The Vero at Newark | A Juniper Community Celebrates Aking De Leon's National Honor

Newark, DE – Juniper Communities proudly announces that Aking De Leon, Director of Dining at Juniper Village at Newark, has been selected as an inaugural member of the DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards Class of 2025, presented by Senior Housing News. De Leon received top honors in the Elevating the Experience category, recognizing leaders who are redefining the senior living dining experience through creativity, service, and innovation.

Aking’s selection reflects not only his exceptional culinary leadership, but also the deep admiration and respect he’s earned from residents, colleagues, and industry peers. Over the past three years, he has transformed the dining program at Juniper Village at Newark, introducing scratch-made meals, personalized menu planning, flexible all-day dining, and vibrant food-focused events that delight residents and families alike.

Resident satisfaction has soared under De Leon’s leadership, increasing from 60% to over 90%, with the community consistently ranking among the top in Juniper’s network. But just as impactful as the numbers is Aking’s daily presence, coaching his team, listening to residents, and always finding ways to make every meal meaningful.

Aking’s career spans fine dining and senior living, with experience at top Delaware-area restaurants and a background in culinary arts and business administration. He is currently pursuing a healthcare-focused MBA and working toward Nursing Home Administrator certification, bringing a long-term vision to his work in senior living.

Raised in a family rooted in service, Aking’s approach is as personal as it is professional. “From a young age, Aking understood the value of giving to others,” said Lydia De Leon, MS, LPCMH, Director of Behavioral Health, and a proud mom. “He leads with heart, and it shows in how he treats his residents, his team, and everyone around him.”

In addition to his work at Juniper, Aking shares his knowledge with local students through cooking classes and community events. At YEARRRN Academy, he has been praised for mentoring students with compassion and respect. “Chef Aking has a contagious passion,” said Dr. Barnett, CEO of YEARRRN Academy. “He uplifted our students in ways that went far beyond the kitchen.”

The DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards, launched in 2025 by Senior Housing News, spotlight exceptional professionals driving innovation in senior living food service across the U.S. To learn more, visit www.seniorhousingnews.com.

Juniper Communities celebrates this well-deserved recognition of Aking De Leon, an innovator, mentor, and changemaker whose work is transforming the experience of aging, one meal at a time.

About The Vero at Newark | A Juniper Community

Juniper Village at Newark is a vibrant senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care in a serene residential neighborhood just minutes from the University of Delaware and the cultural heart of downtown Newark. Surrounded by green space and designed with connection and well-being in mind, Juniper Village empowers older adults to thrive with personalized support, enriching programs, and a true sense of community. Juniper Village at Newark is an independent senior living community located at 924 Barksdale Road, Newark, DE 19711. For more information visit www.junipercommunities.com or call (302) 306-4187.

About Juniper Communities

Juniper Communities, a leader in quality, value, and innovation, operates senior living communities in Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas that emphasize residents’ well-being, interaction and security. Our communities and approach to housing and care offers residents the opportunity to live a full life, regardless of age or health. Juniper’s innovative Connect4Life program has been proven to improve residents’ care by decreasing hospitalizations, re-hospitalizations, and urgent care visits, while offering potential cost savings to public programs such as Medicare. To learn more about the many ways Juniper Communities innovates in support of our residents, visit www.junipercommunities.com.