Heartful Hospitality was founded by Joanna Rhee at the age of 15 after losing her grandmother to breast cancer and watching her grandfather struggle with Alzheimer’s.

After her grandmother passed, Joanna’s grandfather’s condition worsened. Eventually, her family made the difficult decision to move him into a nursing home. As visits became less frequent, Joanna witnessed the loneliness and disconnect many seniors face.

Even when her grandfather forgot who she was, their time together, making crafts, painting, or simply sitting and listening to his stories, brought him peace and joy. Those final months left a lasting impact on Joanna, inspiring her to bring that same comfort to other seniors in need of connection.

In 2023, Joanna and Muna Yassin, both high school sophomores, co-founded Heartful Hospitality, a youth-led nonprofit bridging the generational gap. The organization connects youth and seniors through fun, nostalgic activities like slime-making, nail painting, storytelling, and tech lessons, all designed to make seniors feel joyful, connected, and young at heart.

Joanna’s love for her grandparents’ stories sparked her mission to preserve generational wisdom and ensure that no senior ever feels forgotten.