In our ongoing series profiling women in philanthropy, we highlight the impactful work of Dr. Elizabeth Nelson, Project Manager for the Older Adults Connecting & Belonging initiative at the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area.

With a background in human geography, Elizabeth brings a unique perspective to community development, emphasizing the importance of place-based solutions and intergenerational connections. Her work focuses on fostering collaboration among diverse community partners to address social isolation and enhance community well-being.

Below, Elizabeth shares her insights and experiences in a Q&A session.

Q: What inspired you to join the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area team?

A: I was drawn to this role because it aligns so deeply with my values both personally and professionally. My grandparents have been incredibly important people in my life. I am lucky to have benefited from intergenerational connection in a way that not everyone has the chance to. As I see the older adults in my life navigate the challenges of ageing well, I have come to know first-hand how important connection, community, and support is to that goal. Tackling structural barriers and finding ways to improve older adults’ connection and belonging doesn’t just benefit older adults alone, but also their families, caregivers, neighbors, and our entire community.

As a geographer, I believe the most effective solutions must be place-based and informed by local knowledge. No top-down or one-size-fits-all solution will ever be as fitting as one generated by deep engagement and generous listening at the community level. My role in convening the OACB Community of Practice allows me to create spaces where there are opportunities for partnership, connection, and collaboration. While we may not have all the answers on our own, bringing people together often leads us to the most effective and meaningful solutions.

Opportunities like this, where you get to wake up, go to work, and genuinely feel like you are contributing to something that is important to you and improving your community, can be rare. In short, I feel lucky to be doing this work.

Q: Can you tell us about your background and how it has prepared you for your current position as Project Manager for the Older Adults Connecting & Belonging initiative?

A: Before joining the Community Foundation, I completed my PhD in Geography and Planning at Queen’s University. As a critical, praxis-based geographer, I am committed to responsive and reciprocal processes and active community engagement. My PhD research focused on the roles of community organizations in Kingston, Ottawa, and Cornwall, exploring how these groups contribute to community development. I explored the essential care work these organizations do to enhance well-being and urban vibrancy, yet also observed the structural barriers and challenges they face that limit their capacity, sustainability, and impact. Transitioning into a role where I can facilitate community connections and the development of community-based systems-level solutions that will help strengthen and support the community service landscape was an easy choice.

Q: What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve encountered in your work with community organizations, and how have you addressed them?

A: One of the key challenges I’ve encountered through my work is the issue of capacity, which is at the heart of what the OACB is aiming to address through capacity building efforts. Many of the organizations we work with are volunteer-run, and finding the time and energy to engage in a community of practice can be difficult. I work to ensure that the OACB Forum, events, and engagement efforts build capacity, rather than placing additional strain on already busy individuals and groups. By being mindful of the time and resources our Community of Practice members can contribute, I strive to make participation as accessible and productive as possible.

Q: You’ve been in this role for about a year, what is one of the highlights?

A: One of the most rewarding moments so far was the Together Forward event, held last year. We brought together over 70 community members, front-line service providers, and municipal leaders to discuss loneliness and social isolation among older adults. This was the first time not only that I got to see some of our OACB members offline, but I saw people connecting across their “silos” and collaborating on ideas for addressing key issues facing older adults. The brainstorming and collaboration that took place during this event generated some exciting direction and next steps for folks, and showed the potential of working together as a community to create meaningful solutions.

Q: How do you foster collaboration among diverse community partners, such as community organizations and municipal leaders, to achieve shared goals?

A: The OACB Forum is a community of practice united around the shared intent of reducing social isolation and fostering connection and belonging for older adults in the KFL&A region. Members represent a range of organizations, agencies, and communities from across the region, and bring so much knowledge, expertise, and experience to the table. My role is to facilitate connections and foster a collaborative environment for cross-sector exchange, collective capacity-building, and the development of partnerships. I’m excited to see the group continue to grow and develop.