Leading with Heart: How Winoka Clements Builds Connection and Community Through HR

In the latest episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, president and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, sits down with Winoka Clements, senior director of human resources at Vinson Hall Retirement Community and a member of the LeadingAge Virginia Board of Directors.

What follows is a candid, laughter-filled, and deeply insightful conversation about people, purpose, and the power of hope in the field of aging services.

“Aging services is truly about the people.”

Winoka’s journey into aging services began in 2019, but her impact has been felt far beyond her own organization. Her approach to HR is grounded in empathy and relationship-building — a theme that runs throughout her career.

“There are so many industries that say it’s about the people,” she says. “But I think aging services is truly about the people — the people we care for and the people who provide that care.”

At Vinson Hall, she has led with intention, focusing on creating a culture where employees feel seen, valued, and connected — even after they’ve moved on. “One of the things I’m proud of is sending birthday cards to people who are no longer at Vinson Hall,” Winoka shares. “It seems small, but how nice is it to get a card from a past employer that says, ‘Happy Birthday, we remembered you.’ It’s about extending that relationship beyond employment.”

Community as Culture

When asked how she would describe the culture at Vinson Hall, Winoka doesn’t hesitate. “It’s about community,” she explains. “There’s the connection with residents — saying good morning in the hallways, sharing a conversation — and there’s the community among staff. From an HR perspective, that’s what my team keeps in the forefront of everything we do. Are we creating a place where people want to be here?”

She recognizes that while salary matters, belonging often matters more. “We know in our industry that people will leave and go down the street for just a little bit more money,” she says. “We may not lead the pack in pay, but we’ve created a place where people feel the community. That sense of value keeps them here.”

Investing in Growth and Mentorship

As the conversation turns to workforce challenges and professional development, Winoka emphasizes the importance of helping employees grow — whether they aspire to leadership or find fulfillment in frontline roles.

“It’s my role in HR to create the structure that helps people develop,” she explains. “And just as important, we train our leaders to have those growth conversations — to help someone develop even if they’ve been in the same role for 30 years and love what they do.”

Mentorship has played an important part in her journey, though she admits she didn’t always have formal mentors herself. “As a leader of color, I think it’s important to provide what I didn’t have — to help others see what’s possible,” Winoka says. “I’ve been intentional about mentoring women, people of color, and those who might not have thought they could become professionals in this field.”

Advocacy and Belonging Beyond the Workplace

Outside her day-to-day role, Winoka is a passionate advocate and active participant in the LeadingAge Virginia Foundation’s Positive Age Collaborative, a coalition of nonprofits serving older adults in the Greater Richmond area. Though based in Northern Virginia, she makes the drive south each quarter to participate.

“This is important work,” she says. “Community isn’t just McLean or Northern Virginia — it’s bigger than that. When we surround ourselves with people doing the same work, we collaborate, share ideas, and take something new back home.”

Advocacy has become a newer but deeply meaningful focus in her professional life. “I wasn’t always educated about what advocacy really meant,” Winoka admits. “But through LeadingAge Virginia, I’ve learned that using your voice — even for small steps — can make a difference. Whether it’s for older adults, single mothers, or people of color, speaking up matters.”

Finding Hope and Holding On to It

When asked what keeps her up at night, Winoka is honest: immigration challenges, staffing shortages, and the constant search for talent weigh heavily on her mind. Yet through it all, she remains hopeful.

“I’m someone who always wants to hang on to hope,” she says. “Some days it’s harder than others, but I think we’ve changed the way we see connection since the pandemic. We had to find new ways to reach each other, and I’m hopeful that we come out of that with a stronger sense of who we are as a community.”

That optimism — paired with humor, empathy, and authenticity — defines her leadership. Whether she’s talking about professional development or her love of Prince, Winoka’s message is the same: connection is everything.

Listen to the Full Conversation

Hear the full episode of Voices in Leadership featuring Winoka Clements and Melissa Andrews to explore leadership, workforce innovation, and the power of community in aging services.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1854948/episodes/18009946