Speakers:
Wendi Safstrom, President, SHRM Foundation
Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
 

According to a recent RAND study, more than 100 million Americans are serving as caregivers, including 14.3 million caring for service members and veterans. Many face profound financial, health, and employment challenges. The SHRM Foundation and Elizabeth Dole Foundation are launching a national movement to address this crisis—bringing together employers, caregivers, and experts to define the problem, share stories, and partner with McKinsey on a call to action that transforms how workplaces support caregivers.

Moderator:
Richard Lui, Journalist, MSNBC/NBC News
Panelists:
Sharon Grassi, 2018 Dole Caregiver Fellow, CEO of Co-Op Survival 
Kimberly Perez, 2024 Dole Caregiver Fellow, Strategic Communications Advisor at TDigital
Kyle Woody, Founder & Executive Director, Jack’s Caregiver Coalition

An honest, human-centered discussion featuring multiple working caregivers sharing their lived experiences navigating jobs while also caregiving. The session will highlight themes of identity, balance, resilience, and the workplace supports that matter most.

Speaker:
Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff & Head of Government Affairs, SHRM

A video message introducing SHRM’s nonpartisan, research-based approach to caregiving policy and the urgent need for actionable government solutions.

Moderator:
Steven Perrotta, Director of Public Policy, SHRM Government Affairs
Speakers:
Portia Wu, Secretary of Labor for State of Maryland
Priyanka Shah, Associate Director, Future of Aging, Milken Institute
Sandi Ko, VP of Human Resources, Springpoint Senior Living

Millions of Americans in the “sandwich generation” balance full-time jobs while caring for both children and aging relatives. SHRM research shows that nearly one in four working caregivers (23%) face these dual roles, with elder care emerging as the most anticipated new responsibility in the next five years.This panel will highlight how government, policymakers, and industry leaders can deliver actionable programs, policies, and legislation to ease the burden on multigenerational caregivers while strengthening the workforce.

Speaker:
Meredith Beck, Vice President, Government Affairs & Community Engagement, Elizabeth Dole Foundation 

Closing remarks by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation will offer reflections on the panel discussion and highlight the organization’s leadership in advancing policy solutions to support caregivers and the workforce. 

Moderator:
Brad Wilson, CEO, Care.com
Speakers:
Karen Bennett, CHRO, Cox Enterprises
Subha Barry, President, Seramount

A candid dialogue between executive leaders on caregiving as both a workforce priority and a business necessity. The discussion will examine how C-suite leaders balance the pressures of meeting business demands with building a culture of care that cascades through every level of the organization, drawing on data, best practices, and case studies that show how caregiving support strengthens both people and performance.

 

Non-programmed lunch, with optional prompts for cross-sector collaboration.

Moderator:
Elizabeth Edgerly, Senior Director of Community Programs & Services, Alzheimer’s Association
Panelists:
Cynthia Hutchins, Director of Financial Gerontology, Bank of America
Nicole Riehl, President & CEO, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC)
Melissa Mitchell, Executive Director, Global Coalition on Aging

This panel will spotlight organizations setting the standard in supporting employees balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. Panelists will share innovative strategies that build a culture of care, and the business case for caregiver support in driving employee well-being, productivity, and retention.

Moderator:
Michael Briggs, Operations and Risk Manager, USAA Educational Foundation
Speakers:
Andrew Gellert, Economist, TIAA Institute
Veronica Bedon, Program Management Director, AARP

Caregiving takes a profound financial toll—draining savings, reducing retirement security, and adding stress for millions of working families. In this fireside chat, experts from the TIAA Institute and AARP Caregiving will share new research on the economic impact of caregiving and translate findings into practical strategies for employers and managers. Attendees will gain evidence-based insights to help ease the financial strain of working caregivers and foster a more supportive workplace culture.

Moderator:
Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation 
Keynote:
Lindsay Jurist-Rosner, CEO of Wellthy 

Drawing on her 28-year journey caring for a parent and building Wellthy into a market-leading care-concierge company, Lindsay Jurist-Rosner will share an inspiring call to action for employers and policymakers to transform workplace caregiving support.

Speakers:
Wendi Safstrom, President, SHRM Foundation
Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
McKinsey 

Closing remarks will highlight key takeaways, share appreciation, and outline next steps for supercharging a national movement to champion America’s caregivers. Facilitated by McKinsey, the session will draw together insights from the day and help translate awareness into action, setting the groundwork for new workplace standards.