F4: Representation, Allyship & Workforce Resilience: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in Aging Services
Thursday, June 18 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Target Audience: Affordable Senior Housing, Service Coordinators, Assisted Living/Personal Care, Governance & Leadership, Home Care + HCBS, Operations, HR / Workforce
The aging services sector continues to face significant workforce challenges, including recruitment shortages, retention concerns, and a lack of leadership pathways that reflect the diversity of the frontline workforce. This session explores how intentional representation and meaningful allyship can strengthen organizational culture, elevate rising leaders of color, and build a more resilient workforce. Drawing on insights from the Leaders of Color Program and real experiences within the Aging Services Sector, presenters will share practical strategies that organizations can implement immediately. Participants will gain tools to identify emerging leaders, support equitable advancement, improve engagement and retention, and cultivate internal leadership pipelines that mirror the communities they serve. This session positions representation and allyship not as DEI initiatives, but as strategic workforce solutions essential for long-term sustainability.
NAB/NCERS
Speaker Information
President & CEO, Applewood Village
Keith Grady, LNHA, is an innovative and dedicated professional in the field of aging and long-term care with over 35 years of management, operational, and development experience in continuing care communities. Responsible for the administration of the day-to-day operations and the development of Applewood’s future strategy, Keith is a visionary with a focus on quality care, effective leadership, and cultivating environments of trust and mutual respect.
Vice President, Human Resources
As the Vice President of Human Resources, Erica serves as a strategic business partner and executive leader responsible for developing and executing human capital strategies that support Acts’ mission, vision, values, and long-term goals. This role provides oversight and leadership for all HR functions, ensuring regulatory compliance, organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and a high-performance, employee-centered culture. Erica earned her Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR) in 2011, a bachelor’s degree in 2014, and a master’s degree in 2016 from Wilmington University. Erica completed the Leading Age Larry J. Minnix Leadership Academy in 2022 and is now a Leading Age Academy Fellow & Alumni. She serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Leaders of Color (LoC) Network and chairs LoC for Leading Age NJDE, supporting career advancement for diverse leaders in aging services.
