We are thrilled to announce that the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace has found its new Director: Jennifer Wong, PhD, MA. The GenSpace is the latest project of our Chairman, Wallis Annenberg, who envisions a new community space in Los Angeles focused on aging and the longevity phenomenon, which is driving unprecedented change across our region, our country, and the world. The truth is, we are all living longer, and GenSpace should serve as a laboratory for reducing the social isolation of the elderly and changing how our culture thinks about aging in the first place. It will be a space for all generations, and Dr. Wong will be the perfect leader to take this vision forward, showing that we can morph the experience of aging into something more vibrant and dynamic.
Most recently, Dr. Wong has been assisting the California Department of Aging, helping to develop Governor Newsom’s Master Plan on Aging as California’s over-65 population is projected to grow sharply in the next decade.
Previously, she worked with Public Health – Seattle & King County in Washington, performing research and providing developmental support to improve emergency services for those with cognitive disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia.
Dr. Wong completed her Doctorate in Experimental Psychology from the University of Montana, holds a Master of Arts in Psychology from Cal State Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of San Francisco.
At a time when many senior are feeling left behind, we have found someone who has the expertise and passion to always put them first. Jennifer Wong's expansive skills on healthy aging and senior wellness make her the perfect choice to drive GenSpace's mission forward. I can't wait to work with her as we transform the way we all look at aging in our society.
Wallis Annenberg
Chairman of the Board, President & CEO
Dr. Wong will now direct the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, designed to reimagine what senior life can look like – worlds away from sterile nursing homes and small, dark, and lonely apartments. The space will be fresh and futuristic and tech-forward, like the brand-new Rem Koolhaas building (pictured above) that will house it, located in LA’s Koreatown. As the COVID-19 health crisis continues, we will begin to design virtual GenSpace programming as we await the building’s official opening post-pandemic.
We can’t wait to welcome Dr. Wong in December, and begin our work together on redefining aging in America.
