Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future

March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize the vital contributions women have made to our history, culture, workplaces, and communities. This year’s theme celebrates women who are creating positive change and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

2026 marks the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day, celebrated March 8!

Why It Matters

Women’s History Month matters now and for our future generations because it:

• Promotes equality and opportunity for all

• Recognizes leadership in innovation, education, and social change

• Honors achievements of women throughout history

• Inspires future generations

Women Who Created Positive Change in Senior Living

Dr. Keren Brown Wilson

Mother of Assisted Living

Years of influence: 1980s to present

Sustainable Impact: Created assisted living models that promote dignity, independence, and quality of life for older adults.

About Dr. Wilson

Known as the Mother of Assisted Living, Dr. Wilson opened the first community in the early 1980s in Oregon. She transformed elder care from traditional nursing homes to residential living focused on dignity, independence, and quality of life for seniors.

Dr. Wilson founded the Jessie F Richardson Foundation and AGE+, which provides multigenerational support for older adults.

Wilma T. Donahue

Modern Aging Researcher

Years of influence: 1930s to 1990s

Sustainable Impact: Helped establish the science of aging, improving care, education, and quality of life for older adults

About Wilma

Through studying the psychological and social needs of older adults, Wilma helped establish gerontology programs in the 1960s and improved education and services for aging adults.

Mary Opal Wolanin

Elder Care Nursing Pioneer

Years of Influence: 1930s to 1990s

Sustainable Impact: Improved training and professional standards for nurses caring for older adults

About Mary

As one of the first experts in gerontological nursing, Mary improved professional training in senior care and was instrumental in establishing a gerontological nursing graduate program at the University of Arizona in the 1960s, the first of its kind in the United States.

Elaine Brody

Caregiver Research Pioneer

Years of Influence: 1940s to 2010s

Sustainable Impact: Increased recognition and support for family caregivers and aging populations

About Elaine

Elaine Brody introduced the concept of “women in the middle” to describe women caring for both children and aging parents. Her crucial research highlighted the emotional and financial strain on family caregivers and helped shape policy discussions and the development of caregiver support services.

Follow Arete Living on social media to learn more throughout Women's History Month! Visit AreteLiving.com/deib for more resources.