AM Keynote
Defying the Odds: Overcoming with Attitude, Choice & Purpose
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Julia Fox Garrison

Julia Fox Garrison grew up in in a loving, if chaotic, household with eight brothers—an upbringing that no doubt made her battle-ready for the fight of her life.

At the age of 37, while busy raising a family and building a career, her plans and dreams were changed forever by a sudden and severe stroke.

Thus, Julia began a journey of recovery, rediscovery, and reinvention. Out of adversity came an accomplished author, dedicated healthcare advocate, and powerful motivational speaker.

To this day, she continues to overcome the effects of her stroke while sharing her message of patient-based healthcare and humanity-based business through her writings, talks, and presentations.

“A stroke (literally) of luck helped define the essence of her life. Her inspirational
story can help us find ours.”

—D r . O z

Wielding her trademark humor, unwavering optimism, and the wisdom of firsthand experience, Julia challenges her audience to take on the perspective of those they serve and lead.

PM Keynote
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Secretary of Executive Office and Independence, Robin Lipson

Robin Lipson is the Secretary of the Executive Office of Aging & Independence and leads the agency’s vision of becoming a state where every person has the tools, resources, and support they need to age how and where they want. Under her leadership, AGE values community, connection, and personal choice for Massachusetts’ aging population. She leads the agency in implementing community-based health and wellness supports that enable residents to age in community, rather than a nursing home or similar long-term care facility.

Lipson first joined AGE as Chief of Staff in 2015. During her tenure, Massachusetts became one of the first states in the country to join the AARP network of age-friendly states, and the first state government to be designated as an age-friendly employer. Today, there are more than 200 cities and towns in Massachusetts taking action to become more welcoming and livable for residents of all ages.

Prior to joining the agency, she garnered 40 years of experience working extensively at the intersection of healthcare strategy, policy, and implementation. She has held leadership roles in the public, not-for-profit, and private sectors. Lipson holds a bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College and a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on Health Care Management from Boston University.