused on healthcare issues. In this role, she supported the Powers team in various policy areas including aging, disability, and maternal health. During the Fall of 2021, Sophie served as a Legislative Intern for the United States Senate.

Sophie holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, with a health policy focus, from The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. She also received her B.S. in Public Health with a minor in Political Science from West Virginia University.