Leaders of Color Network
The LeadingAge Leaders of Color Network is a professional networking group for senior, mid-level, and emerging leaders of color in LeadingAge member organizations. The network is also open to allies—individuals committed to fostering inclusive LTSS work environments where everyone is empowered to thrive.
The Leaders of Color Network is designed to support and facilitate career advancement and leadership opportunities in the field of aging services. It also offers members the opportunity to share challenges related to race, exchange resources and ideas, and participate in expert-led discussions about relevant topics.
We invite you to learn more about the network, connect with other leaders of color, and participate in state leaders of color networks.
About the Leaders of Color Network
The mission of the LeadingAge Leaders of Color Network is to:
- Create a sense of community for leaders of color working in LeadingAge member organizations.
- Help LeadingAge members recruit and retain leaders of color.
- Engage leaders of color in the advocacy work of LeadingAge and its state partners.
- Equip allies with the skills, knowledge, and awareness they need to create a workplace culture of inclusion that supports the career advancement of leaders of color.
- Serve as a workforce development initiative designed to build the leadership bench strength in LeadingAge member organizations and support the development and retention of the next generation of leaders.
About State Leaders of Color Networks
Leaders of color networks at the state level:
- Create local engagement opportunities for leaders of color.
- Build on national network events and activities to create state-specific content for state network members.
- Promote diversity at state events and conferences.
State Leaders of Color Networks
Educational Resources
State Leaders of Color Network Guide
LeadingAge state partners can use this guide to replicate the Leaders of Color Network within their states. Use the guide to:
• Prepare your state partner organization to establish a state network.
• Design and implement the structure of the state network.
• Market the state network to prospective members.
• Engage leaders of color in the operation of the state network.
• Find resources to fund state networking activities.
Read more
Leaders of Color Webinars
LeadingAge hosts webinars to inform leaders of color about important issues and to inspire them to act. Attend webinars live or watch these videos.
- Orientation to Lobby Day Webinar: The webinar prepares leaders of color in the field of aging services to meet with their elected representatives and their staff while visiting Capitol Hill during the LeadingAge Leadership Summit. A panel of leaders of color share their past experiences with Lobby Day and the senior vice president of policy and advocacy at LeadingAge provides an overview of Lobby Day and discusses LeadingAge’s 2024 policy priorities.
- Allies in Action: Creating a Supportive Workplace Webinar: A diversity, equity, and inclusion expert discusses what an ally is, how allies can foster inclusive workplaces in the field of aging services, and what strategies can help allies cultivate inclusive spaces. You can watch the webinar or read this article.
- Leaders of Color Network Advocacy Webinar Series: Three webinars, presented by seasoned advocates, offer practical guidance for getting involved in the advocacy process at the state and federal levels. They include:
- Leaders of Color as Influencers in Aging Services: A panel of four influential leaders of color in aging services share their career journeys and explain what helped support their advancement in the LTSS sector.
Become A Member of the LeadingAge Leaders of Color Network
Upcoming Leaders of Color Events
Leaders of Color Network Program at the LeadingAge Leadership Summit
Sunday, April 14, 2024 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Leaders of Color Network Reception
LeadingAge will host a reception for members of the Leaders of Color Network. This invitation-only event will feature Nzinga Shaw, a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert.
Monday, April 15, 2024 12:30- 1:30 p.m.
Lunch and Learn
The Role of Mentorship in Supporting Professional Growth & Development
The Lunch and Learn event, hosted by the Leaders of Color Network, will allow all members to hear from Nzinga Shaw on why mentorship matters and what strategies can help build a successful mentoring relationship. Mentoring relationships can facilitate meaningful connections between allies and emerging leaders.
Nzinga “Zing” Shaw is an experienced C-suite executive with extensive hands-on experience and knowledge spanning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She is the president and CEO of Attack the Glass LLC, an organization that aims to serve as the umbrella for amplifying cultural contributions across race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and every facet of the human experience.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET
Leadership Summit Lunch Chat and Networking
Sponsored by the Leaders of Color Network
The Leadership Summit Lunch Chat and Networking event provides all members an opportunity to meet, greet and connect with their colleagues during lunch.