Action Learning Projects have been a cornerstone of the Larry Minnix Leadership Academy since its inception nearly 20 years ago. The Action Learning process empowers fellows to translate innovative ideas into action, explore diverse perspectives, and experiment with the tools and theories introduced throughout the program year. Through this process, fellows cultivate innovation while gaining deeper insight into their leadership styles. They uncover their unique strengths, stretch beyond their comfort zones, and broaden their perspectives—all while advancing a cause within the aging services field that inspires their passion.

The Leadership Academy program year serves as a “launch year” for fellows to define and refine projects designed to spark innovation or drive improvement within their organizations. The purpose of these projects extends well beyond completion in a single year; they are about fostering sustained development and creating meaningful, long-term impact. Many fellows have successfully carried forward the goals of their Action Learning Projects, contributing lasting value to the aging services field.

The 2025 Action Learning Projects highlight how this year’s newest Academy alumni are shaping the future of our field. Fellows selected focus areas such as artificial intelligence, aging in place, end of life care, affordable housing, stigma, advocacy, dining services, dementia care practice, and more. Explore the 2025 Leadership Academy Fellows’ projects below to see how their vision and leadership continue to move aging services forward.

• Robert Adkins | Masonic Home of Virginia
  Funding Masonic Care for Generations Ahead
• Angela Allen | Christian Living Communities
  Guided by Wisdom, Leading with Care
• Beryl Bannerman | HumanGood
  AI can Guide, but Hearts Decide
• Jessie Bosshard | Givens Communities
  Design for Empowerment, Not Just Safety
• Jennifer Bullock | Mease Life
  MentorMatch
• Kevin Chamberlin | Otterbein SeniorLife
  Changing Conversations on Death — and Life
• Anthony Comerford | Jefferson’s Ferry
  Care Without Separation or Stigma
• Cari Conrad | Friendship Haven
  Rewriting Aging, Celebrating All Life’s Seasons
• Jonah Cox | Frasier
  Changing Perceptions Through the Power of Food
• Lauren Coyle | Graceworks
  Advanced Directives Communication Initiative
• Constance Dogan | Waverly Heights
  Leadership Through Learning
• Jennifer Faro | Edgewood
  Personal Development for Shared Growth
• Cory Fish | St. Paul’s Senior Services
  Leading the First 90 Days
• Richard Foor | Givens Communities
  Age in Place, Technology Empowering Living
• Andrea Gibson | Acts Retirement-Life – Spring House Estates
  Hot Food Access Enriches Resident Experience
• Jennifer Gill | LeadingAge North Carolina
  North Carolina Fundraisers’ Affinity Group
• Samira Gray | Jewish Home Family
  Elder Pathways: Navigating Care Together
• Sam Guedouar | Roland Park Place
  Passport Living for Active Aging
• Carter Hanna | Brandon Oaks
  The Art of Aging Gracefully Lies in Preparation
• Lauren Hathaway | 2Life Communities – Opus Newton
  Thriving in a Small Home Community
• Jennifer Hayes | McGregor
  Repurpose College Campuses to Create Intergenerational Living
• Maley Hunt | LiveWell
  Dementia Prevention: What Is (Y)our Role?
• Rebecca Hurlbert | Pilgrim Place
  Building Culture Through Trust and Transparency
• Dee James | Acts/Tryon Estates
  Growing Leaders, Growing Us
• Travis Le Duc | Tohono O’odham Nursing Care Authority
  Community to Congress
• Megan Lovejoy | Episcopal SeniorLife Communities
  Communication that Builds Connections
• Zack Margolis | Beaumont at Bryn Mawr
  The Power of Influence, Changing the Narrative
• Sarah Marr | Thrivemore
  Connection By Design, Turning Intention Into Impact
• Travis Masonis | Jewish Home
  AI Playbook: From Vision to Value
• Sherry Mercer | Mozaic Senior Life
  3E’s of Nursing Leadership (Educate, Elevate, Evolve)
• Matt Miller | Covenant Living at the Holmstad
  Stigma: Changing Minds, Changing Care
• Kadine Mitchell | Friends House Retirement Community
  Home Away from Home
• Anna Moyer | Clark Lindsey Communities
  Woven Together: Technology and Humanity
• Roberto J. Muniz | Springpoint Senior Living
  Deeper Human Connection, Thanks to AI
• Semira Negasi Ligon | Seabury at Friendship Terrace
  Hearts, Homes, and Hope: Affordable Senior Living for All
• Jessica Nelson | Nascentia Health
  Enhancing Home Care Solutions
• Ari Peyser | Eaton Senior Communities
  Accessible Nature for Older Adults
• Fay Pinto | Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center
  Financial Education – Supporting Patients, Caregivers, & Families
• Casey Rebimbas | Covenant Living of Cromwell
  Community with Purpose
• Jessica Sharer | Presbyterian Senior Living
  Cultivating Remarkable Endings in Life’s Journey
• Lisa Shine | The Sharon at SouthPark
  Forever Connected, Always Supported
• Cori Steiner | Willow Valley Communities
  Reflect to Refocus
• Paul Vlecides | Parker Health Group
  Supporting Senior Affordable Housing for Generations
• Rashad Wilson | The Forest at Duke
  Bridging Generations: Students Serving Communities
• Julie Zhu | Goodwin Living
  Your Retirement, Your Life, Your Way