TRIBUTE TO WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

Honoring the top mentors, role models, and volunteers in Central PA

Story By Christina Heintzelman: cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com

Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

Photos Submitted by YWCA

For the past 34 years, the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg has honored over 760 extraordinary women for their contributions to our region, both professionally and philanthropically. On March 29, 2023, this tribute will continue as 27 women who have dedicated their time and talent to making a difference in Central Pennsylvania will be honored by their induction into the Women of Excellence, Class of 2023.

“We are exceedingly proud to pay tribute to empowered women in our region for the 34th consecutive year,” says Mary Quinn, CEO of YWCA Greater Harrisburg. “This annual event is a community favorite as well as our own – a time when we reflect not only on the collective accomplishments of these individuals, but also on the impact they have made on the lives of our neighbors, friends, and family. Each honoree embodies our mission in unique ways, and we consider it a privilege to celebrate them all.”

To garner an understanding of the scope of this award, look at the eligibility criteria that each woman must be able to speak to and show excellence in, in order to be considered for this highly prestigious award. All nominees must:

◊ Participate actively in the community as mentors, role models, and volunteers.

◊ Actively serve on the boards or committees of various nonprofits and organizations.

◊ Demonstrate integrity, strength of character, and leadership.

◊ Raise and donate money for important causes.

◊ Embrace and support the vision and mission of the YWCA.

Nominations begin in September of each year and a two-month vetting process takes place during which time the YWCA association board begins its screening process. A Google search is done of each nominee’s name, to ensure there is nothing controversial popping up in the cyber universe, after which a line-by-line review of each woman’s submitted materials takes place. Submitted materials consist of a 600 to 1000–word Narrative Biography and a 75 to 100–word Presentation Bio.

Once these two screening processes are completed, the board begins its daunting task of paring down this list of amazing women to end up with as close to 25 inductees as possible. No recipient can be selected for more than one year’s class, although all women are eligible for two additional yearly awards: the Carolyn L. Smith Legacy Award, given to an exemplary woman whose efforts set a standard for a lifetime commitment to the welfare of women and children in the capital region; and the Karen F. Snider Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes the efforts of a woman under the age of 30 on behalf of the community, particularly with regard to mentoring younger girls.

YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen the community. YWCA Greater Harrisburg serves 35,000 individuals in the Capital Region, and the combined network of YWCA associations impact 25 million individuals worldwide.

The Tribute to Women of Excellence, the YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s largest fundraiser of the year, will take place on Wednesday, March 29th at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.