March is Women’s History Month, highlighted by the commemoration of International Women’s Day on March 8 — a time to celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of women across the planet. This year, #ChoosetoChallenge is the theme, with a call to action for all of us to step up and choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality.
Women have made great strides in the workplace over the past few decades, but the number of women in leadership positions in corporate America remains comparatively small – even in fields like senior living where most of the employees and residents are women. According to a recent report from Argentum, of the 115 largest senior living providers, only 17.5% are helmed by a woman CEO.
As the only woman-founded, owned and led company among the top 40 national assisted living companies, Juniper is proud to be an exception to these trends and celebrate the leadership role of women at Juniper Communities.
Recently, Juniper Founder and CEO Lynne Katzmann received the McKnight’s Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to senior living, a tremendous honor for both Lynne and the culture she’s created at Juniper.
Throughout her career, Katzmann has been a pioneer in driving corporate gender equality and promoting gender-balanced boards of directors. As a highly sought-after speaker and board member, she strives to elevate the role and recognition of women in board rooms.
At Juniper, she has built a leadership team comprised of more than 75% women. She believes this is natural in a sector in which most of the residents are women, most of the caregivers are women, and where family members (usually daughters and daughters-in-law) make the bulk of care decisions.
Juniper attracts great women because it acknowledges the challenges women face and the necessity of achieving some degree of work/life balance, without compromising the quality of work. This duality makes it a great fit for high achievers with lives outside the office.
Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world and celebrate women trailblazers. Strong role models can empower the next generation and are now paving the way for little girls to follow in their footsteps.
Lynne was inspired by her grandmother, Oma, who ran her own business in the 1920s, rode a motorcycle in her mid-70s and was always ready to share her laughter, wisdom, and sheer love of life. Empowered by her example, Lynne founded a company based on a vision of aging that sees us alive in every season of life. Oma’s story has become Juniper’s shared inspiration, one that has put Juniper among America’s foremost, long-term care providers.
Each week during Women’s History Month, we will feature a woman in leadership who has been instrumental in Juniper’s past and continues to be a driving force today. Follow us to learn about their strengths, passions, and commitment to being a leader.
