Jessie Hawthorn joined the Senior Planet center in Lowry (CO) team back in August of this year. And now, she is officially the new Center Manager and is bringing her years of experience in community-based adult education to the center! We caught up with one of Senior Planet’s newest staff members to chat about her life-long passion for education, Denver, and live music. 

What led you to becoming a Senior Planet Center Manager?  

My previous role was as the Digital Navigator Program Administrator, where I oversaw a statewide Digital Navigator Pilot Program at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. During that time, I visited the Lowry Center and was so impressed with the community and programming that I went on to support a Senior Planet licensing program. 

My professional background is in community-based adult education. I’ve been an instructor, a program manager, and later worked in the adult education office at the Colorado Department of Education. Serving historically marginalized communities has always been my passion, and I’ve been fortunate to focus my entire career on that work. 

What are your favorite parts of the job? 

I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know our participants, volunteers, and staff. The Senior Planet center in Denver has an incredible sense of community. Our dedicated team of about 20 volunteers brings so much energy and expertise to the center each week. I’ve appreciated their feedback—from what’s working well to opportunities to grow and improve. 

I’ve also had the chance to help out as a trainer, which has been a highlight. It’s been nearly a decade since I was regularly in the classroom, so revisiting my teaching roots has been incredibly rewarding. Engaging with such enthusiastic and inspiring older adults has reminded me how much I love facilitating learning. 

What makes Denver a special place? 

I’m originally from northern Arizona, but I’ve lived in Colorado since 1994—mostly in Denver. When I first arrived, Denver still felt like a small town, even as the state capital. It has grown and changed a lot over the years, but one of my favorite things remains its diversity. 

Denver is home to more than 30,000 Ethiopians and a vibrant immigrant community. I spent nearly a year living and working in Ethiopia and have returned a few times since, including during the adoptions of my two Ethiopian children, who are now in college. 

What are some of your passions or hobbies outside of work? 

Managing the center keeps me busy, but I strongly believe in work–life balance. My biggest passion is live music—I love attending shows at local, independently owned venues. When I’m not out listening to music, I’m usually streaming something on YouTube. I’m also a big fan of the performing arts, especially plays at Denver’s local theater companies. 

What does “aging with attitude” mean to you? 

I like to think I’m aging with attitude myself—I’m in my early 50s, and I believe life becomes fuller and richer every year. To me, aging with attitude means rejecting limitations placed on people because of age or any other part of their identity. It’s about embracing growth, joy, and possibility at every stage of life. 

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.

Photo Credit: Aaron Santis for Senior Planet