Nutrition Category Winners

Susan Ramsey is the Senior Center and Community Services Director for the Town of Natick, MA. During her professional career Susan has held senior management positions in human services and government most notably with the Boston Commission on Affairs of the Elderly and the Age Center of Worcester. A tireless advocate and innovator she has launched programs to meet emerging needs of elders and those who care for them. As a member of Natick's Community Services leadership team, she lends her perspective to discussions and advises departments on aging matters, community engagement and outreach to underserved constituents.

Leonora C. Rodriguez is the Executive Director of the Milford Senior Center, a 2000+ membership-based senior center located in Milford, CT. She previously worked in recreation for healthcare settings for 15 years before transitioning to her current role. She believes engagement in social activities is key to overall older adult wellness and that conscientious living leads to healthy aging. Leonora has a Master's in Gerontology and is pursuing her PhD in Health-Related Sciences in Gerontology. Leonora enjoys teaching Spanish and ukulele classes at the senior center as well as creating art on her free time.  

Malia has a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Music Therapy from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, MN.

Malia began her career as a music therapist in long term care on a memory care unit and worked privately as a music therapist with clients living with developmental disabilities. She worked in long term care as Director of Therapies for 10 years before moving to the City of Winona Park Recreation department as the Director of the Winona Friendship Center for the past 28 years. Malia is on the NCOA/NISC Executive committee as Best Practices chairperson. The Friendship Center is Minnesota’s only nationally accredited senior center.

Malia has enjoyed an adjunct position in gerontology instructing classes at her local university. Malia’s goal at the beginning of her career was to create places/spaces that empowered older adults and would be a place that she would like to go when she aged into that place. Well here she is and is looking forward to the next chapter!

Laura is a passionate, energetic professional focused on building a strong community in the Quad Cities, Iowa. She has worked for over 20 years empowering others to achieve their maximum potential. Her goal is to create a strong, collaborative social service system in the Quad Cities, where all individuals can achieve their goals.