Fourteen Prominent women to be honored by the YWCA Bucks County

Fourteen prominent women from all walks of life will be honored by the YWCA of Bucks County at their 30th Annual Salute to Women Who Make A Difference Reception and Awards Dinner to be held at Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road in Ivyland, PA on Thursday, October 27, 6 to 9 p.m. The public is invited.

“This is the 30th annual event that the YWCA of Bucks County proudly honors female leaders who live or work in Bucks County,” states Kelly Pasquarella, Director of Resource Development. “Each year we provide this special salute to honor them for making exceptional contributions to their businesses, organizations or their communities. It will be a very special evening.”

Being honored for Advocacy and Civic Engagement are Deborah Arnone, of Warminster, PA, Lisa Williams, of Langhorne, PA, and Micki Kaisinger of Langhorne, PA. Arnone is the founder of Penny Buck Junction, a nonprofit thrift store located in Warminster. 100% of the profits helps those with aftercare treatment and supporting the local recovery community. Williams is a Director for Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. Kaisinger is the co-founder of Emilie House Sober Living Homes in Levittown PA. Emilie House has been serving the recovery community of Bucks County since 2001, providing safe, supportive, sober environments where people suffering from substance abuse disorders can grow and thrive.

Honorees for Community Engagement are Jillian Wallen, of Holland, PA, Nikki Farrior, Furlong, PA, and Sheri Ratner, of Langhorne, PA. Wallen is the HR Engagement Manager for Parx Casino. Farrior is a licensed social worker and is the CEO of Itara Insight Solutions, LLC and Ratner is the Director of Gifts-In-Kind program and the volunteer manager at the HELP Center in Bristol for United Way of Bucks County.

The honorees for Corporate Social Responsibility are Rebecca Kelly, of Yardley, PA, and Susan Roberts of Rydal, Pa. Kelly is the Community Relations Manager for Capital Health and Roberts is a Global Marketing Leader at Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions.

Being honored in the category of Media and Journalism is Dr. Anusha Viswanathan of New Hope, PA, who is a first generation Indian-American Physician. Her advocacy efforts began at the grassroots, as a parent in her school district, because she believes that public education should expand and not limit the minds and hearts of its students, and that schools should provide an inclusive environment so children can learn and thrive.

Honorees for Racial and Social Justice are Damita Harvey Harris, Bensalem, PA, Senior Talent Development Specialist with NJM Insurance Group and Franchessca Dyer, of Harleysville, PA, English Department Chair at Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School. Harvey Harris also serves as co-lead for Bristol Township’s Digital Program Project supporting the Mental Health of Students that have faced racial trauma and is the community organizer for the Bristol Cares Coalition. Dyer serves as the Chair of Omega Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, College Admissions Program, #CAP℠. This program provides guidance and support with the college/university enrollment application process and emphasizes awareness about Historically Black Colleges and Universities, HBCU’s.

Being honored for Women’s Empowerment are Jen Locker, of Telford, PA, Director of Client Services for A Woman’s Place, Melissa Reed of Norristown, PA, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Keystone and Tiffany Thomas-Smith, Esquire, Yardley, PA Partner in the Family Law Department at Curtin & Heefner LLP. “It is a deep honor to be recognized by the YWCA Bucks County and I am inspired by the transformative work of the other honorees. The mission of the YWCA rings true to my heart and drives the work I do at Planned Parenthood Keystone. People deserve the right to their bodies, their lives, and their futures. And I will fight every single day to keep that right for everyone, no matter who you are,” Melissa Reed, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Keystone.

The Girl Power honorees are Ashlynn Fields-Clarkson of Bensalem, Pa, a junior at Archbishop Ryan High School, Keira Seidman also of Bensalem, a junior at Bensalem High School and Paree Pasi of Furlong, Pa, a senior at Central Bucks West High School.

Sponsors for the event are Parx Casino, NJM Insurance Group, United Way of Bucks County, Comcast, Veolia, and Planned Parenthood Keystone. Tickets are $90 per person and tables of 10 cost $850. For further information, sponsorships, reservations and tickets, contact Kelly Pasquarella, event coordinator at 215-953-7793, extension 122 or email kpasquarella@ywcabucks.org.

Established in 1954 as a voice for women’s issues, the YWCA Bucks County is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting, peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The organization envisions a community of empowered women, girls and families succeeding through increased opportunities to pursue and fulfill their individual aspirations. It is committed to the empowerment of community-based service to and partnership with women, girls and families in need. Integrity, diversity, inclusivity, empathy and self-value are non-negotiable elements and are elements of everything they do. You can reach them at 215-953-7793. For Further Media Information: Kelly Pasquarella, kpasquarella@ywcabucks.org or 215-953-7793 x 122