By Adrienne Ruffin
Looking for a supportive community? Join the LeadingAge Leaders of Color Network and participate in the network’s November events.
Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.
This quote from business leader Brian Sollis perfectly captures the work of the LeadingAge Leaders of Color Network, a professional networking group for emerging, mid-level, and senior leaders of color and allies working in LeadingAge member organizations. Since its inception in 2021, the network has grown to include over 800 members. What began as a recommendation from 13 leaders of color in LeadingAge member organizations has blossomed into a dedicated community of leaders and allies that support:
- Engagement: We currently have seven LeadingAge state networks in California, Maryland, New Jersey/Delaware, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. In 2026, we anticipate the establishment of three new state networks. Network members nationwide—including David Brown, LeadingAge Leaders of Color Advisory Board chair, lead for the LeadingAge Maryland Leaders of Color and Allies Network, and chief information and equity officer at Edenwald in Towson, MD—have become outstanding ambassadors, demonstrating the value of belonging to LeadingAge and the LeadingAge Leaders of Color Network’s community of leaders.
- Connections: During a recent family trip to Seattle, WA, Network Advisory Board member Pam Coit, who is the director of organizational belonging at Juliette Fowler Communities in Dallas, TX, stopped by for a visit with Erica Thrash-Sall, CEO of Horizon House. In her LinkedIn post about the visit, Erica said Pam’s visit was “a reminder of the strength of our national network and the power of connection in advancing the future of senior living.”
- Leader Development: The Leaders of Color Network promotes the career and professional growth of leaders of color. This spring, LeadingAge’s National Office completed its first Mentorship Workshop series, led by Nzinga Shaw, CEO of Attack the Glass. The series connected experienced leaders with early- to mid-career talent in the aging services sector. In September, the networks at LeadingAge Maryland and LeadingAge Virginia co-sponsored Level Up, a full-day professional development workshop for early- to mid-career professionals eager to advance their careers. The workshop was created by Laiya Rollins, manager of membership and workforce at LeadingAge Virginia and a member of the Leaders of Color Network Advisory Board.
Upcoming Webinar
In November, the LeadingAge National Office will host The Power of Representation, a webinar focusing on the importance of leadership representation, building a personal brand, and allyship strategies to support and develop all leaders. The webinar will feature Dr. Janice George, a leadership strategist, author, and founder and CEO of Leadership Passport. One of the panelists for the webinar will be Keith Grady, executive director of Applewood Village in Freehold, NJ.
Annual Meeting Events
If you’re attending the Annual Meeting in Boston, I hope you’ll consider signing up for these Leaders of Color Network events.
Coffee Chat and Networking Powered by the Leaders of Color Network, on Sunday, November 2, from 8-9 a.m. Join LeadingAge members for coffee and breakfast, and seize an opportunity to connect with your peers.
Leaders of Color Annual Planning Meeting on Monday, November 3, from 3-4 p.m. Attend this insightful meeting focusing on the past year’s accomplishments and upcoming initiatives to promote inclusive leadership in the aging services field.
The Power of Community Meet and Greet (RSVP required) on Tuesday, November 4, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Join us for a luncheon with Calvin Hill, vice chancellor for inclusive excellence & belonging at UMass Boston. Dr. Hill will share his leadership journey and offer strategies for building inclusive communities.
Leaders of Color Network Celebration Reception (RSVP required) on Tuesday, November 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of music, fun, food, and connection with fellow LeadingAge members at the beautiful University of Massachusetts Alumni Lounge.
Join Us
The Leaders of Color Network has been a transformative experience for all participants, including the LeadingAge National Office, state partner teams that support network programs, and LeadingAge members who generously share their time to advance the network and participate in its events. For me, the journey with the Leaders of Color Network has been inspiring and an opportunity to make belonging matter.
Interested in making a difference? Consider joining the Leaders of Color Network. The network welcomes all leaders working in a LeadingAge member organization, including leaders of color and allies. Reach out to Amma Addo for more details.
Adrienne Powell Ruffin, DSL, is vice president, LTSS Center strategic initiatives, in the Washington, DC office of the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston. Read more about Adrienne