Eluna Community Conversation: Supporting Grieving Employees and Their Families

Thank you to our moderator, panelists, and the many participants who joined this heartfelt and insightful conversation on June 17th, 2025

When employees are navigating grief, the workplace can either be a source of added stress—or a pillar of support. This virtual panel explored how compassionate policies, empathetic leadership, and practical resources can help create a workplace culture where those experiencing loss feel acknowledged and supported.

This conversation is provided in partnership with Independence Blue Cross Foundation and the New York Life Foundation.

Panelist Resources:

New York Life and Heather’s Referenced Resources:

• • • Grief-Supportive Workplace Initiative
    • Dedicated Online Resource for Bereaved Families

E4E and Davida’s Referenced Resources:

• • • E4E Workforce Relief
    • 1 in 4 Employees Say Financial Stress Lowers Their Productivity

Meredith’s Resource Page:

• • • The Grief Teacher

Rhitu Chatterjee’s Reporting on Grief:

• • • A gunman stole his twin from him. This is what he’s learned about grieving a sibling
    • In a decade of drug overdoses, more than 320,000 American children lost a parent
    • Losing a parent can derail teens’ lives. A high school grief club aims to help

Eluna Resources:

• Impact of Grief and Addiction in the Construction Industry
• Activity: Your Grief is Unique
• Postcard Pointers
• Eluna Consulting Solutions

Meet the Panelists: 

Davida Rivens – Chief Impact Officer, E4E Relief

An award-winning executive, Davida helps position E4E Relief as the most-trusted social enterprise delivering emergency financial assistance directly to individuals. Her work centers on dignity, access, and timely support in life’s most vulnerable moments.

Emily Bittenbender – Owner & Managing Partner, Bittenbender Construction, LP

Emily is the Owner and Managing Partner of Bittenbender Construction, a 100% woman-owned firm based in Philadelphia now celebrating 20 years in business. Under her leadership, the company has tripled in size and emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most diverse leaders in the industry. A barrier-breaking executive, Emily was the first woman to chair the board of the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA), paving the way for greater inclusion in construction.

Heather Nesle – President, New York Life Foundation

As president of the New York Life Foundation and senior vice president of New York Life’s Corporate Responsibility Department, Heather brings a deep understanding of how institutions can meaningfully support grieving families. With years of leadership in childhood bereavement funding and community impact initiatives, Heather offers valuable perspective on the role employers can play in creating compassionate, responsive support systems during times of loss.

Meredith De Salva-Gaffney – Mom, Teacher, and part of our Camp Erin Online community

Meredith is a mother of three and a dedicated educator certified in eight states, with extensive experience supporting grieving teens both at home and in the classroom. Fluent in English and Spanish, she has worked closely with immigrant communities and brings a trauma-informed, compassionate approach to every space she enters. Trained in youth mental health, crisis intervention, and grief support, Meredith’s story reflects the vital role empathy and preparedness play in helping families navigate loss.

MODERATOR: Rhitu Chatterjee – Health Correspondent, NPR

Rhitu brings her expertise in mental health journalism to the role of moderator. Known for uncovering the deep, often unseen threads of human well-being, she’ll guide this conversation with nuance and empathy.