Marvell Adams, Jr. has built his career in non-profit senior services on a desire to bring the traditional spaces associated with eldercare – the nursing home, the assisted living facility – closer to home. But creating a home isn't as simple as building a structure. It's a deliberate act of fostering an environment where everyone feels included, supported, and valued.

For an organization like The Kendal Corporation, where Adams serves as chief operating officer, that means always remembering that quality care is based on people serving other people. For Adams, it also means tackling society's most pervasive -isms – racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, and more – through the lens of belonging. It's not enough for organizations to achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion goals through the addition of individual people; it's about making those individuals feel as though they truly belong.

Adams – who recently joined The Green House Project's board of directors – joins "Elevate Eldercare" for a powerful and challenging discussion of his experiences as a Black leader in an industry whose executive ranks are dominated by white people. Adams shares a bold vision for an eldercare landscape, from the boardroom to the home, where everyone belongs.

Learn more about The Kendal Corporation's strategies for fostering diversity: https://www.kendal.org/about-kendal/kendal-values/welcoming-diversity/

Read Marvell's firsthand experience with confronting racism in the industry: https://www.seniorlivingforesight.net/ugliness-at-leadingage/

Show notes/call to action: Learn more about The Green House Project: www.thegreenhouseproject.org