Women of Distinction logo for 2021

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Senior Living are delighted to once again offer the McKnight’s Women of Distinction Awards and Forum as a virtual event, May 18 and 19.

Last year’s attendees told us the event was a welcomed ray of sunshine — a celebration of remarkable women’s accomplishments and leadership in senior living and skilled nursing, and an opportunity to earn continuing education credits at a time when many in-person events were on hold. We expect this year’s award ceremony and forum to be just as engaging and uplifting.

On May 18, we’ll honor our 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, 19 Hall of Honor inductees, 15 Veteran VIPs and 17 Rising Stars

And on May 19, we’ll offer three live webinars during which attendees will have the opportunity to earn up to three CE credits. These sessions will be tailored to a broad audience — everyone is welcome to attend, and there is no charge.

Here’s a rundown of the sessions:

“Addressing pandemic challenges with success,” held 11 a.m. to noon ET

Industry leaders in senior living and skilled nursing will detail how their organizations have met COVID-19-related challenges and also will share best practices ideas. Speakers include Covenant Living Communities and Services CEO Terri Cunliffe, Hebrew Home at Riverdale COO David Pomeranz, Life Plan Communities SVP/Senior Director Allison Pendroy, and Goodman Group VP Kim Te Brugge. Cunliffe and Te Brugge are 2021 McKnight’s Women of Distinction.

“Finding success in increasing diversity and inclusion,” from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. ET

A first-hand look at diversity and inclusion efforts at four organizations. Speaking will be Christian Living Communities President and CEO Jill-Vitale Aussem; CEO Brookdale Senior Living President and CEO Lucinda “Cindy” Baier; A.G. Rhodes CEO Deke Cateau; and Eclipse Senior Living CEO Kai Hsiao. Baier is a 2020 McKnight’s Women of Distinction honoree.

“Secrets to career success,” will run from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET

Six 2021 McKnight’s Women of Distinction awardees will speak about mentoring, networking, developing assertiveness, career advancement, leadership succession planning, and establishing organizational culture, among other topics. Sharing their wisdom will be PruittHealth Chief Strategy Officer Mary Ousley; Allure Group COO Melissa Powell; Green House Project Senior Director Susan Ryan; LeadingAge SVP of Research Robyn Stone, DrPH; Belmont Village Senior Living founder and CEO Patricia Will; and Birmingham Green CEO Denise Chadwick Wright.

Learn more and register at mcknightswomenofdistinction.com.

The McKnight’s Women of Distinction program is jointly administered by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Senior Living. The program’s Diamond sponsor is PointClickCare, and the Roundtable Sponsor is Paycor.