Gen Z is often dismissed as sensitive, distracted, or naïve — but the reality is, they’re navigating a world on fire with more creativity, clarity, and courage than most adults give them credit for. This class takes aim at adultism, the structural bias that fuels generational misunderstandings, and explores how it shows up in our communities and institutions. Using John Bell’s essay Adultism alongside Gen Z’s own cultural and political voices (Jewish and non), we’ll uncover what we have to learn from this generation about justice, identity, and resilience. Participants will leave with tools to challenge bias, practice real intergenerational solidarity, and maybe even admit that the kids are, in fact, smarter than us.

Emilia Diamant, LCSW, is a seasoned social worker, educator, and program strategist with nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of justice, leadership, and community. Trained in clinical social work, Emilia brings a trauma-informed, relational approach to her work with individuals and institutions, centering care, accountability, and transformation. She currently serves as Chief Program Officer at Avodah, where she leads national programming that mobilizes Jewish leaders toward systemic change.