Vitalia Solon 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 Vitalia Solon, DEI goes beyond training and mentoring. It is a way of life. One of my favorite conversations thus far this past year was the A Cancer Survivorship Conversation with Jennifer Johnmeyer.

Cancer has touched many families and friends in my life. I have seen the toll it takes on everyone, but I have also seen how an entire community will come together for a family battling with a cancer diagnosis. My childhood friend died of Leukemia at the age of 12 and I didn’t understand it at that time. I grew up fearing the word cancer and for many years it meant a death sentence, because of my friend’s death.

It’s important to bring awareness and research to this topic. So many people don’t realize how important it is to do wellness checks. I am very thankful for all the awareness we have now to educate those battling cancer and the support for family and friends that have loved ones with the disease. Cancer affects the whole family.  

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!