NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - TelAve -- How can older adults protect their health, strengthen their civic voice, navigate a rapidly changing digital world and maintain greater independence?

Those questions will drive an interactive workshop at the 2026 New Jersey Black Issues Convention Annual Black Leadership Conference, October 2–3 at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick.

"The Workshop You'll Wish You Had Taken 10 Years Ago: Step Up. Show Up. Live Well. — Everything You Need for a Stronger, Smarter, More Independent Future" brings together health, civic participation and technology in one practical conversation designed especially with older adults in mind.

Moderated by Irene Daniels, NJ BIC Board Member and Operations Manager with Interfaith Action Movement (I AM), the workshop features three connected presentations.

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Dr. Hortensia Kelly of the Nia Hope Center will present "Show Up for Your Health," helping participants consider practical ways to become more engaged in their health and ask better questions. The Nia Hope Center identifies Kelly as its Founder and CEO.

Nicole Amos will present "Show Up With Your Vote," focusing on civic participation and reliable election information. The New Jersey Division of Elections currently lists Amos as Clerk of the Essex County Board of Elections.

Anna D. Banks, MAS, GCDFI, Certified AI Consultant and Founder of Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc., will lead "Live Well with AI and Technology." Her hands-on segment will invite participants to use their smartphones to experience simple ways technology can make everyday life easier, support online safety and help maintain independence.

Participants will practice talking to AI instead of typing, asking for complicated information in plain language, preparing questions for appointments and important conversations, learning smartphone tasks one step at a time, and identifying warning signs in suspicious messages.

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"This workshop is about giving people tools they can actually use," Banks said. "We want participants to leave feeling more informed, more confident and better prepared to take an active role in their health, their community and their everyday lives."

Banks will also introduce the digital-safety practice "Stop. Check. Verify." Her message emphasizes using AI as a tool for understanding and preparation while maintaining human judgment and independently verifying important information.

The workshop supports the conference theme, "Step Up. Show Up. Vote!", by connecting personal health, civic participation and technology-enabled independence.

To learn more about Anna D. Banks, request an interview, or inquire about speaking, AI literacy and customized workshops, visit https://ThriveLeadershipInstituteInc.com.