30 Apr LGBTQ+ Elders and the Cost of Being Invisible with Melissa Wojewnik
On April 2, BPW/St. Petersburg – Pinellas hosted an engaging and thought-provoking luncheon featuring guest speaker Melissa Wojewnik. Her presentation, “LGBTQ+ Elders and the Cost of Being Invisible,” offered powerful insight into the unique challenges faced by older LGBTQ+ adults in care settings—from discrimination and erasure to the very real fear of having to hide their identities in order to receive support.
Drawing on nearly 20 years of leadership in senior living, Melissa shared real-world experiences and highlighted the impactful work being done through education, outreach, and community partnerships to foster more inclusive and affirming environments. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of these issues and left with meaningful ways to become stronger advocates and allies.
Melissa currently serves as Executive Director at Cypress Palms Senior Living and has built her career across assisted living, memory care, and community wellness, with a strong focus on inclusive, dementia-informed care. Her commitment to the community extends beyond her professional role, including board service with Better Living for Seniors and long-standing involvement with the LGBTQ+ Elder Initiative.
She holds credentials as a CARES Dementia Specialist (CDS), Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), and Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL), and earned her degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science with a focus on Communications and Sociology. Melissa is also the founder of Candidly Brewed, a storytelling and photography brand centered on authentic connection and visibility.
The luncheon provided a meaningful opportunity for connection, learning, and inspiration—reinforcing BPW’s commitment to advocacy and community impact.