Athena Alexander, a junior at Bishop O’Dowd High School, founded Forge2gether after living through the pandemic and seeing how disconnected people had become. She first volunteered by tutoring elementary students in West Oakland, where she saw how much kids benefit from attention, patience, and encouragement. Later, while volunteering at an assisted living facility, she noticed that older adults also craved conversation and connection.

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Seeing both ends of the age spectrum experience the same loneliness inspired Athena to create Forge2gether, a program that helps teens and older adults connect through guided, meaningful conversations. She believes genuine listening can build understanding and bring a sense of belonging to everyone involved.