This Women’s History Month, we at NHCOA are thinking of the women who carry forward the field of Aging. Over the years we’ve seen great strides in securing the well-being and dignity of older adults, with real achievements and improvements made in American policy. We have women in leadership roles to thank for many of these milestones.
You might not know that many of the organizations working to improve the lives of older adults are led by women. Much like our own Dr. Yanira Cruz, the President and CEO of NHCOA, these women leaders have not only made significant changes to the policy surrounding health care and overall benefits, but bring society forward to a better vision of what it means to honor our older adults and what it means for them to age with comfort and dignity.
Karyne Jones is the President and CEO of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc. (NCBA), and is the first African American woman to take on the role in its 50 years of service. Just like NHCOA, the NCBA is one of the only voices working on behalf of elderly minorities. Jones has led this influential organization since 2003, with transparent devotion to the cause as she leads the NCBA Housing Management and Development Corporation, and holds a seat with the Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) as well.
Quyên Đinh leads the Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC) as its Executive Director. The SEARAC is a civil rights organization that works tirelessly to present the largest refugee community to ever have settled in America, including Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. As its leader, Đinh is an immense advocate for Southeast Asian Americans, including when it comes to aging and holds a seat in the DEC, alongside Dr. Cruz and Karyne Jones. Before leading SEARAC, Đinh was an integral figure in building an infrastructure for the International Children Assistance Network (ICAN).
The DEC itself, finds leadership in its National Director, Lauren Pongan. She is a seasoned leader in the field of American policy, and has longed worked to drive efforts on improving public services. Before leading the DEC, Pongan worked with the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC), managing service programs for Asian American immigrants, refugees, and older adults. Her skills and leadership also helped to increase access to affordable health insurance for Asian Americans, via the Asian American Affordable Care Act.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA), is led by its president and CEO, Ramsey Alwin. Since 2020, she has taken on the responsibility set by the organizations 70 years of service. A seasoned organizer and leader, Alwin has provided crucial effort in introducing the Measuring American Poverty Act and implementing the Supplemental Poverty Measure. She previously worked in a leadership role with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and was at one time the Vice President of Economic Security for NCOA.
USAging is another organization focused on advocating for older adults, and the services they deserve. Sandy Markwood has acted as its CEO since 2002, and has long been known to be a strong voice for the US population of older adults. With more than 30 years of experience under her belt, Markwood has led many campaigns with USAging to improve services provided to older adults in areas such as health and wellness, social isolation, transportation, and housing. Before USAging, she led the National Association of Counties in their work on country services.
The AARP now finds its leadership in the capable hands of Jo Ann Jenkins. She began working with AARP in 2010, and became its CEO in 2014. This organization is the world’s largest non-profit, nonpartisan membership organization, and under Jenkins’ leadership it continued to soar, having even received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Under her leadership, AARP is now considered one of the most ethical companies in the world.
These are some of the many women making advancements in the field of aging, dedicated to taking care of our most vulnerable and honoring our elders to ensure that we can all live and age well. To our constituents who follow and appreciate the work of NHCOA and organizations like us, we encourage you to show appreciation to the many women who make it possible.
Happy Women’s History Month, from all at NHCOA.
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