In April, people and companies around the world celebrate diversity in their teams and communities. Together we recognize and celebrate the unique attributes that each individual brings to our organization and world. In honor of Celebrate Diversity Month, we’re highlighting Albert Castaneda, Chief Development Officer with Point Development Company, serving Arete Living and its senior living communities.
Albert Castaneda is a man of many talents, with a passion for project management and development. His journey began in Milwaukie, Oregon where he grew up, and now calls Keizer, Oregon home. Albert has a civil engineering degree and his career began in designing residential and commercial developments. He joined Avamere in 2010, which later launched Point Development Company.
A love for family
When asked about his family, Albert proudly shared that he is married to his wife Sandy, who is a nurse specializing in wound care. They got married in 1999 after meeting in college at the University of Portland, and the happy couple moved to Ohio while Sandy served in the Air Force.
Together they have three talented daughters, Lily (17) and twins Ally and Carly (13). Each of their daughters are unique, with different interests and talents. Lily is an exceptional student and athlete who loves playing volleyball, golf and participating in speech and debate. She has a passion for learning sign language and enjoys getting others involved. Ally loves sports and music. She enjoys basketball and golf (just like her dad) and is a trumpet player and pianist, playing in the Salem Youth Symphony and jazz band. Carly is Albert’s young artist. She loves drawing, painting, and pottery. She proudly displays a work of art on her family’s garage door. Check it out below!
Albert's love for diversity is not limited to his family but extends to his Cuban heritage as well. His father Albert Castaneda, from whom he is named, moved to New York from Cuba when he was just seven or eight years old, and they eventually settled in Oregon.
Albert's father passed away in 2016 after a five-year battle with cancer. In the last ten years of his father's life, Albert and his dad became more like friends than father and son, spending a lot of time together and making the most of that time.
The two also enjoyed watching and playing golf together. When Albert received his dad’s phone following his passing, there was only one voicemail on it – it was Albert calling from Augusta, Georgia, while spending one day at the Masters in April 2016.
One of their last moments together was a Memorial Day get together. Albert traveled from Oregon to Phoenix, Arizona where his dad lived to spend time together.
“It became the last hurrah,” Albert shared. “It was time to say goodbye.”
Creating home for seniors
Albert is passionate about his job as well.
One of the things that Albert enjoys most about his work is being a part of creating someone's home, especially visiting the buildings and seeing the residents enjoy their new homes.
In fact, his grandparents resided at Arete Living-managed communities. His step grandparents Erv and Elaine Weeks lived at Avamere at Sandy in Oregon, and his wife Sandy’s grandma Lucille Luchs lived at The Stafford.
Some of Albert’s building projects include Ovation Sienna Hills and Ovation Heartwood Preserve, both managed by Arete Living. He also oversees and coordinates upgrades to Arete Living’s current buildings.
When Albert’s not working, he enjoys following his New York Yankees and golf. Albert also enjoys playing golf with his daughters, especially during the summer months.
Celebrate diversity
Albert Castaneda shows us that diversity is not just about our backgrounds and cultures, but about the things that make us unique as individuals. He reminds us to treasure our family and loved ones. Like Albert, let's celebrate and embrace diversity every day.
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