Caregiving While Black: Navigating Dementia in Racialized Communities"

A powerful keynote exploring the intersection of race, healthcare inequity, and dementia caregiving. Valene addresses cultural barriers to diagnosis, systemic mistrust of medical institutions, and the emotional labour of advocating for Black and racialized seniors within a system not designed for them.

Key themes: Health disparities, cultural stigma, caregiver advocacy, navigating the Canadian healthcare system as a racialized family

"The Healing Power of Story: How Narrative Preserves Identity Through Cognitive Decline"

An evidence-based exploration of reminiscence therapy, life story work, and how storytelling maintains personhood for individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia. This session provides practical tools for families and professionals to use narrative as a non-pharmacological intervention.

Key themes: Person-centred dementia care, memory preservation, therapeutic storytelling, caregiver connection strategies

"Bridging Generations Through Memory: Preventing Isolation in Dementia Care"

A moving talk on how intergenerational programming, legacy projects, and shared storytelling combat the profound loneliness experienced by both people with dementia and their family caregivers. Valene shares actionable strategies for families, communities, and organizations to create meaningful connections across age and cognitive ability.

Key themes: Social isolation in dementia, intergenerational caregiving, family caregiver support, memory care activities