Eyleen Braaten

Eyleen Braaten is the Executive Director of Giving Voice Initiative, where she leads a growing national movement to create dementia-friendly choruses that bring joy, connection, and purpose to people living with dementia and their care partners. Since joining the organization in 2017, Eyleen has been supporting the growth of the mission through innovative programming and building strong partnerships. 

Eyleen brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, mediation, and community engagement and lived experience as a care parter to her father that is living with dementia. She holds advanced degrees in public policy and nonprofit management, which inform her thoughtful, person-centered approach to leadership and program design.  

Eyleen is a relationship-builder and facilitator, known for challenging traditional narratives around aging and dementia through the power of music and storytelling. She is proud to lead with kindness, collaboration, and a deep belief in the transformative potential of human connection. 

Giving Voice Initiative is a Twin Cities-based nonprofit that inspires and equips communities in Minnesota and around the world to start dementia-friendly choruses that change lives and shift public perception through the power of song. Today, more than 200 singers participate in GVI’s five flagship choruses in the Twin Cities. Beyond Minnesota, a growing network of over 75 choruses across the U.S. and Canada are working together to create inclusive musical experiences that center the voices and dignity of people on the Alzheimer’s journey.