To coincide with ASA’s Membership Celebration, and feature people who represent the depth and breadth of what we do, we asked 5 ASA members to answer 5 questions. We’ll run the short profiles across the course of the Celebration.
5 Questions for Ilonka Walker
Ilonka Walker is 26 years old and since 2023 has worked as an intergenerational specialist at Generations United. In this role, she amplifies the diversity and reach of intergenerational initiatives nationwide, helping to bridge gaps between generations across the country. Walker also leads and oversees a variety of programs that foster meaningful connections between younger and older generations. She first joined ASA in 2021 while in graduate school, as it provided a valuable opportunity to explore potential career paths, connect with peers, expand her knowledge, and attend the annual conference.
1. What inspired you to work in the aging field?
My biggest inspiration to work in the aging field has always been my grandparents. They were such an important part of my life and shaped who I am in so many ways. As I learned more about caregiving and their aging experiences, I began to see the serious disparities that African American older adults face, especially in my community. Graduating from undergrad during the COVID pandemic made this even more apparent. It was eye-opening and upsetting to realize how often these issues are overlooked. How many older adults, especially in marginalized communities, face challenges that remain invisible to most people. The lack of attention means their struggles with healthcare, financial security, and social isolation often go unaddressed, leaving many without the support they desperately need. This awareness fueled my determination to shine a spotlight on these realities and work toward meaningful change. These realizations, along with important conversations, sparked a deep passion in me to advocate for a population that deserves more attention, respect and care. That passion led me to pursue a master’s degree in gerontology, further deepening my commitment to this field.
2. What are you most proud of in your work in aging?
I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to bring a younger perspective into spaces where it’s often missing. Whether through speaking, writing, or simply listening and learning, I’ve found ways to bridge generational gaps and challenge narrow ideas about what aging looks like and who gets to be part of that conversation. I’m proud that I’ve used my voice to advocate for more inclusive, intersectional, and forward-thinking approaches to aging, while continuing to learn from those who’ve been in the field long before me. I also lead Generations United’s Intergenerational Housing Learning Network. As part of that work, I organized the Intergenerational Housing Symposium at Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, where experts came together to explore innovative housing models, promising practices, and policy solutions. At On Aging 2025, I had a chance to present on an ageism panel and an intergenerational session and unexpectedly ran into two of my Virginia Commonwealth University gerontology professors, who expressed how proud they were of me. The last time I attended the conference, I was a grad student; this time, I was a presenter. It was a full-circle moment that reminded me how far I’ve come and how far I’m still going.
3. What have you learned from the people you’ve met through ASA?
What I’ve learned from people I’ve met through ASA is how truly diverse, creative and wide-ranging its membership is, as aging intersects with so many fields. They are real storytellers, and it’s inspiring and uplifting to see how many have turned their personal experiences into meaningful action or research. Through ASA, I’ve had the chance to meet some of my biggest inspirations in the field of aging. Being part of this community has deepened my love of aging, reminded me that I am not alone, and motivated me to use my voice!
4. What do you think is most needed in the aging field right now?
What I believe is most needed in the field of aging right now is a stronger intergenerational connection and more cultural representation. We need spaces where younger and older generations can learn from one another, not just in theory but in everyday life. Aging is often viewed through a narrow, medicalized, or fear-based lens, especially in mainstream media. We need more inclusive narratives that reflect the diversity of aging experiences across race, gender, culture, disability and socioeconomic backgrounds that shape the way people age. At the same time, we must address and research the real disparities in how different communities experience aging, especially when it comes to access to care, financial security, housing and overall quality of life.
It is also essential to involve younger generations in these conversations. I’ve noticed that aging is often discussed as if it only pertains to older adults or someone else, but the truth is, we are all aging, we’re just at different stages of the journey. If we begin to treat aging as a shared experience rather than solely as a problem to be solved, we will all benefit. And once we adopt that mindset, we can work toward a society that embraces aging as a natural, diverse, and meaningful part of life.
5. What’s one question you love to ask your peers?
I love to ask my peers: “What’s one hope or fear you have about your own aging journey?”
If you’d like to participate in this type of 5-questions profile, please email Alison Biggar at abiggar@asaging.org.