The Power of Connection: Advancing Social Well-being for Healthier Minds and Lives (Brain Week 2026)
Our brains are wired for connection, yet research shows we are facing a growing crisis of disconnection.
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This session will not only explore the modern drivers of this disconnection but also showcase the power of social connection to improve brain health and overall well-being.
Participants will learn about the Foundation for Social Connection’s SOCIAL Framework — an evidence-based roadmap for advancing connection across the lifespan and sectors of society.
They will emerge with practical strategies and resources to embed connection into how we live, work, and age – fostering healthier, more socially connected lives.
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👋 Meet Jillian Racoosin Kornmeier, MPH
Jillian Racoosin Kornmeier, MPH (she/her) is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Social Connection, leading efforts to advance evidence-based solutions for social connection nationwide. A recognized authority on social isolation and loneliness, Jillian has contributed to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory on social isolation and loneliness and frequently speaks to national audiences to shift the narrative on social connection.
Her expertise has been featured in Vanity Fair, The Cut, TIME Magazine, Bon Appétit, and more. Under her leadership, the Foundation translates research into action, advancing evidence-based policies and strategies to create sustainable, scalable solutions. She also cultivates collaborations and convenings that position social connection as a national priority and elevates community storytelling, demonstrating the power of connection to improve our collective health and well-being.
Jillian has worked with leading healthcare systems, government agencies, social innovators, and community organizations to integrate social connection into policy and practice.
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