Yelena Schmidt

Nomination Story

"Yelena Schmidt leads in home based care with empathy shaped by personal experience. Having watched all of her grandparents receive home care services, including hospice support, she witnessed firsthand the profound impact compassionate caregivers can have on families. One aide remains part of her family to this day, a testament to the lasting bonds formed through quality care. Those experiences guide Yelena’s leadership every day. She makes decisions through the lens of a family member, understanding both the emotional and practical realities of care. She believes strong leadership requires resilience, openness to feedback, and the ability to unite teams through shared purpose. In an industry often defined by regulatory complexity and constant change, Yelena stands out not only as a young female leader but as one grounded in compassion. She believes home care is not simply a service, but a human responsibility. Her commitment to empathy, accountability, and people first decision making defines her impact."