Elise Hyder, ERS Director of Individual Giving, recently performed at Trinity Episcopal Church in Covington, Ky., with pianist Audrey Causilla

March is National Women's History Month, and women who work for Episcopal Retirement Services have made personal history of their own, just in the past few weeks. They had accomplishments in running and singing, and also were recognized for their accomplishments helping older adults and those with dementia.

Musical excellence

Elise Hyder, a mezzo-soprano (and ERS' director of individual giving), performed March 15 in the Midday Musical series at Trinity Episcopal Church in Covington, Ky. It was a stellar performance with pianist Audrey Causilla in a beautiful church.

Hyder began singing in a church choir at age 5. She studied music (and psychology) for her bachelor's degrees at Florida State University, and later earned her master's of music degree from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music.

Her approximately 45-minute performance included works from Johannes Brahms and Camille Saint-Saens, as well as contemporary works, including Birdsong, by Gregory Reedy.

Here's a video of the performance.

Running in the Big Apple for a cause

Jen Rapien achieved a personal best time in the New York Half Marathon

ERS' Jen Rapien, a running coach at Villa Madonna Academy in Villa Hills, Ky., ran the New York City Half Marathon this month to raise money for Project Purple, which aims to eradicate pancreatic cancer.

She finished with a time of 1:47:28, which was a significant improvement on her personal best. She was featured before the race on Local12 TV for her running on behalf of Project Purple.

If that isn't enough, she recently had her second child. Between 2016 and 2022, she ran a few other half marathons, and had two foot and ankle surgeries. Her doctor told her she probably would never race anything more than 5 kilometers, "but I do not like being told what I can’t do," she said with a smile.

"There was a lot of hard work that has gone into the 2022/2023 PRs, but I feel stronger than ever and I’m ready to start racing some more halfs and go for a full marathon later this fall!"

You go, girl!

A recognized trailblazer

Beverly Edwards, who oversees ERS' continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in Louisville and Cincinnati, was recognized for Outstanding Community Service by the Louisville Metro Council's Equity, Community Affairs, Housing, Health & Education Committee during its 21st Annual Black History Month Program.

Council Member Barbara Shanklin recognized Beverly's efforts.

“Reaffirming our Diverse Culture” was the theme for this year’s program. During the event, each of the 26 Metro Council members honored an individual with an award for his or her achievements.

“I’m honored to continue hosting this annual program for the Louisville Metro Council,” said Chair Councilwoman Shanklin. “February is a special month to celebrate Black History and thank dedicated community members in each of our districts for making an impact.”

Praised for helping with Dementia

ERS' Shannon Braun, director of ERS' Center for Memory Support and Inclusion, received the Association for Professionals in Aging's Outstanding Leader in the Field of Aging award this week for her work, helping people living with dementia.

Her award was 2022 Outstanding Leader in the Field of Aging.

That's Shannon in the gold, surrounded by ERS team members, and her mother, on the right. 

"Shannon is the ultimate collaborator, and has made it her mission to make Cincinnati more dementia-inclusive. Despite starting her newly formed role right as the COVID pandemic broke, Shannon never gave up on her vision to educate the masses about dementia," the APA wrote.

Blogs and other support help for people living with dementia and their caregivers can be found here.

Want to join an excellent team for an organization that has been named a top Cincinnati workplace 13 consecutive years? Watch our careers video here....