In honor of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting women in leadership positions at Brightview Senior Living. Toni Musto is the Executive Director at Brightview Lake Tappan.

What qualities make a great leader? 
Listening to your team, gaining their respect and trust, driving your team members to excel to their highest potential and having trust in your own abilities to execute and make hard decisions when you need to.
 
Why do we need more women in leadership?
Women are still a minority in terms of holding high level leadership roles. We need more diversity in top level leadership positions and it’s just good for business. Diversity leads to alternate and innovative ways of thinking to solve problems.
 
Fortune and Great Place to Work® recognized Brightview Senior Living as one of the 2019 Best Workplaces for Women. What makes Brightview a great workplace for women?
Brightview has phenomenal women in leadership positions, who I view as role models. I see a future where I will have opportunities for advancement. Brightview values its associates and I feel appreciated for my work ethic and performance. 
 
What does the 2021 International Women’s Day theme “Choose to Challenge” mean to you?
As a female leader, I have the opportunity to be a role model for younger women just starting their careers. Choose to Challenge to me means action.  Mentorship to me is action.

What advice would you give your younger self when looking back on your career?
Take risks; some may fail and some may succeed. Learn from your mistakes, be bold in action, and know your self worth.

Brightview Senior Living builds, owns, and operates award-winning vibrant senior living communities in eight states along the East Coast: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. We offer senior Independent Living, Assisted Living, Enhanced Care, and Wellspring Village®, a specialized neighborhood for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Schedule a personal visit to experience our communities firsthand.