Congratulations to Raquel Padia, Volunteer Specialist with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission Foster Grandparent Program and Project Leader for Generations Serving Together Fresno, on being selected as a Fellow in the prestigious Eisner Prize Fellowship program. This program, which recognizes intergenerational excellence, is a significant achievement for Raquel and a testament to her dedication and innovative ideas in the field.
The Eisner Prize Fellowship program, announced in April 2023, aims to uplift the next generation of leaders in the intergenerational space by providing them with financial resources, networking opportunities, and the esteemed recognition associated with the Eisner Prize. Raquel’s selection as a Fellow speaks volumes about her expertise, passion, and commitment to bridging the gap between different generations.
As part of the 2023/24 cohort of Fellows, Raquel went through a highly competitive selection process and emerged as one of the exceptional individuals chosen for this honor. In addition to a $10,000 stipend, Raquel has received an additional $40,000 to support her intergenerational project proposal. This generous funding will enable her to bring her vision to life and make a tangible impact in the community.
Raquel’s project, Generations Serving Together Fresno, is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to foster meaningful connections and address mental health and social isolation among different age groups. By bringing older and younger volunteers together as a co-generational team, Raquel plans to provide workshops on emotional literacy, helping individuals identify their feelings and develop effective coping skills. The curriculum for these workshops will be based on Brene Brown’s Atlas of the Heart, which encompasses a comprehensive understanding of 87 emotions.
Through Generations Serving Together Fresno, Raquel not only seeks to empower children, youth, and young adults but also emphasizes the employees of Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission. By nurturing a sense of community and encouraging multigenerational collaboration, Raquel’s project has the potential to create a lasting impact on mental health and social well-being.
Raquel’s dedication to bridging generational gaps and her commitment to cultivating meaningful connections make her an exceptional leader in the intergenerational space. Her selection as an Eisner Prize Fellow is a testament to her innovative ideas and her potential to propel the field forward. We congratulate Raquel Padia on this remarkable achievement and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of her project, Generations Serving Together, Fresno.