Wisdom Watch aims to make a unique contribution to addressing health equity gaps by increasing access to high-quality screenings for dementia within Richmond’s Black community. The goal is to empower Black elders and their loved ones to recognize early dementia signs, to improve outcomes and quality of life.
Our Contribution
About Us
Wisdom Watch was created as a volunteer alliance by three colleagues in the Richmond community who had one thing in common: Wanting to answer a call to make a personal contribution to addressing health equity gaps impacting Richmond's African American elders. Statistics show African American elders are twice as likely to have dementia when compared with their White counterparts.
Our Commitment
Wisdom Watch Alliance is committed to making screenings available in trusted community spaces, such as churches and libraries, where participants are able to experience a sense of belonging, while engaging with culturally informed clinicians and other advocates. The alliance stands firmly against all forms of discrimination, including those based on race, age, ability, or cognitive status. The work of Wisdom Watch Alliance is guided by the belief that every elder deserves compassionate, culturally responsive care that honors their dignity, celebrates their identity, and supports their full humanity.
Early intervention is important.
Knowledge and skill can reduce stigma and fear surrounding dementia. Knowledge and skill also can improve self-care, and make our community more resilient.
Our Core Goals
The founders of Wisdom Watch have established three primary objectives as the alliance's initial focus:
To increase awareness of dementia in Richmond's Black community
To combat elder abuse in this community
To preserve and enhance quality of life for elders and caregivers impacted by dementia
Our Services
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
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Wisdom Watch is committed to raising awareness of dementia, elder abuse, and related health equity issues by organizing and participating in high-impact educational programs and community events.
COMMUNITY SCREENINGS
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Wisdom Watch provides screenings for dementia in nonmedical, community settings in an effort to support early intervention, self-determination and improved outcomes. Read about our work.
The Co-Founders
Lisa Brownlee Johnson
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Wisdom Watch co-founder Lisa Brownlee Johnson, a three-time graduate of VCU, is a nurse practitioner and entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of healthcare experience who was born and raised in Richmond. Johnson, a veteran journalist, worked as a primary care provider for more than a decade, before deciding to shift to a more holistic approach to health, focusing on self-determination and healing from within. Throughout her time in primary care, Johnson experienced an ever-growing passion for wellness and elders. In addition to helping to establish Wisdom Watch, Johnson is a functional medicine practitioner, mental health educator, and founder of Richmond-based specialty health agency Atypical Care LLC.​​​
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Regina Foster
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Wisdom Watch co-founder Regina Foster is a gerontologist and entrepreneur, who worked as a VCU clinician for several years in the specialty field of urology, while gaining expertise in the academic science of gerontology. She is passionately anti-ageist and holds a master's degree in gerontology from VCU. Foster's studies were inspired by lived experience as a long-distance caregiver for her late grandmother, who had dementia. Foster has been able to transform her lived experience into a mission to educate caregivers on the skill and expertise required to care for elders. Foster, who has distinguished herself as a leader in senior care and training for caregivers, also is founder of Foster Senior Services. Foster's many accomplishments include being the visionary creator of QueenAged, a premium skincare brand that offers products for addressing the skin challenges faced by women as we age.
Dr. Stephen B. Towns Sr.
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Wisdom Watch co-founder Dr. Stephen Brian Towns Sr., a servant leader and author, is pastor and founder of Real Life Ministries, Church of God In Christ. Towns has served in ministry for nearly 30 years, touching countless lives across the nation. His leadership includes being a fierce advocate for health equity and combating elder abuse. Towns holds a doctorate in strategic leadership with a concentration in healthcare leadership from Regent University, as well as dual master's degrees in divinity and Christian education from Virginia Union University.
Partner With Us
Wisdom Watch Alliance is committed to partnering with community organizations who share in a commitment to raising awareness of dementia and elder abuse in Richmond’s African American community.
The alliance also is committed to partnering with organizations who wish to provide opportunities for people in this community to receive private, high-quality cognitive screenings, by culturally informed clinicians.
Become a Member
Become a member of Wisdom Watch Alliance. Join now to help make a difference in our community's response to the crisis of dementia.
MAKE A UNIQUE DIFFERENCE
Wisdom Watch Alliance is unique because of the alliance’s commitment to self-determination and improving access to much-needed screening and early recognition of dementia in Richmond’s African American community.
ADDRESS HEALTH GAPS
Benefits include making a difference by helping to address the disproportionate burden of dementia in Richmond’s African American community.
RECOGNITION FOR DOING GOOD
Charter members will receive recognition at all Wisdom Watch Alliance programs. Alliance members also will be part of a dynamic and supportive network of individuals who are committed to preservation of function, quality of life, and dignity of vulnerable elders.
Our Code of Conduct
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to promote a culture of integrity, inclusivity, and service in pursuing the Wisdom Watch Alliance mission to raise awareness of dementia and elder abuse, and to provide access to much-needed screenings.
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Commitment to Mission
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Wisdom Watch Alliance members support the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the organization.
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Wisdom Watch Alliance members represent the organization positively within the community and among stakeholders.
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Community Conduct
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Wisdom Watch Alliance members treat all members, staff, and volunteers with respect, empathy, and dignity.
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Wisdom Watch Alliance members embrace cultural humility and create inclusive spaces for diverse voices.
Accountability & Responsibility
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Wisdom Watch Alliance members follow through on commitments and responsibilities related to charter membership.
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Wisdom Watch Alliance members participate actively in meetings, projects, and outreach efforts when possible.
Ethics & Confidentiality
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Wisdom Watch Alliance members maintain confidentiality around sensitive organizational discussions and personal member information.
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Wisdom Watch Alliance members avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any that arise transparently.
Collaboration & Engagement
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Wisdom Watch Alliance members provide constructive feedback to strengthen organizational practices.
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Wisdom Watch Alliance members encourage collaboration and uplift others through mentoring, advocacy, and shared knowledge.
Events
Honoring Caregivers: A Conversation
on Alzheimer's and Dementia Care
November 12, 2025
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Wisdom Watch Alliance stands with Delta Research and Educational Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association in supporting this educational webinar series
to increase awareness and empower families and communities
impacted by Alzheimer's and other dementias. Click here to register.
"Remember Me: Dementia in the African American Community," Presented by Wisdom Watch Alliance
October 18, 2025
A community event to raise awareness and provide a unique opportunity for individuals to receive free, private cognitive screenings. The event on Oct. 18, 2025, featured award-winning documentary film “Remember Me: Dementia in the African American Community.” The event was hosted in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond and Atlanta-based Expose Dementia. This event included an expert panel discussion featuring Dr. Anika Hines of VCU School of Medicine; Dr. Linnie S. Carter, a leader in higher education, an entrepreneur, and a caregiver; Deonte Barkley of RVA Financial, an expert in financial literacy; Dr. Stephen B. Towns Sr., pastor of Real Life Ministries and a co-founder of Wisdom Watch Alliance; and filmmaker, author and advocate C. Nathaniel “Chuck” Brown, founder of Expose Dementia and the producer of "Remember Me." The panel discussion was moderated by Andrea Price of the Virginia Center on Aging, who also leads the Virginia division of ALTER Dementia, a national program devoted to making African American churches more dementia friendly.
"Remember Me" Event Sponsors
Strength for the Journey
August 9, 2025
Wisdom Watch Alliance participated in a community forum on dementia and provided on-site cognitive screenings at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, Belt Boulevard campus, in Richmond, Va.
Wisdom Watch Alliance Milestones include our Inaugural Event
May 3, 2025
Wisdom Watch Alliance began its journey through a symposium hosted at Real Life Ministries COGIC, where Wisdom Watch Alliance co-founder Dr. Stephen B. Towns Sr. is founder and pastor. This community event provided on-site cognitive screenings for a half dozen participants. The event also featured an array of expert presenters, including Regina Foster, a gerontologist and a Wisdom Watch Alliance co-founder; Lisa Brownlee Johnson NP, a certified dementia practitioner and a Wisdom Watch Alliance co-founder; Andrea Price of the ALTER Dementia program; and Veronica Rogers, a financial adviser who owns Carnelian Wealth Solutions and is author of “Illuminate Your Legacy.”