Her Story
About Karissa
Karissa Carson serves as a Business Development Director for Charter Senior Living, where she supports two communities within the senior living and memory care industry. With 12 years of experience in the field, she began her career working with adults with intellectual disabilities in group homes in New York before relocating to Maryland and entering senior living as a caregiver serving individuals living with dementia. Over the course of her career, Carson advanced through roles in activities, sales and marketing, and business development, a position she has held for the past three years. Recognizing her natural ability to connect with people and build meaningful relationships, her regional leadership encouraged her to pursue business development, where she has continued to excel.
Carson earned a degree in Business Management from Coppin State University and is also the founder of Free Your Voice, a women's empowerment organization that offers workshops, an annual conference, and self-love sessions designed to support single mothers and young women. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she hosts a networking group for millennial leaders in elder care and works as an event planner and day-of coordinator for weddings and major events. She recently earned her Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) credential and remains actively engaged with local chambers of commerce while developing partnerships with community nonprofits.
Carson attributes her success to her compassion for helping others, her ability to connect authentically with people, and the mentors who believed in her potential throughout her career. Guided by faith, compassion, service, connection, and empowerment, she is passionate about uplifting others and helping them recognize their own value. Among her proudest accomplishments is hosting the Pink Out Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show, an event that honors breast cancer survivors while raising funds and collecting donations for shelters. Through her professional work and community initiatives, Carson continues to create opportunities that empower others and strengthen the communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my compassion for helping others, particularly older adults and individuals whose families may no longer be actively involved in their lives. I have a natural ability to connect with people and build meaningful relationships, which has been invaluable throughout my career. I am also deeply grateful for the mentors who believed in me, encouraged my growth, and helped me recognize my own potential.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never take “no” for an answer and to never tell myself that I cannot accomplish something. I have learned to approach challenges with determination, remain open to new opportunities, and never stop learning. At the same time, I believe it is essential to stay humble, remain teachable, and recognize that there is always room for growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the senior living and healthcare industry is to aim high, believe in themselves, and never allow a “no” to define their potential. Do not settle for less than what you are capable of achieving, and remain confident in your abilities, even when others may doubt you. With determination, persistence, and self-belief, you can create opportunities, overcome obstacles, and achieve far more than you may initially think possible.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see right now is securing funding for community programs, conferences, and women’s empowerment initiatives, particularly when organizers are often required to personally finance the work they are trying to bring to their communities. In senior living, I also believe there is a growing need for stronger advocacy, education, and trusted guidance to help older adults and their families make informed decisions about care. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities to build partnerships that connect senior care, community service, and women’s leadership. By bringing people and organizations together, we can create stronger support systems, expand access to valuable resources, and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, compassion, service, connection, and empowerment. I believe in treating others with kindness, serving those around me, and building genuine connections that make people feel seen, valued, and supported. I am passionate about uplifting others and helping people recognize their own worth and potential. Whether I am supporting older adults and their families, empowering women, or serving my community, I strive to lead with compassion and create a positive impact in the lives of others.
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