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A celebration of activism and accomplishment was on display at the Community Arts Center as the YWCA Northcentral PA hosted its 15th annual Women of Excellence.
"This ceremony recognizes the remarkable achievements of women who embody exceptional leadership qualities, embrace their civic responsibilities, and lead by example," Brittany Fischer, communications and development director for the YWCA said in her opening remarks, "I'm proud to say this year we're celebrating 36 nominees."
The event features two winners each across seven categories, one for women and one for young ladies, respectively.
"We're celebrating your brilliance, dedication and compassion. Each of tonight's honorees are supporting and embodying the mission of the YWCA to both empower women and eliminate racism," Fischer added.
The award winners in the following categories were: Arts & Culture, Debi Burch; Education, Karey Snook; Advocacy, Elisabeth Betsy Frankel; Health & Wellness, Dr. Victoria Hurwitz; STEM, Shannon Massey; Sports, Amber Cowher; and Rising Star, LaTricia Scutching.
Young ladies chosen in the following categories were: Arts & Culture, Kathryn Niklaus; Education, Lila McEwen; Advocacy, Charley Greevy; Health & Wellness, Elizabeth Shultz; STEM, Emlyn Kinley; Sports, Payton Baney; and Junior Rising Star, Faith Nonemaker.
Keynote speaker Davie Jane Gilmour, former president of Pennsylvania College of Technology of 22 years, offered both words of advice and congratulations at Thursday night's event.
"Before me is a room filled with wisdom and vision for the future as well as today," Gilmour said.
"Legacy is defined as something enduring that can be passed on, and the 36 women nominees this evening have already amassed incredible legacies, regardless of their age, or category. All of them have made their mark."
"The talent, the power and the passion in this room tonight contributes to what I believe makes our community a place where we want to live," Gilmour said of the wider impact of each of the nominees' work.
"Young women here blazing new trails, breaking down doors, opening our eyes and our perspectives. Look carefully at the women nominated across all the disciplines, leaders in business, health and wellness, sports and education. Each of them, the young ladies and the women, are advocates in their chosen fields."
"We are fortunate, but do not be mistaken, you nominees are not here by chance. You put in hard work, loneliness, dedication to purpose, often putting cause above self. And that's what landed you in this room," Gilmour said.
Quoting Adrienne Rich, Gilmour said, "the connection between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic and the most potentially transforming force on the planet," looking to inspire those among the crowd."
But, Gilmour cautioned that far too often, women can fall victim to societal attempts to limit their growth, warning "we cannot be naive. Women can tear each other down as fast as they can build them up."
"Please do not fall to the stereotypes of women. If you cannot offer support and encouragement, leave the room. There are plenty of people challenging and creating obstacles, and women cannot and should not do that for each other."
Gilmour acknowledged that not everything will fall into place, but implored the audience to strive to achieve whatever they wish, but doing so while remaining true to themselves.
"The road will be rough and you can be tested. But if you stay true to your values, your beliefs and your passions you will succeed," she said.
"Coincidence and circumstance are beautiful moments in time. Embrace them," Gilmour said, stressing that not every event can be planned for, "and sometimes remember that the path that scares you the most may be the best one."
Nearing the end of her speech, Gilmour shared some of her most valued accomplishments, but stressed the dangers of complacency.
"I was fortunate enough to become the first woman chair of the Little League International Board of Directors, and the first woman to become president at Penn College. Someone had to be first."
"But my real goal was to be good at what I do, not the first, and most importantly, not to be the last woman to do those things," Gilmour said.
"Being first is nice, but to the women in honor of this evening, of young and not-so-young, my challenge to you is simple, be sure those of us who have gone before you are not the last."
"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair," Gilmour closed, quoting former United States representative Shirley Chisholm.
"Started in 2009, Women of Excellence honors countless women and young ladies who get up, do the work and lift our communities," according to the YWCA.
"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."