Women of Excellence

The YWCA’s Women of Excellence event celebrates women who have dedicated their time, talent, and treasures for the betterment of our community. It exemplifies our mission to Eliminate Racism and Empower Women. The event not only spotlights our honorees each year but raises funds in support of the life-changing programs at the YWCA. And most importantly, the event offers the opportunity to share with all women that they are valued.

Mark your calendars for November 4th, 2021, as the YWCA Northcentral PA plans to host our 13th annual tribute to Women of Excellence! Find all details and nomination levels – Women of Excellence Nomination Form 2021

Honored Wise of Women of the Year

1997 – Sister Jean Mohl
1998 – Annmarie Phillips

1999 – Davie Jane Gilmour, Ph.D.

2000 – Nan Young

2001 – Henrietta Hadley

2002 – Ann Pepperman

2003 – Kimberly Pittman-Shulz

2004 – Patricia Lowery

2005 – Sister Joann Bednar

2006 – Peachie O’Conner

2007 – Andree Phillips

2009 – Marguerite Bierman

2010 – Janice Trapp

2011 – Veronica Muzic

2012 – Barbara Hudock

2013 – Beth McMahon

2014 – Judge Nancy L. Butts

2015 – Anne Holladay

2016 – Kirsten Burkhart

2017 – Sue Young
2018 – Judith Krezmer

2019 – Shea Madden

2020 – Maddie Dunlap

Past Women of Excellence Honorees

2009 Women of Excellence

Marie Harris, Jeri Sims, Bonita Kolb, Kathleen Kelly, Elisabeth Miranda, Barbara Natell, Jean Heller, Joann Kay, Meagan Murray, Rachel Kirk, Donna Bastian, Marquerite Bierman (Wise Woman), C. Jane Hawkins, Kathy Brown-Wehr and Kay Dando

2010 Women of Excellence

Sandy Spencer, Nuria Hunter, Dee Gephart, Pam Hicks, Amy Dowling, Tanya Anderson, Linda Boose, Jeanette Carter, Annmarie Phillips, Kay Ertel, Charline Pulizzi, Linda Prior and Janice Trapp (Wise Woman)

2011 Women of Excellence

Debra Mader Miller, Deb Parsons, Caryn Powers, Mary Kilgus, Doreen White, Judge Joy McCoy, Mackenzie Yaw, Lois Williams, Brenda Nichols, Veronica Muzic (Wise Woman), Beth McMahon, Deb Bowes and Geneva Peck

2012 Women of Excellence

Stephanie Hollick, Karen Woland-Payne, M. Chris Lechien, Savonna Reagan, Jenifer L. DeWald, Karen Armstrong, Diane Page, Opal Schlappi, Jessica Bower, Peggy Wood, Rebecca Burke, Andree Phillips and Barbara Hudock – Wise Woman

2013 Women of Excellence

Jennifer Rhea, Melanie Taormina, Ann Plankenhorn, Radecka Appiah-Padi, Christina Herman, Carolyn Strickland, Gail Leidhecker, Dawn Linn, Jennifer Jackson, Beth McMahon (Wise Woman), Rosann Pellschi and Frances Melito Pfaff

2014 Women of Excellence

Linell Stabler, Dana Brigandi, Virginia Eaton, Kathy Zakarian, Aegina Leidhecker, Bonnie Dodge, Trisha Marty Gibbons, Candace Dewar, Megan Stoner, Judge Nancy L. Butts (Wise Woman), Renee Laychur, Barb Wascher and Susan Burns

2015 Women of Excellence

Tracy Brundage, Mary Sieminski, Jamie Caputo, Rev. Velinda Webb, Sue Greene, Debra Schneider, Fran Turner, Janet Hurlbert, Anne Holladay (Wise Woman), Karen Young and Makayla Hoffman (Young Woman of Excellence)

2016 Women of Excellence

Back row: Kirsten Burkhart (Wise Woman); Next row: Gerry Fausnaught, Rev. Gwen Bernstein, Joani Yagel; Next Row: Cookie Mutchler, Jeanette Kitchen, Tammy Gunsallus; Next row: Sherry Watts, Jacky Holloway; Front row: Kimberly Cassel, Doreen Decker. Not pictured: Jan Fisher.

2017 Women of Excellence

Back row: Tina Beach, Diane Glenwright; Next row: Tracey Amey, Yvonne Dirocco, Nancy Story-Somers; Next Row: Alma Verzella, Robin Glossner, Katie Bell; Next row: Barbara McGary, Carolyn Hawk, Shirley Durrwacher; Front row: Sue Young (Wise Woman of the Year); Allaryn Smith (Young Woman of Excellence)

2018 Women of Excellence

Back row: Karen L. Zinobile; Next Row: Judith Krezmer (Wise Woman), Debra Griffin and Susan Best; Next Row: Marianne DePasqua and Stephanie Calder; Front Row: Dawn Astin, Laurie W. Burkholder and Maya Holmes (Young Woman of Excellence)

2019 Women of Excellence

Brittany Fischer, Emily S. Gale, Kelly Gillis, Amy Harada, Martha B. Huddy, Jody, Lantz, Katie L. Mackey, Shea Madden (Wise Woman), Suzette Meyer, Judith B. Shellenberger, Stephanie Steinbacher (Young Woman of Excellence), Brenda Terry-Manchester, Alice Trowbridge, Josie Vannucci Miller and Grace E. Watts.

2020 Women of Excellence

Anna Thompson, Barbara Reeves, Heather Stafford, Jennifer Lake, Jessica Wheeland, Loni Kline, Lyneah Huddock, Maddi Dunlap (Wise Woman), Marisa Rau, Mary Jo Bower, Susan Dinsmore, Theresa Kendall, Tracy Haas