On Wednesday, August 14, the Inaugural Women of Long-Term Care Leadership Symposium brought together over 70 women leaders from across the long-term care sector, for an inspiring day of growth, connection, and empowerment. The symposium aimed to address critical challenges, share innovative solutions, and close the leadership gap for the women of long-term care. The symposium welcomed not only long-term care professionals, but also national leadership and state dignitaries.

Symposium Highlights

A social event was hosted on the evening of August 13, to kick off the inaugural event. Wisconsin legislators and their staff also attended the networking event, which was sponsored by Behavioral Care Solutions, Martin Brothers, Pathway Health, CE Solutions, AM Solutions, von Briesen & Roper, Medline, and AlixaRx.

The Symposium began with an energizing and impactful keynote from Judy Hehr, who emphasized the importance of intentional leadership and fostering environments where leaders can thrive. Lobbyist, Ramie Zelenkova shared her leadership journey while focusing on the importance of advocacy and how to effectively advocate for the sector. Wisconsin’s Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguiez further emphasized the power of advocacy, community and state involvement, and encouraged attendees to share their experiences with elected offices.

Successes were celebrated and recognized, as WHCA/WiCAL awarded a $1,000 MacKenzie Scholarship to JoHannah Skildum, as she furthers her education in pursuit of an RN degree. National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) Executive Director, LaShuan Bethea, shared her leadership journey, focused on the sector’s need for strong leaders, and how leadership will influence and shape the future of the long term care sector. Former WHCA/WiCAL Board President, Deb Klatkiewicz, encouraged symposium attendees to step outside of their comfort zones and shared ways to get involved the association.

The Symposium concluded with a panel of recognizable long term care leaders: Stacy Gerber Ward, of von Briesen & Roper; Lori Koeppel, Executive Director of the DON Council and owner of Koeppel Healthcare Solutions; Sue LaGrange, CNO at Pathway Health; and Shellie Sonnentag, CNO at Real Property Health. Their discussions were dynamic and deeply insightful, as they shared personal experiences and strategies for achieving leadership success.

The Symposium was MC’d and moderated by WHCA/WiCAL’s Vice President of Business Development, Jena Jackson, who shared insight into creating a strong and steady path for the leadership journey. This symposium marked a significant step in the ongoing efforts to elevate women in leadership roles within the long-term care sector. As a result of the overwhelmingly positive feedback and success of the inaugural event, WHCA/WiCAL will continue offering Women of Long-Term Care Leadership programs and events. Thank you to all of the providers, sponsors, speakers, and state dignitaries who made this symposium memorable and impactful!

Please email jena@whcawical.org if you wish to sponsor future leadership events or if you have any questions about leadership programs.