WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2023

Joanne Maureen Carroll

Joye Gingrich

Taylor Rowles

Katie Modi

Kerry Robison

Emily Roman

Serina Gaston

Bonnie Hershberger

Kirsten Page

Karen Washington

Masai Lawson

Karla Mitchell

Marie Conley

Meghan Bachmore

Rebecca Lupfer

Meghan Noss

Emily Lingle

Alison Swigart

Jacqueline Balthaser

Susan Hubley

Deborah Donahue

Kristen Evans

Alicia Shanahan

Eliz Nestorov

Abigail Aungst

Abigail Aungst is a Managing Director in KPMG’s Harrisburg office. At KPMG, she is a leader in the audit practice, serving both private and public companies in the Central Pennsylvania area. Aungst is a role model for other professionals and an active community volunteer. As a committee member of both KPMG’s Network of Women and the Advisory Board for the United Way of the Capital Region (UWCR) Women’s Leadership Network, she has the opportunity to mentor other women and coordinate events that support the development and advancement of women in their careers.

Alicia

Shanahan

Alicia Shanahan is a Vice President, Business Banking Operations Manager for M&T Bank. She is a founding member of M&T Bank Women’s Interest Network (WIN) of South/Central PA resource group. Shanahan has been a United Way Stuff the Bus Committee Member since 2020. She also coordinates, volunteers, and leads many events for M&T Bank such as serving as the bank’s United Way Campaign Coordinator, Feel Your Boobies, Salvation Army Angel Tree and the United Way Day of Caring. As the granddaughter of a Pearl Harbor Survivor, her main passion is veterans and she serves as the Auxiliary Secretary for the Dillsburg VFW post 6771 and is involved in sending care packages to veterans overseas, flag inspection at Fort Indiantown Gap, and visiting American Gold Star Mothers.

Dr. Alison Swigart

Dr. Alison Swigart is a psychiatrist at Penn State Health and Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Swigart is passionate about improving the mental health and overall wellbeing of people with severe mental illnesses through excellent clinical care and educating other psychiatrists. Dr. Swigart helps lead the CAPSTONE program, a coordinated specialty care clinic serving adolescents and young adults experiencing early symptoms of psychosis. She serves on the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Leadership Council, which promotes the quality of community psychiatric practice across the state and has supported the local chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Health.

Anne Carnathan

Anne Carnathan is a President & CEO of Universal Media, Inc., Mechanicsburg, PA. For 12 years. She has been a lector and special projects coordinator at St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church in Harrisburg; she also serves and supports The Salvation Army of Harrisburg, Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, St. Margaret Mary School, Bishop McDevitt School, and Boy Scout Troop #36. Delivering inspiration and authenticity, Carnathan is shortening the learning curve of young professionals and women with her award-winning Grit and Gravitas podcast with co-host Anne Deeter Gallaher.

See YWCA Women of Excellence on Page 30

Bonnie Hershberger

Bonnie Hershberger, an assistant general counsel, for Capital Blue Cross, specializes in health and benefits law. Hershberger volunteers her legal services for the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, advocating for criminal justice reform and working to exonerate wrongfully convicted people. This group is actively helping about 130 residents in the Capital’s 21-county service area. She chairs the Mission Committee for Bethesda Mission which oversees the organization’s shelters, substance abuse recovery programs, medical and dental clinics, food bank, children and youth community center, and mobile ministry. She also sits on the governing board for Brethren in Christ U.S.

Deborah Donahue

Deborah Donahue, adjunct professor at Central Penn College, is an attorney and college professor whose footprint can be found in dozens of impactful charitable organizations. She has worked to combat domestic violence, keep the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat afloat, elect candidates with integrity, and support veterans experiencing homelessness, among many other ventures. She earned the prestigious Karen F. Snider Women in Philanthropy Award in 2020, and her involvement continues to grow. She is well-known in the community as a steady, reliable leader and is well-loved by her students and coworkers.

Emily Lingle important to me because I think we are put on Earth to Congratulations Emily Roman, CPA 2023 Tribute to Women of Excellence Honoree, YWCA Greater Harrisburg back to the community board as Treasurer of Dauphin County CASA, assisting them in increasing their budget so they can help even more children who have endured abuse or neglect. Balthaser previously was a Girl Scout leader for eleven years.

Joanne Maureen Carroll

Joanne Carroll is the Executive Director of Trans Advocacy, Pennsylvania, a past member of the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, and a past president of TransCentral PA. She currently serves as a consultant to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, is a member of the Governors’ LGBT Working Group, a member of Millersville University President’s Commission on Gender and Sexual Diversity, and Co-Chair of the Keystone Conference, A Celebration of Gender Diversity. She is a member of the Penn Central Conference, UCC Open and Affirming Ministry Team, and serves Christ Church UCC in Elizabethtown, PA as President of its Consistory.

Joye Gingrich

Joye Gingrich, MBA, BSN, RN, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services, UPMC Harrisburg, personifies nursing in her dedication to helping others, recognition of the dignity inherent in all, and concern for and uplifting of others. Since beginning her career of more than 30 years, Gingrich has advanced from a staff nurse position to a valued and talented member of leadership through her hard work, dedication, vision, and grit. Never was her professionalism and kindness more evident than during the worst of the pandemic. She is a gifted leader and caring member of the community.

Karen Washington

Karen Washington, Milton Hershey School, is a servant leader in every sense of the word. Raised in Harrisburg, PA, she knew from a very young age that she wanted to make a difference in her community. For several years, Karen volunteered in the local Harrisburg area to empower youth to be their greatest selves. In 2000, Washington and her husband, Leno, packed up their children and moved to Hershey, PA to become house parents at Milton Hershey School. Over the last 22 years, Wash Washington has invested love and care into hundreds of MHS students, changing the course of their lives forever.

YWCA Women of Excellence, continued from Page 31

Karla Mitchell

Karla Mitchell serves as the Executive Director for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA and has been in this role since November 2016. Mitchell works tirelessly to meet the needs of the families who utilize the organization’s variety of program services. Responsible for the strategic and operational direction of the family focused organization, Mitchell and her team deliver support to families whose children receive essential medical care at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

Kate Modi

Born in the Harrisburg area and a graduate of Carlisle High School and York College of Pennsylvania, Kate Modi has distinguished herself through community service and in a career in the insurance industry that began in 2008. In 2012, she joined Penn National Insurance and, after several promotions, now serves as senior claims representative. After managing Penn National Insurance’s United Way tricycle race team for seven years, United Way’s leadership invited Modi to chair their tricycle race committee. She has also volunteered for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s South Central Pennsylvania Chapter, served as a student mentor at Harrisburg University, and represented Penn National Insurance with distinction as a graduate of the 2015 Leadership Harrisburg Area class.

Kerry Robison

As Director of Provider Relations in Central Pennsylvania for Highmark, Kerry Robison stives every day to cultivate excellent relationships with clients, members, and providers and works relentlessly to improve the customer experience. A 2016 graduate of the Leadership Harrisburg program, Robison works with community and business partners to improve the quality of life in the Capital Region. She serves on the board at Penn State Health’s Children’s Miracle Network, as an Executive Leader for the Capital Region American Heart Association, a committee member for United Way of the Capital Region, and also a member of the Women’s Leadership Network.

Kristen Evans

Kristen Evans, Founder, President, and CEO of HR Influenced, a human resource management consultancy, has 20 years of experience as a solutions-focused HR executive. Most recently, Evans served as managing director of a local consulting firm in Harrisburg. Prior to that, she was vice president of human resources at PACE Resources, Inc., in York. She has also served as HR director for Harrisburg University and Triple Crown Corporation, as well as HR manager for Cintas Corporation. Active in her community, Evens is currently serving as president of the Susquehanna Township High School Booster Club. In 2019, Evans was named one of Central Penn Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.

Kirsten Page

Kirsten Page, Public Relations Director at West Shore Home, has had a long and distinguished career in television and public relations, and is an active mentor, volunteer, and advocate for the Arts in the region. She is Board President for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, and Vice Chairperson of the Capital Area School for the Arts Foundation Board. She also launched the Community Relations Department at West Shore Home, supporting numerous local organizations. During her career in broadcasting, Page received Mid-Atlantic Emmy nominations for both reporting and anchoring.

Marie Conley

Marie Conley’s innovative problem solving and engagement strategies bring a unique combination to her clients. But it is her empathy and advocacy for those living with rare diseases that made her a nominee. Diagnosed with Cushing’s disease in 2012, which less than ten people per million are diagnosed with a year, Marie chose to take her professional skill set, support and love of her family and friends, and create The Conley Cushing’s Disease Fund to support patients and their families and create medical awareness for this disease. She also helps lead the PA Rare Disease Advisory Council.

Masai Lawson

A s Chair of Gannett Fleming’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee, Masai Lawson has brought national recognition to herself and Gannett Fleming as a sought-after thoughtful leader on how companies can be more inclusive, equitable, and diverse while creating a culture of belonging. She also serves as Senior Manager, Talent

Acquisition and Inclusion at Gannett Fleming, Inc., where she and her team develop innovative recruiting and engagement strategies to attract top talent while promoting an employee-centric culture. Lawson also serves on the Board of Directors of Feel Your Boobies, is a Board Member of WITF, and a member of the DEI&B Steering Committee for the American Council of Engineering Companies.

Meghan Bachmore Karen F. Snider Emerging Leader Award Winner

Meghan Bachmore, Executive Director of Harrisburg Young Professionals, is a rising, young leader in the Harrisburg community She embodies compassion and perseverance for the work she does and is teaching young people the importance of being servant leaders and giving back to your community. Bachmore currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Harrisburg and volunteers her time at Someone To Tell It To and several other non-profit organizations. Accepted to Leadership Harrisburg Area’s Community Leadership Series Class of 2023, she will graduate in June.

Meghan Noss

Meghan Noss serves as Regional Vice President of the Capital Region for Members 1st Federal Credit Union, overseeing more than 90 associates and working to ensure that annual goals are met at nearly a dozen branch locations in Dauphin and Perry counties. She volunteers her time to many local charitable initiatives in the Greater Harrisburg Area, including as President of Women INvolved with The Salvation Army. Noss also helps The Salvation Army Harrisburg with their holiday packaging, financial literacy and summer youth enrichment programs, See YWCA Women of Excellence on Page 34 and volunteers in Junior Achievement’s STEM Program at local high schools.

Eliz Nestorov

Eliz Nestorov is the Director of Development with MidPenn Legal Services, a non-profit, public-interest law firm that provides highquality free civil legal services to low-income residents and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in 18 counties in Central Pennsylvania. She is also a Co-President of the American Bulgarian Business Association, which promotes and develops AmericanBulgarian business relations and fosters more positive global business and governmental relationships. Nestorov is a recipient of the City of Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed Award for distinguished public service and the 2022 Inspirational Influencer Award for Global Impact with the International Association of Women.

Rebecca Lupfer

Rebecca Lupfer is vice president of the mid-atlantic division for The GIANT Company. She joined the company in 2018 as director of merchandising planning following a 12-year tenure within the Ahold Delhaize family of brands. In just four years, Lupfer has quickly risen through the ranks due to her strategic thinking, confident leadership, and commitment to community. She currently serves as vice president for the West Perry Mustang Foundation and volunteers with the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Bank and Pennsylvania Krunch softball organization. She is also the executive sponsor of The GIANT Company’s women’s LINC Business Resource Group.

Serina Gaston

Serina Gaston currently serves as the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area (Habitat), whose vision is building strength, stability, and self-reliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing, and to improve the living conditions of people existing in inadequate housing. She is a lifelong community servant who has served on several boards and committees, including the United Way of Pennsylvania, American Heart Association – Capitol Region, Penn State University’s Health Education Advisory Board, and the Homeless Ministry at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Gaston also is a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Shelly Matter

Since becoming a volunteer for Junior Achievement over twenty years ago Shelly Matter has been committed to giving back to the communities where she has lived and worked. From being a Den Mother helping scouts earn merit badges to serving on various industry and community advisory councils, boards, and committees, she believes whole heartedly that helping others, and being a positive role model and mentor, is a way of life. Having earned her college degree at age 50, and more recently leaving a 20+ year career in the commercial/ industrial HVAC industry to become a realtor, Matter believes that you are never too old to follow your dreams.

Susan Hubley

Carolyn L. Smith Legacy Award Winner

Susan Hubley has been a champion of community service for over 35 years, dedicating her entire adult life to making the region a better place for everyone, especially women, and the underserved. As Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility at Capital BlueCross, Hubley is a champion of the company’s commitment to social responsibility. Outside of her job, she has served in leadership roles with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, American Heart Association, United Way of the Capital Region, and the YWCA, Greater Harrisburg. Hubley is a member of the Foundation for Enhancing Communities Dream Team, providing monetary support for women and girls in our community, and was honored in 2021 with the West Shore Chamber’s Luminary Award.

Taylor Rowles

Taylor Rowles joined Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) in 2013 as a Marketing Intern. Following graduation from Penn State University, Harrisburg, Taylor joined the company as a full-time team member, serving in a number of Marketing roles including Hersheypark Marketing Integration Manager. A pivotal team member in the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives, Taylor was named Senior Manager, Market Integration - Corporate and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in January 2021. She is currently co-chair of the company’s MERGE (Multi-Ethnic Resource Group for Everyone) Employee Resource Group and is committed to promoting DE&I across HE&R.