In addition to being a valued member of the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness and founder of the Coalition’s Older Adults Working Group, Marcia was a print and broadcast journalist based in Chicago. During her 50-year-plus career, she covered the criminal justice system, sex trafficking, illegal immigration, street gangs, vigilantism, business, medicine, the arts, and travel. Designated an Ageless Innovator by Chicago Innovation, Marcia was a Founder and the Convener of Make Room @ The Table, an affinity group of folks engaged in the aging field. Make Room @ The Table’s mission is to identify, share and develop strategies to alleviate social isolation and loneliness among older people. For more than 26 years, she was also the advisor to the Harry G. and Charlotte H. Slater Family Fund of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, which provides seed grants to support pilot programs improving the quality of life for older adults in the Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin area.
Needless to say, Marcia’s long career and tireless efforts to help the aging population in her community inspired us to create an award dedicated to recognizing outstanding leadership in reducing social isolation and loneliness, as well as promoting connection in their community.
The Marcia Slater Johnston Award is presented to someone who exemplifies leadership and dedication in reducing social isolation and loneliness or promoting connection in their community. Learn about our 2023 Awardee below.