My first scientific meeting was the 1974 Portland GSA meeting, attended thanks to my PhD mentor. The breadth of science and policy and the spirit of that meeting inspired, excited, and revealed the unique role of GSA in efforts to maximize health and wellbeing during aging. Paraphrasing John Donne, no gerontologist is an island. As a biologist, I am keenly aware of the importance of multidisciplinary team-based approaches to advance understanding – drawing input not only from diverse biological subdisciplines, but also from clinicians, psychologists, social scientists, and policymakers. I have always strived to mentor, conduct research, and organize meetings incorporating interdisciplinary approaches and alternative perspectives. With help from many trainees and collaborators, my research has contributed to understanding female reproductive aging, the health extending actions of dietary restriction and, most recently, sex differences in aging and resilience. As president, I will apply my experience organizing meetings, leading multidisciplinary groups, and mentoring to the GSA enterprise. I will bring a biogerontological perspective to the table of experts from all branches of gerontology – in order better to advocate and achieve the society’s goals by building bridges connecting disciplines, enhancing communication and collaboration, and, especially, energizing and engaging the next generation of gerontologists.