Leadership Beyond Our Walls at the 2025 NAAP Convention
The Aspenwood Company is beyond proud of Paula Solinger, Engagement Director, for her impactful contributions at the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP) Convention held in Dallas from April 7–9. In addition to being nominated for the prestigious Rising Star award, Paula served as a featured panelist discussing two critical topics: Empowering Language in Memory Care and Cultural Competency.
Paula’s role at the convention highlights her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of older adults through inclusive, resident-centered programming. Her expertise in these areas, and her recognition at a national level, reflects the values of leadership, compassion, and innovation that The Aspenwood Company holds dear.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Paula,” said Heather Tussing, President of The Aspenwood Company. “Her contributions to the senior living industry are truly inspiring. She brings empathy, creativity, and a wealth of knowledge to every initiative, helping to create environments where our residents thrive. This recognition is well deserved and speaks volumes about the impact she’s having, not just at Aspenwood, but in the broader industry.”
Why Cultural Competency and Empowering Language Matter
Paula’s focus on cultural competency and empowering language is critical, not only to improving individual care but also to enhancing the overall company culture. Studies show that inclusive practices lead to stronger organizational performance. For example, research by McKinsey & Company demonstrates that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity are 33% more likely to outperform their peers on profitability. Similarly, teams that embrace diversity in leadership and decision-making processes see higher engagement and innovation, creating a more vibrant and productive environment for all employees (McKinsey & Company).
At The Aspenwood Company, we recognize that embracing diversity and inclusivity enhances employee satisfaction and leads to better outcomes for our residents. By fostering a culture where all voices are heard and valued, we ensure that our team members feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and expertise, creating a ripple effect that positively impacts the care we provide to our residents.
Paula's Diverse Background and Approach
Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Paula’s diverse background and career path have shaped her unique approach to senior living engagement. With a degree in Technical, Scientific, and Literary Translation (majoring in medicine), Paula’s previous career as a teacher, drama coach, assistant producer, and event planner equipped her with a versatile skill set she now applies in senior living. Since entering the industry in 2020, she has quickly become known for her holistic and resident-first approach to engagement, creating meaningful, personalized experiences that promote emotional, social, physical, and intellectual well-being.
As a member of the NAAP Cultural Competency Council and a frequent speaker at national forums, Paula’s influence extends beyond Aspenwood’s walls. Her work, which emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and empathetic care, is helping to set new standards within the senior living industry. According to a report by Deloitte, inclusive teams are 1.7 times more likely to be innovation leaders in their industries (Deloitte).
Empowering Our Team and Residents
“Being nominated for the Rising Star award and having the opportunity to speak at NAAP is such an honor,” said Paula. “This experience allows me to give back to an industry that has given me so much. It’s an opportunity to amplify the value of empathy, diversity, and human connection in all aspects of what we do.”
The Aspenwood Company continues to champion the professional growth of its team members, offering leadership development and creating opportunities for individuals like Paula to thrive. Through her passion for empowering others, she exemplifies Aspenwood’s commitment to creating a culture of inclusion and excellence. In fact, research shows that companies with inclusive cultures are 6 times more likely to be innovative and 2 times more likely to meet financial targets (Forbes).
Written by - Christina O’Leary