she/her/they

Sherrill Wayland is the Senior Director of Special Initiatives and Partnerships where she directs the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, the Long-term Care Equality Index and works in close partnership with SAGECollab, SAGECare and the Diverse Elders Coalition. Sherrill began work with SAGE at the local level in 2008, founding the SAGE Affiliate in St. Louis, MO before joining the SAGE national team in 2015. Sherrill earned a Master of Social Work degree from the Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis and has nearly 30 years of professional experience in the fields of education, disability and LGBT older adult advocacy.

Daniel Puerto has been a passionate activist, community organizer and service provider servicing local New York City (NYC). His work for over 10 years has had a focus on grassroots community organizing, policy advocacy, service provision, popular education and entrepreneurship skills development focusing on LGBTQ+ and immigrant New Yorkers. Most recently, Daniel works with SAGE the nation’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ organization focusing on programs, services and advocacy for and with LGBTQ+ older adults.

Joanna Rivera is a South American transgender woman whom began her medical transition at the age of 15 through black market hormones and left home shortly after due to family rejection. Through these experiences Joanna learned the importance of chosen life and found her passion for helping people through her work in non-profits. She has worked in roles ranging from Peer Health Educator at syringe exchange's to Director of Transgender Housing at the Ali Forney Center -- the first shelter for TGNB youth in NYC. Joanna is currently the Manager of TGNB Outreach and Community Engagement at SAGE -- working with transgender and non-binary older adults, age 50+ in all NYC SAGE Centers. Joanna is very passionate about working with her community and advocating for the needs that need to be met. Her dream is to one day lead a Non-profit Organization serving the TGNB community.

Jean Van Ryzin is Senior Director of Communications at NCOA, where she oversees all external messaging for the organization. Jean manages a team of marketing and communications specialists tasked with building the NCOA brand across multiple channels, including web, social, email, and public relations. Prior to working at NCOA, Jean had a freelance writing and editing business and worked for a variety of organizations in the aging field, including LeadingAge.