The Madison Senior Living Elaborates on Their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As a company, Arrow Senior Living has made learning about and celebrating our unique differences a part of our company culture. So much so that, in recent years, it has become an extension of our core values. And now, going on our second year, Arrow has expanded beyond yearly diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops to create Arrow’s D&I Speaker Series, which pairs special guest speakers with residents from our communities to have conversations on a wide range of topics such as mental health, PRIDE, Juneteenth, and so much more. We believe that sparking conversations on what some may believe to be sensitive topics helps to shed light on misconceptions and ultimately brings about understanding as it relates to the experiences of others. This ensures our employees and residents have the tools to build a safe place to live and work, one where a diverse group can come together and feel equally seen, heard, and included.

At The Madison Senior Living, DEI goes beyond training and mentoring. It is a way of life. One of my favorite conversations thus far this past year was A Poverty Awareness Conversation with Professor William Elliott III. Even though I have enjoyed each conversation in the series thus far, the one that resonated with me the most was this conversation with Professor Elliott. By raising awareness about poverty, we can challenge stereotypes and misconceptions that often perpetuate its cycle. Moreover, heightened awareness can inspire meaningful action, encouraging governments, organizations, and individuals to allocate resources, implement effective policies, and develop sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty’s impact.

A well-informed society is better equipped to address the root causes of poverty, such as lack of access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Empowering disadvantaged populations fosters a more inclusive and equitable world. Ultimately, poverty awareness serves as a catalyst for change, igniting a collective effort to create a future where every person can lead a dignified life free from the constraints of poverty. Professor Elliot also spoke about how high levels of inequality, inadequate access to education and healthcare, limited economic opportunities, and systemic discrimination exacerbate the problem.

The Madison Senior Living has become an invaluable asset to the community through its dedicated initiatives aimed at supporting those in need. Our commitment to provide meals each month for our “Picnic with Friends” program has made a significant impact by providing nutritious meals to vulnerable individuals, including seniors and low-income families this year.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Series are important to me because they enrich my life by exposing me to different perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Promoting equity ensures equal opportunities for all, regardless of background, fostering a fairer society. Inclusion validates individual uniqueness, fostering a sense of belonging and empowering people to reach their full potential. The series aligns with my personal values of empathy, fairness, and compassion, working towards a more harmonious and progressive world where everyone can thrive and contribute their best selves.

These conversations have only just begun, and I look forward to the conversations to come and all the new growth and opportunity that lies ahead as we work toward creating the greatest and safest place to work that we can!