Celebrating Women's History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are sharing the stories of five women leaders at Enlivant who exemplify inclusiveness and a commitment to embrace equity. A gender equal world starts with each one of us and we can embrace equity. Equity means that each person receives resources that take into consideration their experiences, needs, and diversity. Read on to learn more about our featured employees’ thoughts on leadership, gender equity in the workplace and empowerment.
Help us celebrate our women employees and residents who make Enlivant a great place to work and live. Show your appreciation to your Woman in CHIEF who inspires you and share a note of thanks on our Gratitude Wall.
Betty Jo Webb - Vice President of Sales & Marketing, South Division
Betty Jo started at Enlivant 6 years ago as Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for the Blue Ridge region. Betty Jo received the RDSM of the Year award and under her leadership, the South Division was honored as the Top Performing Division for Sales two years in a row. Betty Jo’s favorite part of her role is the interaction with the residents and traveling to meet community leadership teams. She was a competitive cheerleader and considers herself to be a cheerleader now for her Enlivant team. Betty Jo strives to lead with equal parts love and accountability with a servant’s heart to help her residents and teammates thrive.
How do you think the senior living industry embraces gender equity in the workplace?
Prior to Enlivant I owned a real estate appraisal company that was a man’s world – however, I just took my seat at the table and brought insight to the conversation. I learned as a business owner you just make a place where there is no place. When I joined senior living, I brought with me the knowledge that I had acquired as a business owner. I look to see what may be missing and fill the gap. I’ve never felt like I was “less than” in any role I’ve held in senior living, especially at Enlivant. Day one, week one at Enlivant I felt a part of the team and that senior leadership wants and values my input.
Who in your life has motivated or inspired your leadership style and presence?
My grandfather – he owned a farm and during the off season he was a builder/contractor. His work ethic was on point. He valued all people and had great faith. God first, then family, then work. He taught me good values and that people matter more than results… and when you love, serve and care for people they will bring the results you are looking for. Take care of your associates and they will take care of your residents. Take care of your residents and the bottom line will take care of itself.
How do you balance all the different parts of your life and take care of yourself?
I lean on my team. The South Division Team is ready to step up and carry the torch. I do not feel like I’m in this all alone. I have a team around me, and we win together, and we lose – wait! We don’t lose! 😊 I look to elevate team members when I am away – they step in to lead and the South doesn’t miss a beat. They all are capable and lean on each other and they have the answers, and they almost always can solve any challenge. I work hard and I am 100% there when I work. When I’m off, I typically have one of my grandkids and they ensure I am not working but giving them 100% of my attention. Working in senior living is so much more than a job and brings me so much joy. I am blessed daily by Enlivant and my team.
Dominique Meier - Vice President of Operations, Pacific Division
Dominique joined Enlivant in 2017 as Regional Director of Operations for the Oregon/Washington region and was promoted to National Operations Director. At the beginning of this year, Dominique moved to the Vice President of Operations role for the Pacific Division. Her friends and family say that Dominique has a competitive spirit and her adventures have included serving in the military, competing in collegiate track & field, 5K races to marathons to 200-mile team races, and participating in 24-hour CrossFit competitions. Dominique is currently searching for her next adventure and is open to any recommendations.
How do you think the senior living industry embraces gender equity in the workplace?
We work in an industry uniquely dominated by women. I recently read an article published by Argentum stating, “Women hold nearly 70 percent of senior living management jobs.” My favorite quote from the article is, “Women don’t just work in senior living: they lead.”
Gender equity isn’t just good for women, it’s good for business. There are many studies showing that companies with a large proportion of women in executive roles are more likely to outperform on profitability.
That being said, there is still much work to be done. Fortunately, Enlivant has committed to hiring, developing, and promoting more women into executive roles and I am proud to work for a company that is dedicated to making this a priority. #agreatplacetowork
Who in your life has motivated or inspired your leadership style and presence?
Fortunately, I have had many great examples throughout my life and have taken bits and pieces from each of those individuals. My grandma showed me the significance of servant leadership, my track coach, who I still speak with regularly, taught me the power of positive thinking on performance, a female drill sergeant helped me master perseverance and several supervisors and mentors who were amazing role models, invested in my growth and took time to give me feedback; the good and the tough to hear (areas of opportunity). Many of those supervisors and mentors are leaders at Enlivant; a testament to the commitment Enlivant has made to developing women.
Is there a piece of media (movie, podcast, book, etc.) or business that you have seen recently that champions or empowers women?
I recently had the opportunity to join the WomenBelong@Enlivant workshop, which transformed the way I view navigating the workplace as a woman. The book we read during this workshop, “A Woman’s Guide to Power, Presence and Protection” was full of “aha” moments and I continue to reference back to it anytime I find myself sliding into self-doubt. I would also recommend the book, “How Women Rise - What Got You Here Won’t Get You There," this book really helped me uncover the ways I was self-sabotaging my growth without realizing it.
Listen to our Women's History Month soundtrack on Spotify!
Dyane Daigle - Regional Executive Director, Blue Ridge Region
Dyane started her career at Enlivant in 2020 as the Executive Director for Richland Place. During her time leading the community, Richland Place consistently exceeded occupancy, revenue, and income goals. In 2022 she was promoted to Regional Executive Director for the Blue Ridge region. In high school, Dyane traveled along the East Coast and Texas with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corp and one of her proudest accomplishments is making it to the Drum Corp International Competition in Florida.
How do you think the senior living industry embraces gender equity in the workplace?
In my experience, I have always had mentors and coaches that encourage my career growth as well as my personal growth; so, in my opinion senior living very much embraces gender equity in the workplace.
Who in your life has motivated or inspired your leadership style and presence?
I have been very blessed to have great mentors in my life, starting with my father who put a drive in me to never quit and always achieve excellence along with wonderful women mentors in my career journey.
How do you balance all the different parts of your life and take care of yourself?
Self-care is highly important to me as I have experienced burning the candle at both ends. I have learned that you cannot be fully effective in that mindset. I have daily affirmations that I say to myself multiple times a day, I try to meditate at least 3 times a week, I take care of my health and I am mindful of the food that I put into my body, I try to be very self-aware of when I need a time out to focus on me and I have learned to set boundaries, as the answer “no” is okay.
Sharon Alexander-Jenkins - Accounting Manager, Enlivant Support Center
Sharon joined the Accounting and Reporting Team at the Enlivant Support Center last year in the Accounting Manager role. Sharon oversees the accounting records for communities, analysis of the financial results, and implementation of process improvements. Sharon loves meeting new people and learning more about their stories. She recently took a 7-day, solo cruise to the Caribbean. By the end of the second day, she made multiple connections with other cruisers who became her close friends for the remainder of the cruise. Two of her new cruise friends are coming to visit Sharon this spring!
Who in your life has motivated or inspired your leadership style and presence?
My “mama,” as I call her, is my continued motivation. At an early age, I can recall conversations with her telling me that first impressions are lasting impressions and to never burn bridges. She also taught me the importance of representation in the workforce as a Black woman in accounting. She helped me with learning to separate personal and professional life and build a meaningful network within the industry. Because of my mama’s influence, encouragement, and love, I am secure in my quirkiness that sometimes feels different than the norm; because of her, I know that my personal leadership style is who I simply am.
Is there a piece of media (movie, podcast, book, etc.) or business that you have seen recently that champions or empowers women?
The Multitasker Podcast is one of my favorites! It’s a podcast about finding balance and personal happiness while doing all the things going on in your career, family, social life, fitness routine, etc. The creator, Bryana Holcomb, is one of my best friends that I’ve known since college who has always championed for the success of, not only me, but all women. I’m also reading a book right now called “Feeding the Soul” by Tabitha Brown. As she recounts her life, she encourages readers to live a destiny-purposed lifestyle that makes them feel seen, loved, and heard.
How do you balance all the different parts of your life and take care of yourself?
I try to plan for the known events and responsibilities that I have each day so as not to become overwhelmed, while remaining flexible for changes. Since accounting does require long working hours at times, I make sure to block off time on my calendar to step away for a break, to prevent burn out. At the end of the week, I leave work thoughts behind at the office, and intentionally aim to enjoy my personal time with family, friends, food, music, and FUN!
Tabitha Obenour - Vice President of Clinical Quality and Compliance
Tabitha has worked in various roles since joining Enlivant in June of 2019. She currently helps support the clinical function as the Vice President of Clinical Quality and Compliance. One of Tabitha’s career highlights at Enlivant has been the opportunity to participate on the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging council, specifically supporting efforts in increasing the representation of women in leadership roles. Tabitha developed her leadership skills at an early age when she had her own paper route at 10 years old. Earning her own spending money for the “fun stuff” had a significant impact on Tabitha, coming from a large family of seven.
How do you think the senior living industry embraces gender equity in the workplace?
I think the Senior Living Industry stands out as a leader in its representation of women in the workplace compared to other industries across the country. Enlivant embraces gender equity with different initiatives focused on providing women tools and resources, like our formal group mentoring program, to further develop and advance their leadership skills.
Who in your life has motivated or inspired your leadership style and presence?
My two daughters have always been the driving force in the type of leader I want to be. Knowing they will both be in the workforce one day, likely leading teams of their own, I want to be an example to them that a true leader is one who builds others up and drives positive change.
How do you balance all the different parts of your life and take care of yourself?
I try not to focus so much on balance because I learned early in my career, we can rarely achieve true balance when we are responsible for so many different things. Some days my work does require a disproportionate amount of my time and attention, but the pendulum is always swinging, and I try to recognize when I need to take a step back, recharge and be more present outside of work too.
