For Immediate Release: 1/29/25
TIGARD, Ore. – Areté Living, a senior living management and development organization, won two Prism Awards from WTWH Healthcare for their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) program.
Kenny Dew, Area Finance Manager and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Council with Areté Living, earned the DEIB Champion Award. This designation honors individuals who have championed DEIB within their companies.
Areté Living earned the Social Stewardship Award, recognizing companies that have made significant achievements in social responsibility initiatives related to community engagement. This includes philanthropic efforts or contributions made to the community through programs, partnerships, and outreach.
"I am deeply proud to have our organization recognized for DEIB and social stewardship," stated Sarah Silva, President and Co-Founder of Areté Living. "This recognition marks neither the beginning nor the end of our work. While there is a national effort to dismantle progress that prioritizes fundamental human needs, we at Areté remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering and accelerating a culture of belonging for everyone. Leaders like Kenny are instrumental in advancing this mission, and we are so fortunate to have such dedicated champions driving this vital work forward."
DEIB Champion
Dew has been involved with DEIB at Areté Living since 2020 and assumed his role as Chair of the DEIB Council in 2022.
He was instrumental in adding the company’s new core value: “a culture of respect, belonging, and celebration of diversity.” In 2024, Dew played a crucial role in establishing Juneteenth as a company holiday, an awaited moment for many of our employees.
Dew’s latest update to the DEIB program is the introduction of Inclusion Advocates leading four pillars: people, education, talent, and community. He and the DEIB Council determined goals and projects for each pillar, as well as generated excitement among employees to participate in this great work.
Dew is heavily involved in all Areté Living’s DEIB campaigns honoring observances and holidays through the year, ensuring they are authentic, valuable, and accessible to employees and the public. Each campaign is thoughtfully curated with resources, speakers, and more across various platforms to encourage employees to learn, celebrate, and participate.
“I’m honored to be named a DEIB Champion,” Dew stated. “While I am enormously proud to have been selected, this accomplishment is really a testament to our DEIB team members and collaborators. I’ve had the good fortune of partnering with people who work every day to further our organization’s dedication to celebrating our residents and team members, and to cultivate an environment they see themselves represented in. I have been so impressed with the enthusiasm and ideas they bring to the table as we continue to expand our efforts, and I can’t wait to have our biggest year yet in 2025!”
Some of these dedicated teammates are members of Brand and Storytelling, part of the DEIB program. This team has been instrumental in this program by collecting, creating, designing, and communicating many valuable resources and opportunities to learn and participate in DEIB throughout the year. Branding and Storytelling includes Chief Marketing Officer Thomas Cloutier, Brand Manager Jonathan Mahurin, and Director of Content and Communications Shaelynn Miller.
The company’s DEIB program has thrived due to the dedication and contributions of Dew and Zanele Mutepfa-Rhone, Culture and Diversity Strategist of Brand Zanele Collective. Both have supported the program since 2020.
With Dew as Chair, the DEIB Council integrated a strategy that included culture and people assessments, cultural moments programming, inclusive education, and community partnerships.
“Kenny is someone who doesn’t just lead programs; he leads with heart, and he does so with a brilliance that is felt across the organization,” Mutepfa-Rhone shared. “His unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful, and compassionate culture, combined with his thoughtful leadership, makes him truly deserving of the DEIB Champion Award. We need more leaders like him, now more than ever.”
Social Stewardship Award
Areté Living’s social stewardship and philanthropic efforts are supported by its strong DEIB program.
Areté Living has sponsored Pride Northwest at Portland Pride for the past four years. This event is essential for the company, as it demonstrates that everyone — whether employees, residents, family members, or visitors — are welcome and included in Areté Living’s senior communities.
The company is also a proud long-time sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Teams support and participate in this annual event across Areté Living’s 26 senior living communities. Many teams continue fundraising through the year for this important cause. This mission is near to many employees, as the team serves residents living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Areté Living also sponsors Gifted Wishes, supporting their work in granting final wishes of individuals in hospice care.
Areté Living’s owner Rick Miller and his wife Erika Miller are passionate about Self Enhancement Institute’s (SEI) mission to support youth in their personal and academic success. Areté Living has supported SEI for two years, including sponsoring their biggest community fundraiser, Soul of the City.
Areté Living’s DEIB program is a key part of the company’s philanthropic efforts and community engagement. Through this commitment, leadership has built lasting relationships with organizations and individuals, and created many opportunities to recognize and celebrate significant cultural moments throughout the year, learn from experts, and find meaningful ways to honor these observances.
Areté Living’s leadership team and DEIB Council are honored to accept the Social Stewardship Award and Dew’s DEIB Champion Award. The team works tirelessly to advance their work, continually building a culture of equity and inclusion, where everyone can feel they belong.
About Areté Living
Areté Living is a senior living development and management organization. Honoring its Greek definition of excellence, the team serves professionals, seniors, and their families across six states with a mission of enhancing lives. Areté Living proudly manages Avamere Communities, The Stafford, and Ovation. Discover more at AreteLiving.com.