SESSIONS

Welcome

9:00 am – 10:00 am

  • Ashante Abubakar, Vice President, Workforce Development, Argentum 
  • Tom Brown, Executive Director, The Training Ground 
  • Lori Brown, Associate Director, The Training Ground  
  • Warren Crow, Program Director for Health Careers and NA Training Program, Guilford Technical Community College 
  • Frances Messer, President & CEO, North Carolina Assisted Living Association  

Roadmap to Strengthen North Carolina’s Caregiving Workforce

10:00 am – 11:00 am

  • Trish Farnham, Caregiving Workforce Analyst, NC Center on the Workforce for Health
  • Sabrena Lea, Deputy Director, Division of Health Benefits, NC Department of Health and Human Services
  • Andy MacCraken, Director, NC Center on the Workforce for Health


As North Carolina’s population continues to age and the demand for care intensifies, the state has taken a bold step forward with the release of the
Roadmap to Strengthen North Carolina’s Caregiving Workforce in 2024. This session will spotlight the findings and strategies outlined in the report, developed by the Caregiving Workforce Strategic Leadership Council, a coalition convened by the NC Department of Health and Human Services and the NC Department of Commerce. 

This dynamic discussion will examine the current state of the caregiving workforce, including critical shortages in nursing, behavioral health, and direct care. Panelists will share insights into the report’s action plan, including data-driven approaches, policy initiatives, workforce development strategies, and the roadmap’s emphasis on equity, sustainability, and economic impact. 

Connecting Senior Living Communities with Refugee Services for Employee Recruitments    

11:15 am – 12:15 pm

  • Erica Lubamba, Refugee Employment Specialist, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte
  • Frances Messer, President & CEO, North Carolina Assisted Living Association
  • Beatrice Oywer, Executive Director, Sunrise on Providence
  • Hayden Swanson, North Carolina State Refugee Program Consultant, NC Department of Health and Human Services


Workforce shortages continue to challenge the senior living industry, and innovative partnerships are essential to building a sustainable pipeline of employees. This session will explore how organizations are bridging the gap by engaging with immigrant and refugee service organizations across North Carolina.
 

Attendees will learn how to engage with local refugee resettlement agencies and workforce development programs to access untapped talent pools. Speakers will also share success stories, common challenges, and practical solutions for building inclusive, high-retention teams through refugee workforce integration. 

Discover A Wealth of Human Capital: The Workforce Ecosystem, Advantages & Opportunities

1:15 pm – 2:15 pm

  • Ashante Abubakar, Vice President, Workforce Development, Argentum
  • Warren Crow, Program Director for Health Careers and NA Training Program, Guilford Technical Community College  
  • Sonja Godsey, Talent Pathways Coordinator, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions
  • Dan Passarella, Workforce Consultant, Argentum


In the face of persistent workforce shortages, tapping into a broader and more strategic network of talent pipelines is essential. This session will offer a deep dive into the workforce ecosystem surrounding senior living, presented by a national leader in workforce development from Argentum.
 

The session will outline the interconnected system of workforce solution providers, including community colleges, apprenticeship programs, American Job Centers, Job Corps, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and veteran employment initiatives. Attendees will learn about how they can effectively collaborate with workforce partners to access new talent pools.  

Smarter Care, Stronger Workforce: Leveraging Technology to Meet Growing Demand

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

The future of senior living is about empowering older adults to lead vibrant, fulfilling, and connected lives. As the senior living workforce grapples with staffing shortages and rising care complexity, innovative solutions are transforming how care is delivered. 

In this session, leading industry partners and solution providers will showcase tech advancements shaping the future of assisted living and long-term care. The technologies discussed in this session aim to support workforce efficiency, elevate care quality, and enhance residents’ well-being. 

Closing Remarks 

3:30 pm