Editor’s Note: The John A. Hartford Foundation is collaborating with ASA RISE to advance equity through a series of blog posts in support of the development and dissemination of equity-related, partnership-based thought leadership through ASA's Generation platform. This blog post is part of that series.
ASA RISE is a 20-week social justice and leadership program for rising leaders of color in aging. The John A. Hartford Foundation, the Archstone Foundation and RRF Foundation for Aging co-fund the program.
A Mentee’s Perspective:
On Sat., Jan. 6, I received an email with the subject line “ASA RISE Mentorship Match.” It was the second most exciting email I had received since my acceptance into the ASA RISE program. I opened the email with a mix of thrill and trepidation, eager to find out who my mentor would be. I had been matched with someone named Israel Cross, so, as is customary these days, I immediately Googled him to find out more.
I quickly found Israel's LinkedIn page and learned that he is a gerontologist and a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) with the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. Most importantly, he is a Black man, a fact I didn’t fully grasp at the time in terms of its significance and impact. As I reviewed his impressive resume, my excitement turned to nervousness. I felt a pang of imposter syndrome in the pit of my stomach.
I immediately texted my older brother, “I got my mentorship match for my fellowship program. His resume is pretty major ... kind of intimidated but I think I’ll be good.” To which he responded, “That’s the best scenario, bro. Someone with great experience who you can really learn from because they have done amazing things. It’s going to be great.”
Although I didn't fully trust that feeling at the time, I am happy to say now that it was more than great—it was life-changing. The initial matching email had stated, “Mentors will share their wealth of knowledge, experience, and fortitude with their mentees. Mentees will share their aspirations, experience, and drink in all their mentors have to offer.” A foresight that would come to fruition over the next six months.
During my first meeting with Israel, I entered the Zoom room with that same pang of imposter syndrome and his resume in the back of my mind. I felt the need to prove myself, a familiar feeling of being in rooms where I was written off as just another “well-spoken Black person.”
I didn’t realize I was unconsciously setting up a traditional power dynamic. This “scarcity mindset,” as fellow ASA RISE alum Christine Holmes identifies in “Inclusive Mentorship: The Urgency of Taking Your Time,” is a common experience for people of color working in predominantly white institutions.
‘I felt like I was home with one of my uncles or brothers and it hit me: representation matters.’
But Israel was warm, down-to-earth, and far from what he called “high maintenance.” The feeling of needing to prove myself melted away. At that moment, I felt like I was home with one of my uncles or brothers and it hit me: representation matters. Having a mentor who looked like me and could understand my lived experience without explanation or questions, was deeply important, impactful, and life-affirming.
When I began working with Israel, I had hoped to find a lifelong mentor who could guide me in achieving some of my personal and professional goals, such as furthering my education, identifying publishing opportunities, and securing more professional options. All of these aspirations were met. Israel truly prioritized my growth and achievements in our exchange. He helped me identify graduate and certificate programs, connected me with people in his network to learn more about publishing opportunities, and provided other avenues for professional development.
However, the most unexpected and invaluable outcome was the sense of brotherhood I gained. Our conversations were check-ins, not just about work and goals, but about life. Our dreams and hopes, navigating difficult times, and celebrating successes became shared experiences. We developed a brain trust where we could engage in a reciprocal exchange of wisdom and guidance that extended beyond professional development. This mentorship enriched our personal and professional lives in ways I had never anticipated.
With a heart full of gratitude, I extend my deepest thanks to ASA RISE. Among the myriad blessings this journey has gifted me, one of the most profound is our mentor-mentee bond. This connection, nurtured by the shared experiences and wisdom of a mentor who mirrors my own journey as a Black man, has been an invaluable beacon of guidance and inspiration.
A Mentor’s Perspective:
“What is a gerontologist?” I’ve been asked this question countless times. Despite nearly two decades of service in the federal government, people often respond with, “Oh, yeah, old people,” when I’m done explaining my profession. This gives me a chance to educate them, explaining that gerontology isn’t just about “old” age—it covers aging throughout the life course and the multigenerational aspects of it.
It’s also a reminder of how few people know about this field and how few PhD-trained gerontologists there are nationwide ... and further, how few look like me. On the road less travelled, there were times I wondered if I should downplay my focus on aging and frame it more in biological terms to make it relatable to what people understood, but I stayed true to my interdisciplinary focus.
The field of aging desperately needs more people, and certainly more leaders of color, supported by a contemporary and sustainable leadership program like ASA RISE. Aging in the United States is riddled with economic and social injustices, creating uneven experiences for many. The best agents of change are often those who have grown up, live, and work in the communities most affected by these inequities. Unfortunately, the barriers necessitating change can prevent these capable individuals from accessing leadership positions, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and injustice. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and equitable approach to aging.
When I discovered ASA RISE, I knew I wanted to mentor future minority leaders in this underrecognized field and share my journey. Enter Charlie Markham, my mentee—a fellow Black male. ASA facilitated a trusted relationship built on mutual respect, mentoring, and collaborative learning—hallmarks of the ASA RISE experience.
‘What began as a cautious mentee has blossomed into a more confident, self-assured Charlie.’
Our relationship is development-focused, with a mentor sharing skills and experiences while fostering mutual growth. Charlie’s aspirations were clear: maintain open communication, build a brain trust with his mentor, push his limits, and identify personal and professional growth opportunities. He also wanted chances to collaborate on projects and ideas.
What began as a cautious mentee has blossomed into a more confident, self-assured Charlie, passionate about blending the arts with aging. His development is a testament to how mentoring can be a two-way street. Helping him hone his path helped me to reconnect with my passions and life goals in aging, making this journey incredibly rewarding as a mentor.
I could also be transparent with him as well and be my authentic self. Charlie is insightful, talented and will undoubtedly make his mark combining arts and aging. I am so proud to be a part of his future … yes, Charlie, you’re stuck with me now, ha!
Seeing Charlie’s transformation and knowing that I’ve played a part in his growth is a testament to the importance of mentorship and representation in gerontology. Together, we’re paving the way for a more inclusive future in the field of aging.
Charles Li Markham is the program manager of the Onsite and Special Programs Department at DOROT, in New York City. Israel Cross, PhD, is a gerontologist and project officer on the Health Information Technology team at the Health Services & Resources Administration and a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) with the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service.
Photo courtesy of Charles Markham and Israel Cross.
Photo caption: Charles Markham, left, and Israel Cross, right.
