“They tried to silence me — so I built something they couldn’t shut down.”
Mariam Anna Barska
Founder, Age Equity Foundation
After facing age-based discrimination that tried to erase my voice and my work, I chose not to disappear. I rebuilt — and turned my experience into a movement dedicated to dignity, fairness, and equal opportunity for every generation.
"The moment I realized silence was no longer an option."
Mariam Anna Barska
Founder, Age Equity Foundation
With over two decades in leadership roles within the fashion industry, I experienced firsthand how quickly people can be dismissed simply because of their age. I watched talented, dedicated individuals be overlooked — not for lack of ability, but because of outdated assumptions.
What happened to me is not uncommon. Age bias is silent, isolating, and deeply damaging. Instead of accepting it, I chose to rebuild — and to transform my experience into a mission.
I founded the Age Equity Foundation to advocate for fair treatment, elevate overlooked voices, and ensure that every person — at every age — has equal access to opportunity, dignity, and respect.
