Jaia Peterson Lent

Jaia Peterson Lent is the Deputy Executive Director at Generations United where she has worked since 2000. Generations United’s mission is to improve the lives of children, youth and older people through intergenerational collaboration, public policies and programs. Lent oversees Generations United’s public policy efforts, intergenerational program initiatives, and the National Center on Grandfamilies, a leading voice for families where grandparents and other relatives are raising children. She is a trusted voice on Capitol Hill on issues related to grandfamilies and intergenerational cohesion, having testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and at congressional briefings. She served as co-chair of the federal Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, is a member of the National Academy of Social Insurance, and has been named one of the Top 50 Influencers in Aging by Next Avenue.   She is a nationally recognized speaker and columnist and respected media resource who has been quoted in multiple media outlets including the Washington Post, U.S. News and World Report, and the Associated Press.  Under her leadership, legislation passed to promote intergenerational programs and support for grandfamilies in areas ranging from housing to family caregiving to child welfare.  

Lent received her Master of Social Work from Syracuse University. She has worked in Child Protective Services, refugee resettlement, and in many other capacities with individuals and families from a variety of cultural backgrounds.