End-of-Life Work Is Women’s Work… And It Always Has Been.

The Women in End-of-Life Professions Information Hub

Women have long been the quiet backbone of end-of-life care. From nursing the dying, comforting the grieving, and managing the logistics of death, to nearly everything else in between. Yet, for much of modern history, their labor has been undervalued or invisible. Today, women continue to claim their place in the field, not just as caregivers but as funeral directors, death doulas, hospice leaders, and legal advocates.

This page honors the women who came before us, those serving now, and those who will shape the future of end-of-life professions long in the future.

Careers in End of Life Professions

Table of Contents

“This profession is missing out on the valuable perspectives and talents of women essential for its future growth and success.”

Lisa BaueLisa Baue, Founder and CEO of Funeral Women Lead
Funeral Women Lead Logo

This Information Hub Is Created In Collaboration With Funeral Women Lead, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the funeral profession through mentorship, coaching, education, and advocacy.

Listen To The 4 Women And A Funeral Podcast

What Roles Can Women Have in End-of-Life Professions?

Any of them. (Pretty straightforward, isn't it?)

Spotlights: Women at the Center of End-of-Life Work

Meet some of the women who are redefining what end-of-life work looks like, one role, one family, and one legacy at a time. From leaders and changemakers in funeral service to up and coming professionals, we're honored to spotlight their accomplishments.

Know a woman in the industry doing work that deserves a spotlight? Want to share your own story? We’d love to hear from you. Use the form at the bottom of this Information Hub to connect with us.

Allyse Worland Spotlight
Allyse Worland

Owner, Funeral Director, Embalmer

Danielle Knapp Spotlight
Danielle Knapp

CEO (& Documentary Producer)
Iowa Funeral Director

Jess Wakefield Spotlight
Jess Wakefield

Funeral Director & Advocate
Better Place Forests

Mike The Death Doula Spotlight
Mikey Marin

Founder
Healing Hearts House (Death Doula)

Submit A Leader
Submit A Spotlight Nomination

Scholarships and Mentorships

Getting into this field isn’t always easy... but there are doors worth knocking on. In addition to our Scholarships For End-of-Life Professions Information Hub, here’s a roundup of scholarships, grants, and mentorship opportunities created to help women step into their calling and lead the next generation.

Do you know of a scholarship or mentorship program that's not included below? Let us know via the form at the bottom of this Information Hub.

NFDA Professional Women's Conference Scholarships

  • Location: Brookfield, WI
  • Phone: (262) 789-1880
  • Email: info@nfda.org
  • Website: www.nfda.org
  • Amount: Covers conference registration, event fees, a three-night hotel stay, and up to $500 in travel reimbursement
  • Eligibility: Female and non-binary funeral professionals and students employed in funeral service or enrolled in an accredited funeral service program.

100 Black Women of Funeral Service Scholarship

  • Location: Atlanta, GA
  • Phone: (404) 255-0099
  • Email: info@100bwfs.org
  • Website: www.100bwfs.org
  • Amount: Varies
  • Eligibility: U.S. residents, community college sophomores seeking certification or an associate degree in mortuary science, and affiliated with a funeral home. Preference is given to African American women.

Women-Led Organizations, Industry Networks, & Initiatives

Want to connect with other women in the field? These organizations, alliances, and networks offer community, resources, and advocacy for women working across the end-of-life space.

Know of an organization that deserves inclusion? We’d love to hear from you. Use the form at the bottom of this Information Hub to connect with us.

1. Funeral Women Lead

Founder: Lisa Baue
Description: Funeral Women Lead was born out of Lisa Baue’s vision to expand the possibilities for women in the death care profession to build community and receive support, mentoring, and training as they become leaders.
Website: funeralwomenlead.org

2. National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association (NFDMA) Ladies Auxiliary

Description: The National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc. has a rich history that spans across a century. Originally organized in 1924 as the Independent National Funeral Directors Association, under the leadership of R. R. Reed, it was established by a group of licensed funeral directors who aimed to maintain high professional standards for the betterment of the public and their own business community. While they had initially collaborated with the National Business League, it became evident that their full potential could only be realized through an association solely focused on the funeral industry.
Website: www.nfdma.com/about-us/ladies-auxiliary

3. NFDA Professional Women's Conference

Description: This event is designed specifically for female and non-binary funeral professionals, providing a platform for networking, education, and personal growth. The conference features sessions on leadership, self-care, and industry-specific challenges, aiming to equip attendees with tools to thrive in their careers.
Website: nfda.org/conferences/professional-womens-conference

4. Black Women of Funeral Service (legacy initiative)

Location: Atlanta, GA
Description: Founded to support, mentor, and uplift African American women in funeral service through scholarships, networking, and education.
Website: www.100bwfs.org

5. Women in Funeral Service (Legacy Initiative)

Status: Currently inactive, but their mission and network are still relevant.
Archived Site: www.omeninfuneralservice.com

Barriers & Breakthroughs

It’s not all smooth sailing. From pay gaps to underrepresentation in leadership roles, women still face real challenges in many corners of the end-of-life industry. But they’re also breaking records, earning recognition, and changing culture from the inside out.

Gender Pay Gap in Health and Care Professions

Despite comprising 67% of the global health and care workforce, women earn approximately 24% less than their male counterparts. This disparity persists even after accounting for factors like age, education, and working hours, suggesting systemic undervaluation of women's contributions in these sectors. World Economic Forum

Underrepresentation in Leadership Roles

While women are increasingly entering the funeral service industry, they remain underrepresented in leadership positions. For instance, as of 2017, only 16% of the National Funeral Directors Association's membership were women, despite women making up nearly 65% of graduates from funeral director programs.

Disparities in End-of-Life Care

Women often experience greater caregiving burdens and face higher risks of emotional, physical, and sexual violence in end-of-life care settings. Conversely, men may encounter societal stigma when assuming caregiving roles, highlighting the need for more inclusive and equitable care practices.

But Things Are Looking Better...

1. Increasing Female Representation in Funeral Services

The funeral industry is witnessing a significant influx of women. In 2021, women constituted 72% of enrollees in funeral service education programs, with particularly high representation among minority groups. Funeral Home Consulting

2. Women Leading Change in Deathcare

Women are not only entering the field but also driving innovation. Organizations like the Death Care Collective are empowering female leaders through mentorship and networking, fostering a more inclusive industry culture. homesteaderslife.com

3. Dominance in Home Health and Personal Care

Women dominate roles in home health and personal care, comprising 87% and 80% of these workforces, respectively. Their contributions are vital to the provision of compassionate end-of-life care. Bureau of Labor Statistics

How to Get Involved

Thinking about stepping into one of these professions? Whether you’re mid-career, making a switch, or just getting started, we’ve pulled together training programs, volunteer opportunities, and entry points you can explore right now.

1. Explore Career Paths
Learn about roles in hospice, palliative care, funeral service, death doula work, and grief support. Start here: Careers in End-of-Life Professions

2. Find Training and Certification Programs
Whether you’re interested in becoming a doula, funeral director, or grief counselor, there are organizations ready to train and support you. Check out our Certifications & Licenses Hub

3. Apply for Scholarships
We’ve compiled a list of scholarships specifically for women and underrepresented groups in this space. View Scholarships

4. Join a Community or Network
Connect with others doing this work through women-led organizations and professional networks. Tip: Funeral Women Lead is a great place to start.

5. Nominate Someone for a Spotlight
Know a woman making waves in end-of-life care? Nominate her to be featured on this page by filling out the form below.

6. Share Your Story
If you’re already doing the work or working on something exceptional, we’d love to hear from you.

Share a Story or Nominate a Leader

Know a woman in the industry doing work that deserves a spotlight? Want to share your own story? We’d love to hear from you. Use the form below to connect with us and help grow this space.

Submitter's Information

In case we have any follow-up questions

Nominee's Info (It's OK To Nominate Yourself!)

Helps us show geographic diversity.
Be specific. Share a story, a detail, or something they've done that had an impact.

Self Nominated? Let's Get Some Additional Information

Was there a personal experience that led you here? A mentor who inspired you? A moment that shifted your path?
What motivates you to stay in this work—even when it’s hard? What do you love most about it?
List any associations, certifications, volunteer roles, or leadership positions—formal or informal—that help shape your work.
You can name a person, a community, a teacher, or even a client—anyone who’s helped shape your path or kept you going.
What do you wish someone had told you? What mindset, reminder, or lesson has stuck with you?
A moment that moved you, made you laugh, or reminded you why this work matters—big or small, we want to hear it.
Share a quote that inspires your work or captures your values. It could be something you’ve said, something someone once told you, or a quote you live by.
Something most people wouldn’t guess—whether it’s a hidden talent, a past job, a quirky hobby, or a random skill you love.

Almost Done...

Anything else we should know about this person, their work, or why you felt moved to nominate them? Totally optional.

Information Hub Feedback & Suggestions

Do you have a question, suggestion, or idea on how to improve this Information Hub? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and by Buried in Work is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney or subject matter expert for advice specific to your situation.