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. Meant to honor strong women who uphold our mission, the YWCA is proud to recognize each honoree for the dedication, leadership, and passion they give to making our community a better place.
Often referred to as a FRIENDraiser, rather than a fundraiser, Women of Excellence offers a beautiful way to celebrate friends while offering inspiration to the clients served within the walls of the YWCA. This event connects women from across the community, excellent in various ways, to the YWCA’s mission to Empower Women. The program staff at the YWCA are committed to providing ways for every client served to feel the same joy for their personal achievements as each of our honorees feel through their recognition.
Celebrating 11 Women nominees from across our community and 5 Young Women nominees from local school districts, the YWCA Northcentral PA was proud to celebrate their achievements at this years’ 13th Annual Tribute to Women of Excellence Event held on November 4th, 2021 at Farrington Place, downtown Williamsport. To view the photo album from this years’ event, please click HERE
Previously Honored Wise Women of the Year
While there are many Women of Excellence, only one is selected to represent the honoree class as the Wise Woman of the Year; nominated by peers and voted upon by all previous YWCA Wise Women. A Wise Woman is one filled with compassion and perseverance. An exemplary woman with a dedicated commitment to service, making a significant and lasting impact in Lycoming County.
1998 – Annmarie Phillips
2018 – Judith Krezmer
Previously Celebrated Women of Excellence
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)