To celebrate ASA members by featuring those who represent the depth and breadth of what we do, we are asking members to answer 5 questions. This series was started during the 2025 Membership Celebration.
5 Questions for Sarah Galvan
Sarah Galvan is 41 years old and a Managing Director and attorney at Justice in Aging, where she has worked on elder rights issues for almost 8 years. Sarah joined ASA in 2018 because she was seeking community among professionals in aging who were committed to a better future for older adults. She has since participated in the ASA RISE program, the ASA Generations Journal Editorial Advisory Board, and the ASA Equity & Justice Advisory Council.
1. What inspired you to work in the aging field?
During law school, I happened to be placed in the elder law unit at a legal aid organization for a summer internship. It was an amazing learning experience—we worked on a wide range of matters for older adults: healthcare, consumer protection, housing, and more. It really opened my eyes to the breadth of issues that impact people as they age. I also noticed that many of the people who came seeking our help had experienced challenges even accessing services. This started my commitment to efforts focused on removing barriers and improving the accessibility of services and supports for older people.
2. What are you most proud of in your work in aging?
After providing direct legal services for almost a decade, I joined Justice in Aging, which is a national advocacy organization that uses the power of law to fight senior poverty. I am proud of our organization’s work as a whole, especially in moments where the services and supports that older adults rely on are challenged.
One of the highlights of my work has been providing technical assistance and support to legal and aging services advocates across the country. It has given me insight into the varied experiences of older people in different settings and from different backgrounds. Which has helped me to better inform policy and build resources that acknowledge the need for creativity and flexibility to meet the needs of older adults’ diverse experiences.
3. What have you learned from the people you’ve met through ASA?
I am an alum of the inaugural ASA RISE program, which is an equity-centered leadership program for emerging leaders of color committed to reshaping the future of aging. I have been incredibly inspired by my fellow participants in that program, who work every day to move the needle in how services reach older adults from marginalized and underserved communities. I have learned from them how to be brave and open-minded in this work. The program’s leadership under Patrice Dickerson and Cynthia Banks has also provided an excellent example of impactful and meaningful mentorship.
4. What do you think is most needed in the aging field right now?
Persistence and innovation. The growing size of the general older adult population is widely discussed, but this population is also aging in poverty. Recent census data has shown that 9.2 million older adults live in poverty in the U.S., and the rates of poverty are much higher for older adults of color. At the same time, we are facing threats to critical aging services programs and structures. We need fearless and persistent leaders in aging who are ready to explore innovative and forward-thinking methods for ensuring that older adults can age in security and dignity.
5. What’s one question you love to ask your peers?
I like to ask people the first question you asked me for this profile: What inspired you to work in the aging field? I always find the answers to be revealing and reflect the many ways that aging work and older adults impact our lives.