By: Lydia Patel
In a world where leadership often involves balancing multiple responsibilities, Sherly Demosthenes Atkinson, the visionary CEO behind CABS Health Network, navigates these challenges with grace, grit, and a deep-rooted commitment to the community. From shuttling between her children’s basketball and track meets to running one of Brooklyn’s most respected nonprofit health and social care organizations, her story illustrates what it means to lead as a woman with purpose in a complex and ever-evolving industry.
As a mother, community leader, and organizational trailblazer, Sherly’s off-time includes winding down with classic TV game shows from the 40s and 50s. But once she steps into her professional role, it’s all about building systems that foster excellence in care, equity, cultural responsiveness, and sustainability.
Rising Through the Ranks of a Female-Led Industry
While women make up most of the healthcare and social care workforce, their representation in leadership remains disproportionately low. At CABS Health Network, Sherly has prioritized efforts to shift that narrative. “We take pride in the fact that many of our leadership roles are held by women, but we also work hard to ensure gender and cultural balance across all levels,” she shared. This includes making sure there are male caregivers to support male clients, something not all agencies consistently prioritize.
CABS’ diverse leadership reflects the communities it serves. “Leadership is an art,” Sherly says. “We recognize the complexity of our industry, which benefits from diverse perspectives to guide meaningful solutions.”
Photo Courtesy: Alonzo Boldin
The Changing Landscape of Home Care
Sherly isn’t just managing today’s challenges—she’s actively preparing for tomorrow’s. With New York’s aging population projected to require more care by 2030, the home care sector faces a growing workforce shortage. CABS has been integrating new technologies, including telehealth and tech-enabled services, to help keep clients safe and supported at home.
“There’s also more competition in home care now, especially from venture-backed agencies,” she noted. “But our strength lies in our connection to community and commitment to culturally responsive care.”
Additionally, Sherly highlighted the evolving role of city-funded programs like CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program), which are being reassessed due to cost and impact. This opens doors for more traditional, proactive, and integrative models of care to resurface—approaches that blend medical, behavioral, and social services to support better outcomes, something CABS is well-equipped to provide.
Creating a Culture of Compassion and Quality
At the heart of the CABS Health Network is a mission-driven culture built on healing, teaching, and discovery. Sherly explains, “Healing means providing consistent, compassionate care. Teaching means empowering our staff with continuous education and leadership development. And discovery means staying innovative, collaborating with community partners, and adapting our care models.”
Through civic collaborations and faith-based partnerships, CABS extends its impact beyond the home and into the heart of neighborhoods that need it most.
Photo Courtesy: Alonzo Boldin
Building Support Beyond the Grant
While most of CABS’ funding has historically come through service delivery and grants, Sherly is leading efforts to grow their fundraising capabilities. With guidance from the University of Pennsylvania’s consulting group (PennPac) through an intensive strategic evaluation, the organization has developed a strategy to engage donors, expand philanthropic partnerships, and sustain programs like naloxone (Narcan) training for overdose prevention and financial literacy training for Medicaid members.
“This isn’t just about care in the home. It’s about making a lasting difference in the community,” she says.
A Playbook for Women in Leadership
So, what contributes to effective leadership in home care? Sherly points to vision, resilience, emotional intelligence, and calm under pressure. “Every day is not the same in this field,” she said. “We are constantly addressing challenges, but how you show up in those moments can shape the outcome.”
Her advice to aspiring women leaders? “Invest in your growth, professional development, self-awareness, and mentorship. Leadership is not just a role, it’s a responsibility.”
What’s Next: Innovation Hubs and Community Power
Photo Courtesy: Alonzo Boldin
Photo Courtesy: Alonzo Boldin
Looking ahead, Sherly is enthusiastic about CABS’ annual fundraiser—The 6th Annual Circle of Care Awards Gala on October 16, which celebrates frontline heroes and raises critical funds.
This year’s gala will support the launch of Community Innovation Hubs, a forward-thinking project that will help deliver health services, education, and resources to underserved neighborhoods.
“It’s about meeting people where they are,” she says. “And giving them the tools to live healthier, fuller lives.”
To learn more or support the work of CABS Health Network, visit:
- Phone: 718-388-0220 ext. 190
- Follow us on all platforms: @CABSHealthNetwork
In a field often driven by numbers and policy, Sherly Demosthenes Atkinson demonstrates that leadership is also about empathy, legacy, and dedication to your community, day in and day out.
