The YWCA Northcentral PA will be hosting its twelfth annual Women of Excellence event on Thursday, Nov. 5. Meant to honor the strong women of our community who have put forth their time and effort into making it a better place, the YWCA is proud to recognize every one of them for their dedication, leadership, and passion. From involvement on committees and community organizations to volunteer engagement and caring about others, these women uphold the definition of excellence and inspire those around them. While historically the event has been celebrated in person, and in more recent years held at the Williamsport Country Club, this year will bring a new experience for all involved. After much thought and planning, the event will be hosted virtually. Thankful to Mel’s Deli & Cafe for their excitement to think outside of the box, and to YWCA employees and board members for offering their delivery services, guests of the event will enjoy a catered dinner and dessert. These will be delivered right to their homes, prior to the start of the event. This will allow honorees, along with their friends and families, to celebrate in a more intimate fashion. “We know this event looks much different than in years past, but we felt a commitment to ensuring we found means to honor and celebrate all nominees amidst a COVID world,” said Brittany Fischer, communications and development director at the YWCA. “We take great pride in knowing our creative ideas sparked a unique way to intimately celebrate so many women in our community who deserve recognition for all they do.” This year, the YWCA is proud to announce the 2020 Women of Excellence class has 13 members to be recognized for their outstanding work in the community. Mary Jo Bower, nom- inated by Stephanie Bower Susan Dinsmore, nominated anonymous- ly Tracy Haas, nominated by AIDS Resource Lyneah Hudock, nominated by Hudock Capitol Group LLC. Theresa Kendall, nominated by Richard Coulter Loni Kline, nominated by Pennsylvania College of Technology Jennifer Lake, nominated by Shirley Durrwachter Marisa Rau, nominated by The Junior League of Williamsport Barbara Reeves, nominated Nancy Sommers Heather Stafford, nominated by UPMC Anna Thompson, nominated by the Kiwanis Club of Williamsport Jessica Wheeland, nominated by The Rotary Club of Williamsport Among the thirteen nominees is also Maddi Dunlap, nominated by Compu-Gen Technolo- gies. Maddi was select- ed as the 2020 Wise Woman of the Year for her amazing achieve- ments and commitment to inspiring others. The YWCA also celebrates the mem- bers of the 2020 Young Women of Excellence class, as seven of our local schools submitted nominations for gradu- ating seniors who have produced outstanding work both academical- ly and socially. These young women strive to be the best they can be in all aspects of life, as members of clubs and sports, taking AP cours- es, and staying involved in community activities. Lydia Barbour, nomi- nated by Montoursville High School Megan Crosby, nom- inated by Saint John Neumann Academy Samantha Machmer, nominated by Jersey Shore High School Rory Oden, nominated by Muncy Area High School Katelyn Taylor, nominated by Montgomery High School Emma Tredinnick, nominated by Loyalsock High School Nominated by Williamsport Area High School, Cecilia Fink, was selected to be named the 2020 Young Wise Woman of the Year for her community passion mixed with her entrepreneurship. Often referred to as a FRIENDraiser, rather than a fundraiser, Women of Excellence offers a beautiful way to celebrate friends, while offering inspiration to clients served within the programs of the YWCA. It connects women from across the community, excellent in various ways, to the YWCA’s mission to Empower Women. The program staff within the YWCA is committed to providing ways for every client served to feel the same joy for their personal achievements as each of the honorees feels as they are recognized for all the ways they are excellent. Dawn Linn, CEO of the YWCA, said of the event, “This celebration is a proud moment for our community. A chance to honor the women who help to build strong neighbor- hoods, inspiring each of us to give back and look ahead for better tomorrows. In a year of unprecedented circumstances, may we all take this opportunity to learn from their leadership and passion and to empower each other to be Women of Excellence.” The YWCA looks forward to celebrating each of the honorees of 2020 and invites you to offer a congratulations to any with whom you may cross paths.