Nominations for this year’s 14th Annual Women of Excellence event are now closed.
We congratulate all 43 nominees and look forward to celebrating on November 3rd.
This year’s event is planned for Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 from 6 – 9 PM at the lovely Farrington Place in Williamsport.
The evening will include keynote speakers, awards, testimonials, dinner, drinks, & more!
YWCA's Women of Excellence Celebration
Since 2009, the YWCA Northcentral PA has hosted the Women of Excellence celebration, honoring countless women and young ladies who get up, do the work, and lift our communities. This annual event celebrates generations of strong, creative, and caring changemakers who lead by example, embrace civic responsibility, and demonstrate exceptional leadership.
The YWCA Northcentral PA values Women, Community, Empowerment, and Courage. We believe that one woman’s success is inspiration for another. We are committed to investing in and advocating for a thriving community where all individuals are equal, powerful, and safe.
We are here to serve, elevate, educate, support, empower, acknowledge, and cultivate mutual respect, but most importantly we are here to invest in those who need us most to restore their dignity as they forge on.
Our annual Women of Excellence honors generations of strong, creative, & caring changemakers who lead by example, embrace civic responsibility and demonstrate exceptional leadership.
We invite the public to submit nominations of exceptional Women & Young Ladies in one of our several award categories.
Nominate a Women or Young Lady of Excellence for 2022
The YWCA Northcentral PA invites community members to nominate women and young ladies for award recognition during the 14th Celebration of Women of Excellence.
These awards celebrate the accomplishments of women and young ladies who have achieved success in their field, demonstrated academic excellence, and contributed to their communities.
Award recipients are selected for their vision, courage, compassion, and proven success.
There are seven (7) categories for Women of Excellence and the Young Lady of Excellence nominees. Nominee recognition will be limited to the first seven (7) nominations received for each category. Nominees must live and/or work in Lycoming County to be eligible. Some categories may have additional parameters.
One (1) Woman of Excellence and one (1) Young Lady of Excellence will be chosen for each category. In addition, one (1) Wise Woman will be selected from the overall pool of nominations. The Wise Woman award is a distinguished honor offered by the YWCA Northcentral PA, giving recognition to one (1) Woman for her outstanding devotion to making a significant impact and difference in the lives of others. She will have given tireless time and energy to improving the opportunities, access, and success of our community while embracing the YWCA’s mission through exceptional leadership, with a dedication to excellence in both her personal and professional endeavors.
YWCA Northcentral PA encourages the nomination of women and girls of color. All are accepted and celebrated. Please note that YWCA Northcentral PA employees and their families are not eligible for nomination.
Nominations will be accepted through 5:00PM Monday, October 3, 2022.
Submissions will be accepted by emailing bfischer@ywcawilliamsport.org or by mailing forms to Brittany Fischer at YWCA Northcentral PA, 815 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, PA 17701
Art & Culture
This award recognizes an outstanding woman who has made significant contributions to arts and culture as an artist, volunteer, leader, educator, or patron of meaningful endeavors within the community. the nominee will have exhibited long-term support for arts and culture, had a significant impact on the region’s landscape through personal expression, innovation, preservation, or education, or have led successful collaborations between organizations and businesses.
Education
This award recognizes an outstanding woman who is a public or private educator, trainer, or administrator inspiring a passion for excellence, innovation, personal growth, development, and lifelong learning. Through education, training, development, community education or alternative programs, nominees will have developed innovative programs and/or built a strong rapport with learners, parents, colleagues, or the community at large to foster learning, growth, and equitable access.
Advocacy
This award recognizes an outstanding woman who is an Agent of Change, with an exemplary record or leadership and service to historically underserved and marginalized communities. Nominees will have demonstrated impact in areas of racial and social justice or led efforts to provide greater access, remove barriers, increase representation, or bridge gaps between groups to promote equity, peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Health & Wellness
This award recognizes an outstanding woman for their innovative contributions to health and wellness related fields. Nominees will have demonstrated a dedication to service, public health, and wellness, exhibited a commitment to promoting and protecting the health and wellbeing of all people, or led efforts that have removed barriers to healthcare access and equitable treatment.
STEM
This award recognizes an outstanding woman for their contributions to STEM-related fields including pure and applied sciences, engineering, life sciences, mathematics, or technology. Nominees will have demonstrated a dedication to technological, scientific, or mathematical advancement through either research or application, or led efforts that have increased access or promoted inclusion of women in STEM.
Sports
This award recognizes an outstanding female athlete who serves as an inspiration and role model by overcoming adversity and exhibiting extraordinary courage in their athletic performance. Nominees may have also developed or led innovative programs that promote access to sports.
Rising Star (must be between the ages of 18 and 35)
This award recognizes an outstanding young woman making a significant impact early in their career to better the communities they live or work in. The award is focused on women out of high school, but under 35 who have demonstrated dedication by creating, participating, or adapting innovative programs to meet the community’s needs. Nominees will embody YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all through service to others.
Nominees must be in their senior year of high school with the exception of the Junior Rising Star, who can be in grades 9-11.
Art & Culture
This award recognizes an outstanding student who has a love for art and the ability to express self-truth through artistic expression. Please submit an example of your nominee’s work (picture, video, or recording).
Education
This award recognizes an outstanding student who inspires passion, excellence, and innovation. The nominee strives for personal growth, development, and lifelong learning through education, experience, and exploration.
Advocacy
This award recognizes an outstanding student who represents themselves as an agent of change. Nominees will demonstrate the ability to advocate, influence, and make an impact in their community or among peers. Nominees in this category must be committed to social justice, peace, equity, and advancing human rights.
Health & Wellness
This award recognizes an outstanding student who promotes, demonstrates, and encourages the importance of a healthy lifestyle either through fitness, wellness, or behaviors.
STEM
This award recognizes an outstanding student who has passion, demonstrates, and takes initiative in Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math. Please submit an example of your nominee’s work or accomplishments in this field.
Sports
This award recognizes an outstanding athlete who serves as an inspiration and role model by overcoming adversity and exhibiting extraordinary courage in athletic performance.
Junior Rising Star – Grade 9-11
This award recognizes an outstanding student who exhibits leadership qualities, and is often seen as a role model or mentor to peers.
Afraid You Missed Your Chance to Sponsor Women of Excellence??
Women of Excellence Seat Sponsor ……. $1,500
- The Seat Sponsor covers all costs for each nominee to attend this event free of charge. A place setting card will be placed at the place setting of each nominee recognizing your sponsorship.
Young Ladies of excellence seat sponsor ……. $1,000
- The Seat Sponsor covers all costs for each young lady nominee to attend this event free of charge. A place setting card will be placed at the place setting of each nominee recognizing your sponsorship.
Drink Sponsor ……. $2,000
- The Drink Sponsor will ensure each guest is offered a complimentary signature cocktail at the event. Recognition will be prominently placed at the bar along with mention on drink tickets given to attendees.
Dessert sponsor ……. $1,000
- The Dessert Sponsor ensures every guest indulges in a Sweet Treat Bar complete with a variety of dessert options. Recognition will be displayed throughout table with option to dress table with logo’d tablecloth.
Award sponsor ……. $2,500
- The Award Sponsor allows the opportunity for each nominee to celebrated with a small gift placed at their seat the night of the event. This sponsor package also provides gifts for the women and young ladies chosen to represent each category. Recognition will be displayed in each gift bag.
Every guest at the Women of Excellence event will be given a program. Show your support to the nominees by submitting a Program Ad. All ads are offered in color and allow you customization & creation. Our marketing team is also available to help with creative content.
Booklet Format Program Ad Options:
Full Page Ad (5″W X 8″H) ……. $200
3/4 Page Ad (5″W x 6.4″H) ……. $150
1/2 Page ad (5″W x 4″h) ……. $100
1/4 page ad (2.5″w x 4″h) ……. $50
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities and Program Ads Commitment Forms Contact:
Brittany Fischer | Communications & Development Director | YWCA Northcentral PA
**IMPORTANT DATES**
Response requested for additional sponsor opportunities by October 10th for optimal placement & recognition
LOGOS: High Resolution PNG to bmcclain@ywcawilliamsport.org
Payment requested on or before October 31st, 2022
Ticket Sales end October 28th, 2022
*For additional information contact: bfischer@ywcawilliamsport.org
A look back at previously honored Women of Excellence
In addition to celebrating Women of Excellence, one woman is recognized as the Wise Woman. The Wise Woman award is a distinguished honor offered by the YWCA Northcentral PA, giving recognition to one woman for her outstanding devotion to making a significant impact and difference in the lives of others. She will have given tireless time and energy to improving the opportunities, access, and success of our community while embracing the YWCA’s mission through exceptional leadership, with a dedication to excellence in both her personal and professional endeavors.
2009 Women of Excellence
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
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
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
2021 Women of Excellence
Valerie Fessler, Allison Bressler-Grove, Miranda Kujawa, Patti Jackson-Gehris, Sherry Paulhamus (Wise Woman), Jessica Harlow, Anna Radspinner, Susan Branton, Devon Yochum, Rebecca Elkins (not pictured: Tammy Anderer)