Get ready to be inspired, because some of the most influential voices of our time are coming together to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our era: the future of care in America. But here’s where it gets controversial—can we truly reimagine a care system that’s affordable, accessible, and equitable for all? Jane Fonda, Hillary Clinton, and Yvette Nicole Brown are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the powerhouse lineup of speakers at Caring Across Generations’ CareFest 2025: The Future Forum. This three-day summit, taking place from November 18-20 at New York City’s Ford Foundation, promises to be a melting pot of ideas, stories, and visions from leaders in policy, civil society, business, technology, entertainment, and journalism.
And this is the part most people miss—care isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a cultural, economic, and political one too. Joining the conversation are #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, author Emma Heming Willis, filmmaker Hikari, A Million Little Things showrunner DJ Nash, and many others. Together, they’ll explore how care intersects with aging, disability, and everyday life, all while challenging the narratives that have long shaped our understanding of these topics.
But here’s the bold question: Can Hollywood’s storytelling power really shift the needle on systemic change? Caring Across Generations’ co-founder and executive director Ai-jen Poo believes so. In her words, ‘These portrayals are not only resonating with audiences and winning awards, they’re changing the narrative for more than 63 million caregivers in America.’ The event’s ‘Care Storytelling Showcase’ will highlight how creatives, funders, and executives are weaving care-inclusive stories into film and TV, offering both inspiration and practical insights.
Partnering with organizations like the Writers Guild of America East, Gold House, and the ReelAbilities Film Festival, CareFest 2025 isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement. Caring Across Generations, a national organization of family caregivers, care workers, disabled people, and aging adults, is at the forefront of this effort. They’re not only advocating for policy changes at the federal and state levels but also transforming cultural norms around care. But is it enough? What more needs to be done to ensure care is a right, not a privilege?
From award-winning script consulting to social impact campaigns, the organization has already left its mark on projects like This Is Us and The Pitt and Nonnas. Yet, the work is far from over. As we look to the future, CareFest 2025 invites us all to ask: What does care mean to you? And how can we collectively build a system that honors the dignity and needs of every individual? Let’s start the conversation—what’s your take?
