370 Ilana Landsberg Lewis: Across cultures, older women bring social change and justice to human family

Ilana Landsberg-Lewis went to law school to understand how power works—so she could help transform it in the service of justice, especially for women. Alongside her father, she co-founded and led a nonprofit funding community-based organization in sub-Saharan Africa working to turn the tide of AIDS and support African grandmothers raising a generation of grandchildren orphaned by the pandemic.

When others dismissed older women as “not a sustainable investment,” Ilana helped launch an international movement of grandmothers across Canada, the UK, and the United States—raising more than $50 million and supporting millions of grandchildren. At the center of this work is her unwavering belief that older women are not only caregivers, but leaders, change-makers, and moral anchors for their communities.

Through her podcast and fund, Ilana lifts up older women’s stories and their power-- a practice of love and a commitment to liberation—from the chains of inequality and from the limits placed on whose lives are valued. Her work invites us to see the human family more fully, and to recognize older women as essential architects of justice across the globe.

Connect with Ilana

Email:grandmothersonthemove@gmail.com

Website: wisdomatworkpodcast.com

Thank you to our SPONSOR—AARP Illinois, dedicated to empowering adults 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. AARP Illinois advocates for the health, financial security, and overall well-being of Illinois residents through community programs, expert resources, and member benefits. aarpil@aarp.org

Recognizing the Age-Wise Collective. Women Over 70-Aging Reimagined has joined other women podcasters to amplify the voices of women over 50. We shine the light on gerontologist Sally Duplantier, founder and host of My Zing Life, dedicated to helping older adults live their best lives longer. Her current Healthspan work focuses on improving health behaviors and mental well-being for vulnerable populations through community-based health coaching. https://sally@myzinglife.com