Each year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, a global day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women and continuing the push for equality, opportunity, and respect.
The roots of International Women’s Day date back to the early 1900s, when women around the world began organizing and advocating for better working conditions, voting rights, and equal opportunities. Over time, the day has grown into a worldwide celebration of women’s contributions across every industry and community.
Today, International Women’s Day shines a light on issues such as gender equality, access to opportunity, safety, and empowerment, while also celebrating the incredible impact women make every day in their families, workplaces, and communities.
At Arosa, women are truly at the heart of everything we do. In fact, 90% of our organization is made up of women who bring compassion, expertise, leadership, and dedication to the clients and families we serve.
Their work reflects the values that guide Arosa every day. They walk the Arosa mile, putting themselves in the shoes of the families and clients they support and approaching every situation with empathy and understanding. They push ahead, advocating for those in their care and finding solutions when families need them most. And they lead with humility and gratitude, recognizing the privilege of being trusted during some of life’s most important moments.
This year, colleagues across Arosa nominated several remarkable women whose stories reflect the values of care, advocacy, and resilience that define our organization.
Below, we are proud to spotlight just a few of them.
Nina Krotulski
Care Specialist | Middle Tennessee
For five years, Nina Krotulski has served as a Care Specialist in Arosa’s Murfreesboro, TN office, helping families find the right caregiver for their needs.
But Nina sees her role as much more than scheduling.
“I truly believe matching caregivers and families involves more than availability and a warm body,” she explains. “You have to consider personality, lifestyle preferences, communication styles, and shared interests.”
She describes her role as being a “matchmaker” between caregivers and families, ensuring that the relationship works for everyone involved.
“When that perfect match is made, it increases trust, reduces tension in the home, and improves overall health outcomes.”
Nina’s passion for caregiving is deeply rooted in family. She credits both her mother and grandmother for inspiring her career path.
“My grandmother always cared for her family with love in her heart. She moved her mother and mother-in-law in with her and cared for them until the end. My mother followed in her footsteps and is a caregiver with Arosa at 80 years old.”
For Nina, caregiving is something that runs through generations.
“If you have it, you have it.”
Outside of work, Nina and her husband love traveling to visit their seven grandchildren, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family, friends, and their two very spoiled puppies.
When asked what International Women’s Day means to her, Nina keeps it simple:
“Strength, resiliency, supporting and respecting each other. ‘She believed she could, so she did.’”
Kimberly Henderson, CNA
Caregiver | NC Triangle
Kimberly Henderson has spent nearly 30 years working as a CNA, dedicating her career to caring for older adults and helping them maintain dignity and comfort in their own homes.
At Arosa, Kimberly has built a particularly meaningful connection with one of her clients.
“I love Arosa because I was matched with a great client and we have a lot in common,” she says. “I’ve been her nurse for almost 11 years.”
For Kimberly, caregiving is about more than just completing tasks. It is about relationships, trust, and showing people that they are valued.
“Arosa offered me the hours I needed, and the management and staff have always been wonderful to work with. They’re always there to answer questions or offer helpful classes. They really show that they care about you.”
Kimberly’s path into caregiving began long before she formally entered the profession. As a teenager, she found herself naturally helping the older adults around her.
“I used to spend a lot of time with my grandmother and our elderly neighbors. I would fix their hair, clean their homes, go to the store, get their mail, or just sit and talk with them.”
It was her mother-in-law who helped her recognize that caregiving might be her calling.
“She told me, ‘You’re always doing things to help elderly people — you should become a nurse.’ So I enrolled at Vance-Granville Community College and earned my CNA license.”
Nearly three decades later, Kimberly says she still feels the same sense of purpose.
“I really love what I do and truly believe this is my calling.”
For Kimberly, International Women’s Day is a reminder of the many roles women carry in their lives.
“Women wear a lot of hats,” she says. “We’re caregivers, planners, organizers, cooks, and so much more. I rely on faith and the strength I learned from my grandmother to keep showing up for the people who depend on me.”
Outside of work, Kimberly is known for her vibrant personality and love of connecting with people.
“I’m a people person — I don’t meet strangers,” she says with a smile.
She has also worked as a travel agent for more than 25 years, planning trips, organizing group travel, and bringing people together for shared experiences.
“Traveling, dancing, cooking, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends is how I enjoy life.”
But caregiving remains closest to her heart.
“When people ask how I can do this work knowing that one day a client will pass away, I tell them my mission is to bring sunshine into that person’s life for as long as I can — to make them laugh and show them that I care.”
“And if I ever need someone to care for me one day,” she adds, “I just hope she’s someone like me.”
Meike Wiest
Care Management Supervisor | NC Triangle
For more than 12 years, Meike Wiest has led care management and guardianship services in Arosa’s North Carolina Triangle region.
Her pride in her team is immediately clear.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built,” she says. “It’s my joy to work with such skilled, caring, and creative teammates.”
But the most meaningful part of the work, she says, is the relationships.
“The privilege of building genuine and lasting relationships and being allowed into the ‘inner circle’ of so many amazing families has been incredible.”
Meike’s journey into home care began early. Inspired by her mother, she started working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at age 18, continuing throughout college and graduate school.
“Once I earned my MSW, it made sense to combine that experience with a career in care management.”
As a German immigrant and passionate traveler, Meike says International Women’s Day reminds her of the many women around the world who have shaped her life.
“I value the many women from across the globe who have influenced and mentored me,” she says. “I also value the many caregivers from diverse backgrounds within our organization and the care and talents they bring to Arosa.”
Her strongest influences, though, remain close to home.
“My mother was a caregiver, professionally and by nature. My grandmother was a fierce businesswoman who taught me to hustle.”
When she’s not working, Meike enjoys traveling, photography, baking, reading, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
Randi Israel, LCSW, CMC
Care Manager | Chicagoland
Randi Israel has spent 30 years serving older adults and their families, working alongside Arosa and its legacy organizations.
Her work centers on helping families navigate complex healthcare and aging-related decisions.
“I conduct clinical assessments, develop individualized care plans, secure community resources, advocate within the healthcare system, and support families through the many challenges that arise for older adults and individuals with disabilities.”
Randi says one of the most meaningful aspects of her work is collaborating with fellow care managers who share the same mission.
“I’m lucky to work with a team that understands what it means to advocate and promote self-determination.”
Her passion for this work began early.
“I recognized that ageism needed to be challenged and that older adults deserve dignity, respect, and meaningful support.”
For Randi, International Women’s Day is about honoring the diversity and individuality of women everywhere.
“Women are a diverse group with different experiences, values, and perspectives. Each woman gets to decide for herself what being a woman means.”
The two people who shaped her outlook most were her mother and grandmother, who taught her the importance of optimism and joy.
“They believed the glass was always half full. They taught me that attitude makes a difference—and that it’s important to have fun.”
Outside of work, Randi enjoys spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, exercising, traveling, and vacationing each summer in Door County with her husband and family.
Melissa Agugliaro
Area Manager & Aging Life Care Manager | North Jersey
Melissa Agugliaro brings more than 20 years of experience to her role at Arosa North Jersey.
Her passion lies in supporting those who may not have anyone else to advocate for them.
“My favorite part of this role is helping those who lack a local support system—or a support system at all,” she says. “It means the world to me knowing my clients can sleep soundly knowing they are well cared for.”
Melissa says her career has always been driven by a desire to help people navigate complex systems.
“In my experience, the aging population is often underserved, and navigating services can be difficult. My goal is to educate and support as many people as possible so they have the tools to achieve the best possible quality of life.”
Her inspiration came from watching her mother care for family members with extraordinary compassion.
“I watched her balance work and family while caring for my grandmother, who struggled with depression, dementia, and other health concerns. Despite the challenges, she cared for her with unwavering love—and did it again years later for my other grandmother.”
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys being a wife and mother, volunteering in her community, and spending time baking sourdough or enjoying a great cup of coffee.
For Melissa, International Women’s Day is about empowerment.
“It’s an opportunity to inspire one another to reach goals that benefit everyone and to empower young women to pursue their ambitions without fear or doubt.”
Melissa Blankenship
Chief Operating Officer | Arosa
As Chief Operating Officer at Arosa, Melissa Blankenship works at the intersection of strategy, culture, and care. Her role focuses on building the systems, teams, and leadership structures that allow Arosa to deliver exceptional care while continuing to grow thoughtfully as an organization.
“What I love most about this work is that it sits at the intersection of purpose and performance,” Melissa says. “Every operational improvement, every leader we develop, and every caregiver we support ultimately translates into better outcomes for the clients and families who trust us during some of the most important moments of their lives.”
Melissa’s career in healthcare and workforce solutions has always been guided by a desire to work in spaces where people and purpose come together. For her, home care is uniquely meaningful because the impact is deeply personal.
“Home care allows us to support people where life actually happens. In their homes, alongside their families, and within the communities they love,” she explains. “Knowing that our work helps individuals maintain dignity, independence, and connection is incredibly powerful.”
She is also deeply motivated by building strong teams and developing leaders who share that same commitment to service.
“When we invest in our people and create scalable models of care, the ripple effect can positively impact thousands of families.”
For Melissa, International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a moment of reflection.
“It’s an opportunity to recognize the remarkable contributions women make across every industry and community while also acknowledging the responsibility we have to continue creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders,” she says.
In the home care industry, she notes, women have long been the backbone of the workforce.
“I’m proud to work in an organization where so many women are leading, innovating, and shaping the future of care. It’s a reminder that when we support and elevate one another, we all move forward together.”
Melissa credits much of her leadership growth to Mary Ann McLaughlin, a mentor who played a key role in shaping her leadership journey.
“I had the privilege of serving under Mary Ann for five years. She challenged me to grow in ways that continue to influence how I lead today.”
She also draws daily inspiration from her daughters, Kassie Marie and Autumn Diane, who motivate her to lead with integrity, perseverance, and purpose.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys traveling and spending time with family. She also has a competitive side.
“A fun fact about me is that I’m incredibly competitive when it comes to games and puzzles,” she says with a laugh. “Whether it’s a board game with family or a challenge with friends, I’m always ready to play.”
Honoring the Women Who Care
Across Arosa, thousands of women bring compassion, expertise, and dedication to the work of caring for others every day. Whether serving as caregivers, care managers, care specialists, or leaders, their contributions shape the lives of the clients and families we serve.
This International Women’s Day, we are proud to celebrate the women of Arosa who continue to lead with strength, empathy, and purpose.
And we are grateful for the difference they make every single day.
