Editor’s Note: The John A. Hartford Foundation is collaborating with ASA RISE to advance equity through a series of blog posts in support of the development and dissemination of equity-related, partnership-based thought leadership through ASA's Generation platform. This blog post is part of that series.
ASA RISE is a 20-week social justice and leadership program for rising leaders of color in aging. The John A. Hartford Foundation, the Archstone Foundation and RRF Foundation for Aging co-fund the program.
As I listened to the great work that my ASA RISE Cohort 3 members were doing in the field of aging, I wondered if I belonged in this group. But as I type this, one day after completing the RISE Fellowship, I smile because I know I belong in this group and I accept the call to continue being a catalyst for change in the lives of older adults by being a bridge to justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, and an advocate for our most vulnerable community members.
Not only has this journey provided me professional growth, but also it has had a profound effect on my personal and emotional growth.
One of the first questions posed during the fellowship program was, “What is your why?” The first thought that came to my mind was when I was in grad school, completing my master’s in Social Work, and headed to the airport for winter break to see my parents, who lived in Florida.
My father had agreed to pick me up from Fort Lauderdale Airport, as he usually does when I visit. Three hours later, after waiting outside and being unable to connect with him, I knew something was wrong. My mother was worried because she hadn't heard from him since lunchtime.
Unbeknownst to us, he had been senselessly attacked, tragically injured, and would spend the next year fighting for his life. This traumatic experience happened when I was interning at the VA Hospital as a social work student. My sister (a registered nurse) and I struggled to help our parents navigate a complex healthcare system riddled with ageism, racism and other inequities.
This experience made me reflect on their vulnerability as older adults and consider the difficulties they faced in maneuvering through the healthcare system, even with the support of their children, both of whom worked in healthcare. Soon I would realize how seemingly impossible it is for older adults who lack a support system and critical resources to access essential life-sustaining resources, such as transportation and health insurance.
This experience is what led me to my why. We are all aging, and the resources and programs we develop now to address equity in aging will impact what will be available to each of us and our loved ones going forward. Given that many older adults lack the critical supports described above, I am committed to developing and enhancing such resources to mitigate the effects of ageism and healthcare disparities that are often heightened due to lack of a support system.
RISE Impacts Are Many
The mentorship, assignments, guest speakers and networking opportunities provided by ASA RISE have been transformative. They have significantly impacted my work performance as an outpatient Senior Advocacy Program manager at Hospital for Special Surgery. This experience has energized me to use my platform to help improve the lives of older adult patients and community members through advocacy for inclusion in healthcare and combating ageism and other forms of discrimination—actions that will undoubtedly enhance the quality of life for those I serve.
As each week progressed, I began seeking more opportunities to step outside my comfort zone, hoping that this act would yield more changes and that it did, in abundance.
The emphasis RISE placed on the need for advocacy and social justice, combined with the networking skills gained, fueled me with a tenacity that resulted in the Senior Advocacy Program establishing additional partnerships with community agencies serving marginalized older adults in low-income communities. We provided education on evidence-based interventions to help them manage their chronic pain better.
Some of the feedback shared included how these workshops helped reduce feelings of isolation, taught participants how to effectively express their chronic pain with their providers, and how to alleviate pain using non-medical, evidence-based interventions. This resulted in many of our participants requesting additional workshops. Our program also gained more community partners, thus expanding our reach.
‘ASA RISE helped me become a more transformational leader.’
I joined Toastmasters, an international public speaking organization, to help me become a more dynamic leader. ASA RISE reaffirmed and validated the importance of my public speaking journey. Last year, I competed in several speech competitions organized by Toastmasters and won second place at the final district level, a feat I attribute to the confidence, bravery, and skills I gained from the ASA RISE fellowship.
ASA RISE helped me become a more transformational leader. When asked to speak during Mental Health Awareness Month on a panel about mental health at my organization, I immediately said yes. Instead of responding based on self-interest, I saw how this topic could benefit my colleagues and our patients. As a result, I had the opportunity to participate in an enriching discussion with fellow healthcare workers about the importance of mental health and how prioritizing and managing it can positively impact those around them, including their patients.
One of the things I appreciate most from my journey as an ASA RISE Catalyst was the opportunity to connect with my mentor, Velma Carter-Dryer. This experience was extra special because three years ago I had lost my mentor and friend, William Hill, due to a chronic illness. While in grad school pursuing my master’s degree in Social Work, he took me under his wing and offered unwavering support, guidance and encouragement. He taught me the value of mentorship, especially in minoritized individuals, and saw things I didn’t yet see in myself.
Two years after his passing, I was accepted as an ASA RISE fellow and allowed to connect with another inspirational and influential mentor. I am sure Bill had a hand in this because, in this short time, my connection with Velma has been one of the most invaluable aspects of the program. Her vast knowledge in the field of aging, varied experience working in healthcare and DEI initiatives, and ever-present warm spirit are evidence that she was a perfect match.
Velma reaffirmed the importance of saying yes and stepping out of my comfort zone, but also helped me to understand the power of knowing when to say no. ASA RISE linked me with a mentor who has become a lifelong friend.
When I first heard of this program, I immediately wanted to apply. Still, with the deadline swiftly approaching, it seemed impossible to submit a quality application by the date provided. This may have been orchestrated by fate as it allowed me to apply for candidacy for the subsequent 3rd Cohort instead. The Catalysts include a group of like-minded peers and thought leaders working in the field of aging who inspire, uplift, and support the greater community while committing to the role of being catalysts who will further transform this field. I am eternally grateful to Patrice Dickerson, Cynthia Banks and Victoria Ruiz for their leadership in this experience and for choosing me to be a part of the ASA RISE family.
Nadia Murphy, LCSW, is the manager of VOICES 60+ Senior Advocacy Program at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
Photo caption: Nadia Murphy on a trip to London.
Photo credit: Courtesy Nadia Murphy.
