“Aging Through an Intersectional Lens” will highlight common challenges faced by older adults from a variety of backgrounds and demonstrate similar threads we all experience as we age. Learn from community and health services experts about vulnerability in aging and the strengths that support longevity and vitality. If you have wondered how older adults are affected by gaps in our social system, and how to help, this panel discussion will introduce ways we can all be anti-ageist to create the best care no matter our age.

This is a hybrid event; attendees may join at the Moot Courtroom or virtually via a livestream on this page. ASL interpretation will be provided and auto-captions will be available. All requests for event access support and other questions or concerns may be directed to edi-events@utah.edu.

Speakers

James Brown

Executive Director/Host and Producer, Livingwithpride.org

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Moderator

Mr. James Brown (he/him) is an award-winning broadcast TV journalist. Featured reporter at ABC 4 Utah, 9 years. Host and producer, New Horizons a community-based television on PBS’s, KUED,.. 13 years. James has worked across multiple independent and major network outlets. Mr. Brown also played a key role in the development and management of Salt & Pepper Marketing a full-service advertising and marketing agency and Salt Lake City Studios located in Salt Lake City, UT where he served as founder and President. As a host, writer, and producer, James has been the driving force behind several innovative and engaging national and international programs as well as being a featured voice on TV and Radio. His distinctive ability to create innovative properties has carried forward through the national launch of Living and Aging with Pride. Living and Aging with Pride is bolstered by his proven ability to create and manage multimedia-platform content for a diverse and inclusive global audience. Mr. Brown has long been a community advocate and championed equality and diversity.

Nick Brening, MD

Physician, University of Utah

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Panelist

Dr. Brening (he/him) is a Geriatrician at the University of Utah. He has always had a particular interest in the care of older adult patients. By focusing on aligning a patient’s care with his or her goals and paying attention to “what matters most”, he enjoys being able to achieve successful and personalized outcomes. During each clinical encounter, Dr. Brening strives to provide high-quality, compassionate and efficient care to his patients. Dr. Brening focuses on diagnosis and treatment of Geriatric syndromes including: the diagnosis and ongoing care of patients with cognitive disorders and dementia, depression and anxiety in older adults, incontinence, frailty, and falls. Clinical interests also include the care of LGBT older adults. He partners with the Infectious Disease clinic to offer Geriatric services to older adult patients living with HIV.

Sharlee Capes, MSW

Intake Caseworker, Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services

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Panelist

For several years, Sharlee Capes (she/her) worked as a case manager for the Caregiver Support Program at Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services. She had the opportunity to stay home with her children until they were in school, then returned to Salt Lake County as the intake caseworker for its Supported Aging Program. Through comprehensive interviews, Sharlee screens clients for what programs and community resources can help them age-in-place best. She is passionate about helping clients with ongoing support and obtaining an overall better quality of life.

Valerie Flattes, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC

Associate Dean of EDI, College of Nursing
University of Utah

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Panelist

Valerie (she/her) has been a faculty member at the University Of Utah College Of Nursing since 2001. Her background in nursing includes medical surgical nursing, obstetrics, long term care, emergency nursing, and home health care. Since 2003, she has practiced as an adult nurse practitioner specializing in gerontology. She has been a preceptor and mentor for several students and nurses over the last 24+ years. She has been the inaugural associate dean of equity, diversity, and inclusion since July, 2021. Valerie has shown a passion for teaching and geriatrics. Valerie has a strong commitment to community engagement, health equity, and health policy. She has served as a member or officer in several community organizations over the last 20+ years. She has been a champion of enhancing gerontology content in the nursing curriculum in the undergraduate and graduate programs.