CALA News & Views | Issue 57 | Impact

“ Looking ahead, the ro immense potential an lies in transforming ho elevate our workforce is all about connection professionals with rea equipping our teams w and mentorship they n filling positions, our go ready environment wh premier, deeply rewar next generation of lea continuous education is uniquely positioned where our teams feel ready to lead world-cl - Ronald Villacis, C

First California Regional Workforce Symposium Argentum partnered with CALA to host California’s first Regional Workforce Symposium in June, bringing together approximately 75 participants from senior living, colleges, Job Corps, workforce development organizations and the City of Los Angeles. The symposium created space for partners to share ideas, build relationships and explore solutions to workforce challenges facing senior living. One important outcome was the formation of the Valley Senior Care Workforce Collaborative which plans to meet on a quarterly basis. students met with CALA member representatives. That relationship continued in August when a Senior Resource Group community welcomed Job Corps CNA students for a community tour, giving students another opportunity to see senior living careers in action. Several students applied for employment opportunities as a result. Sharing Workforce Strategies Workforce development was also a focus at CALA and national senior living conferences. In May, CALA’s Director of Workforce Development, Denise Brandt, co-presented at Argentum’s Senior Living Executive Conference in Nashville on “Strengthening the Senior Care Workforce: Building Clear and Sustainable Career Pathways.” Representing CALA alongside workforce leaders from Argentum, WALA and SDSU, Denise shared CALA’s approach to recruitment, career advancement, retention and partnerships with community colleges and workforce organizations. At CALA's spring and fall Elevate Conferences, Denise Brandt presented “Innovative Ways to Recruit Talent from Non-Traditional Sources,” highlighting opportunities to engage community colleges, Adult Education programs, Job Corps, American Job Centers, veterans’ programs and nonprofit organizations. The presentation emphasized that moving beyond one-time hiring events and investing in ongoing partnerships can help create stronger, more sustainable talent pipelines. The symposium also extended into a career-focused event at Los Angeles Job Corps, where CNA

California and Acacia member of the CALA Committee

CALA NEWS & VIEWS I ISSUE 57 | NOVEMBER 2026 28