IGNITE Leadership Academy LeadingAge New York 2014-15 2014-15 | Page 8

Kathy Burke
Education Assistant/Registrar
LeadingAge New York

Geriatric Career Development Program
1

How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make to
advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?

My Action Learning Project is to create a Geriatric Career Development Program at LeadingAge New York. Workforce development is a
critical issue for our members. The first phase would connect long term care professionals from member facilities and LeadingAge NY staff
with local urban high schools to present them with career opportunities in long term care. The next phase would be to develop community
partners and start our own program. The goal of the program is to improve staffing at member facilities and increase the benefit of being a
LeadingAge NY member.

2

How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?

The relationships are the most valuable part of the Leadership Academy. I have been helped tremendously by a Leadership Academy fellow
who is the director of the Geriatric Career Development Program at Jewish Home Lifecare and I hope to continue to work with her to develop
this program at LeadingAge NY. LeadingAge NY members face challenging operating environments and it has helped me to visit them, see
their programs and hear about their successes and even their mishaps. The Leadership Academy has enhanced my relationships with leaders at
LeadingAge NY who have given me their time and helpful resources. The mentors have helped me to grow and realize my potential.

3

What have been important turning points for you, in your own learning, as you’ve engaged with the
action learning process (you might consider a surprise, insight, setback, or challenge)?

My first turning point, and the basis of t