LeadingAge Launches Leadership Diversity Fellowship With $250K Grant

WASHINGTON—LeadingAge, an association of nonprofit providers of aging services, announced the launch of a leadership diversity fellowship program, an initiative supported by a $250,000 grant from the Next50 Foundation, a Colorado-based foundation for aging societies. 

Developed in partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the fellowship program is one in a series of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts the company said it has created to address disparities in the long-term services and supports workplace. The company set guidelines for prospective program participants, such as that they must be master’s program graduates or mid-career, racially and ethnically diverse professionals, have experience in nonclinical positions such as finance, human resources or data analytics and must be new to the aging services sector. 

The fellowship program intends to fast track individuals with high potential who want to enter the field of aging services. Additionally, the program aims to be a first step in diversifying the leadership teams of LeadingAge member organizations. The program’s learning model seeks to provide a community for the new leaders in aging services, create a shared learning experience during the year-long program and support the development of future professional relationships and career success.

“As America’s population rapidly grows older and demand for long-term services and supports rises, advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in our sector’s workplaces is critical,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge. “New talent is needed–specifically, more people of color at every organizational level. This program is unique in our sector. With it, we seek to address systemic issues, including the current dearth of diverse leaders throughout our member organizations. Building on the learnings of this initial cohort, we hope to replicate our successes in the coming years with the ultimate result of transforming our communities to become more diverse and inclusive workplaces.” 

The Next50 funds intend to cover the cost of fellow recruitment and development of the program’s mentoring and education elements, including aging services and cultural competencies curricula. The program is scheduled to launch in Spring 2025, with up to 10 LeadingAge member organizations participating as fellow hosts. Member participants’ commitments include employment with salary and benefits; support in training and mentor programs; and participation in program evaluation.  

“America’s rapidly growing older population is more diverse than ever,” said Peter Kaldes, president and CEO of Next50. “Inclusivity in the aging services workforce is more important than ever. We’re pleased to take action and partner with innovators like LeadingAge, who will change the status quo and help to make America a better place to grow old.”