Thank you for supporting our 26th annual
Tribute to Exceptional Women & Girls!
Tribute to Exceptional Women & Girls
For the past 26 years, YWCA Tri-County Area has honored more than 200 women and girls who get up, do the work, and lift our communities. This annual gala celebrates generations of strong, creative, and caring changemakers who set an example, embrace civic responsibility, and demonstrate exceptional leadership. This year’s event will be Thursday June 16, from 5-8 PM at the beautiful Meredith Manor in Chester County. The evening will include keynote speakers, awards, music, testimonials, raffles, drinks,
food, and more!
YWCA values Youth, Women, Community, and Action! We believe that young people are the key to change. We are committed to investing in, advocating for, and preparing young people to become changemakers.
We are here to serve, elevate, educate, support, empower, acknowledge, and cultivate mutual respect, but most importantly we are here to invest in women to increase our collective impact. We are committed to diversity, engagement, and education. We are visionary leaders, building collaborative relationships that propel community-driven, transformational change rooted in equity. Join us, your support changes lives!
YWCA Tri-County Area has celebrated the 26th Annual Tribute to Exceptional Women & Girls!
This year’s gala was held Thursday June 16, 2022 from 5 – 8 PM at the beautiful
Meredith Manor in Chester County, PA.
The evening included keynote speakers, awards, music, testimonials, raffles, drinks, food & more!
Our annual Tribute to Exceptional Women & Girls honors generations of strong, creative, & caring changemakers who lead by example, embrace civic responsibility and demonstrate exceptional leadership.
We invite the public to nominate exceptional women and girls in one of several award categories.
Nominate an Exceptional Woman or Girl for 2022
The YWCA Tri-County Area invites community members to nominate women and girls for award recognition during the 26th Annual Tribute to Exceptional Women & Girls.
These awards celebrate the accomplishments of women and girls who have achieved success in their field, demonstrated academic excellence and contributed to their communities.
Award recipients are selected for their vision, courage, compassion, and proven success. Nominees must live and/or work in Southeastern Pennsylvania to be eligible. Some categories may have additional parameters.
One (1) woman of excellence and one (1) girl of excellence will be chosen for each category. There are 7 categories and 1 Lifetime Achievement Award.
YWCA Tri-County Area encourages the nomination of women & girls of color. All are accepted & celebrated.
Nominations are now CLOSED
For questions email: Advancement@ywcatricountyarea.org
Arts & Culture – Ethel Waters
This award recognizes an outstanding woman who has made significant contributions to arts & culture as an artist, volunteer, leader, educator, or patron of meaningful endeavors within the community. The nominee will have exhibited long term support for arts and culture, had a significant impact on the region’s landscape through personal expression, innovation, preservation, or education, or have led successful collaborations between organizations and businesses.
Education – Mary Bethune
This award recognizes an outstanding woman who is a public or private educator, trainer, or administrator inspiring a passion for excellence, innovation, personal growth, development, and lifelong learning. Through education, training, development, community education or alternative programs, nominees will have developed innovative programs and/or built a strong rapport with learners, parents, colleagues, or the community at large to foster learning, growth and equitable access.
Advocacy – Coretta Scott King Award
This award recognizes an outstanding woman who is an Agent of Change, with an exemplary record of leadership and service to historically underserved and marginalized communities. Nominees will have demonstrated impact in areas of racial and social justice or led efforts to provide greater access, remove barriers, increase representation, or bridge gaps between groups to promote equity, peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Health & Wellness – Virginia Margaret Alexander
This award recognizes an outstanding woman for their innovative contributions to health and wellness related fields. Nominees will have demonstrated a dedication to service, public health, and wellness, exhibited a commitment to promoting and protecting the health and wellbeing of all people, or led efforts that have removed barriers to healthcare access and equitable treatment.
STEM – Katherine Johnson
This award recognizes an outstanding woman for their contributions to STEM related fields including pure and applied sciences, engineering, life sciences, mathematics, or technology. Nominees will have demonstrated a dedication to technological, scientific, or mathematical advancement through either research or application, or led efforts that have increased access or promoted inclusion of women in STEM.
Sports – Alice Coachman
This award recognizes an outstanding female athlete who serves as an inspiration and role model by overcoming adversity and exhibiting extraordinary courage in their athletic performance. Nominees may have also developed or led innovative programs that promote access to sports.
Rising Star (must be between the ages of 18 & 35)
This award recognizes an outstanding young woman making a significant impact early in their career to better communities they live or work in. The award is focused on women out of high school, but under 35 who have demonstrated dedication by creating, participating, or adapting innovative programs to meet the community’s needs. Nominees will embody YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all through service to others.
Lifetime Achievement – Mae Jemison
This award recognizes an outstanding woman who has devoted their life to making a significant impact and difference in the lives of others. This nominee has tirelessly given time and energy to improving the opportunities, development, access, and success of communities across the region. Their contributions have transformed outcomes for generations to come. Nominees will embody YW’s mission, exceptional leadership, and a dedication to excellence in both their personal and professional endeavors.
Arts & Culture – Inspiration (Grades 4 -12)
This award recognizes an outstanding student who has a love for art and the ability to express self-truth through artistic expression.
Please submit an example of your nominee’s work to Marketing@ywcatricountyarea.org.
(picture, video, or recording).
Education – Trailblazer (Grades 9-12)
This award recognizes an outstanding student who inspires passion, excellence, and innovation. The nominee strives for personal growth, development, and lifelong learning through education, experience, and exploration.
Advocacy – Justice (Grades 6-12)
This award recognizes an outstanding student who represents themselves as an agent of change. Nominees will demonstrate the ability to advocate, influence and make an impact in their community or among peers. Nominees in this category must be committed to social justice, peace, equity, and advancing human rights.
Health & Wellness – Radiance (Grades 4-12)
This award recognizes an outstanding student who promotes, demonstrates, and encourages the importance of a healthy lifestyle either through fitness, wellness, or behaviors.
STEM – Innovation (Grades 6-12)
This award recognizes an outstanding student who has passion, demonstrates, and takes initiative in Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math. Please submit an example of your nominee’s work or accomplishments in this field.
Sports – Champion (Grades 9-12)
This award recognizes an outstanding athlete who serves as an inspiration and role model by overcoming adversity and exhibiting extraordinary courage in athletic performance.
Jr. Rising Star (Grade 12)
This award recognizes an outstanding student who exhibits leadership qualities, is often seen as a role model or mentor to peers.
Meet Our 2022 Nominees!
Exceptional Women Nominees
- Barbara Auris, Montgomery County Community College
- Amy Auwaerter, Montgomery County Community College
- Kelly Buss, Family Matters Home Care
- Diane Cornman-Levy, Women’s Way
- Dr. Monica D’Antonio, Norristown Area School District board member
- Janine Darby, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force board member
- Margarita Davis-Boyer, Belmont Charter Network
- Camille Dean, Owen J. Roberts Middle School
- Casey Fenoglio, Pottstown Hospital/Tower Health
- Vicki Haller Graff, Reading Theater Project
- Marie Haigh, Mosaic Community Land Trust
- Meredith Jacks, Styer Real Estate
- Crystal Goree Jennings, retired educator
- Laura Johnson, Pottstown School District board member
- Brenda Lewis, community volunteer
- Fazia Khan, Rayan’s Crayons
- Kayla Massi, Lafayette College
- Nicole Keels McGruder, Community Hero Action Group
- Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia City Council
- Kerry Pidcock-Lester, First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown
- Gladys Rodriguez, Community Health and Dental Care
- Rachel Rogers, marriage and family therapist
- Danielle Small, Pottsgrove School District librarian
- Ala Stanford, physician
- Karen Thompson, Merck Pharmaceuticals
- Celeste Trusty, Pa. Department of Pardons
- Gail Wellington, community volunteer
- Wendy Egolf, Director of Housing Services
Exceptional Girl Nominees
- Dasani Armstrong, Reading High School
- Yisette Colon, Norristown High School
- Celeste Dudek, North Penn School District
- Lily Guerrette, Pottsgrove High School
- Qahira Jones, Pottstown Middle School
- Anna Lignelli, The Hill School
- Island Saige Lewis, The Sandford School
- Nicole Lockey, Pottsgrove High School
- Tyonna Murray, Commonwealth Charter Academy
- Gianna Padilla, First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School
- Josephine Podziomek, Owen J. Roberts Middle School
- Jayonna Richardson, Owen J. Roberts Middle School
- Sydney Smith, Owen J. Roberts High School
- Juliet Solensky, Muhlenberg School District
- Madison Walker, Pottsgrove High School
- Leyna Johnson, Pottstown Middle School
Join other value-driven partners by investing in YWCA Tri-County Area!
We are seeking meaningful, high impact partnerships that foster learning, growth, and understanding. Your engagement helps us build a stronger generation of leaders that will transform communities.
We know how important it is to support local businesses and would love to promote how much you care about the communities you operate in. Sponsorship can be a strategic positioning tool to increase your visibility and social responsibility profile. Your support drives our mission. This work is important, and we can’t do it alone.
Our audience includes:
- Diverse professionals, educators & CEOs
- Key influencers, changemakers & connectors
- Movers, shakers, and givers
- Socially conscious, community minded individuals
- Passionate people committed to improve the lives of children, women, & families
Women control two-thirds of consumer wealth in the U.S. 92% of women pass on information they learn to others. The average donor spends $200-$600 at events.
Philanthropy can be inclusive! Our sponsorship deck has opportunities at various levels increasing your ability to give.
Don’t see what you need? Contact Advancement@ywcatricountyarea.org for a tailored package.
Thank you to our wonderful 2022 event Sponsors!
Thank you to those who donated items for our raffles!
2022 Sponsorship Opportunities
Persimmon (1 opportunity) ………… $15,000
• Presenting sponsor
• Naming opportunities
• Top premier logo placement
• Live acknowledgement during event
• Opportunity to address audience
• Exclusive award presenter – women
• 15 tickets to the event
• Sponsorship of women’s award categories
• Signage at event
• Feature video of partnership
• Full page back cover ad in program
• Distribution of branded material
• Logo on tables, photos & website
Visionary (2 opportunities) ………… $10,000
• Category exclusivity
• Naming opportunities
• Premier logo placement
• Live acknowledgement during event
• Opportunity to address audience
• 1 of 2 award presenter – girls
• 10 tickets to the event
• Sponsorship of girls’ award categories
• Signage at event
• Video display of logo at event
• Full page ad in program
• Distribution of branded material
• Logo at event & on website
Champion (3 opportunities) …………. $7,500
• 5 tickets to the event
• Sponsorship of raffle table
• Acknowledgement during event
• Included in marketing collateral
• 1/2-page ad in event program
• Video display of logo at event
• Logo at event & on website
Leader (4 opportunities) ……………….. $5,000
• 4 tickets to the event
• Sponsorship of dessert table
• Acknowledgement during event
• Included in marketing collateral
• 1/2-page ad in event program
• Video display of logo at event
• Logo at event & on website
Partner (7 opportunities) ……………… $2,500
• 3 tickets to the event
• Included in all marketing collateral
• 1/3 Page ad in program
• Listing in video display at event
• Logo at event & on website
Advocate (10 opportunities) ……………. $1,000
• 2 tickets to the event
• Included in all marketing collateral
• 1/4 Page ad in program
• Listing in video display at event
• Logo at event & on website
Friend (unlimited) ………………………. $500
• 2 tickets to the event
• Listing in event program
Contributor (unlimited) …………………… $250
• 1 ticket to the event
• Listing in event program
Drive people to your business by donating to an important cause!
We are seeking generous businesses, groups, and individuals who wish to donate raffle prizes, baskets, swag or in-kind support to our 26th Annual Tribute to Exceptional Women & Girls.
All proceeds benefit youth, women and families who count on YW’s programming for the resources they need to survive, thrive, and succeed. Your generosity can make a difference in someone’s life.
Get recognized as value-driven partner who cares about your community. Raffle baskets, auction items or swag bag stuffers can be a strategic positioning tool to increase your visibility.
BASKET SPONSOR – Donate a basket or silent auction item with a fun and unique theme that will draw people in for a winning chance. Your name or business logo will be featured on prize tags, program, and social media.
SWAG BAG SPONSOR – Your logo will appear on swag bags. Attendees will sport your branded tote all over town.
SWAG SPONSOR – Your goods will provide a fun takeaway for attendees increasing your visibility beyond the event.
WHEELBARROW OF CHEER SPONSOR – Donate spirits, wine and more to our exciting wheelbarrow raffle. One lucky winner will take away a great selection of drinks for their next gathering.
ADVERTISING SPONSOR – Help us advertise this great event or place an ad in our program.
PRINT SPONSOR – Help us tell our story. Your generous in-kind support will be recognized in program honoring award recipients and sponsors.
Contact advancement@ywcatricountyarea.org for more details.
INVITATION
The full-color event invitation will be mailed to current sponsors, guests, targeted donors, and supporters approximately 7-8 weeks before the event. The invitation will include recognition for appropriate sponsors and event details. An electronic version will be distributed to the YWCA Tri-County Area donor base and the wider community. Expected audience: 1,700
WEBPAGE
YWCA’s event page will be updated with event and sponsor information and include links to appropriate sponsor sites, partnership descriptions and online registration.
SOCIAL MEDIA
With an audience of over 4,000 spread across social media platforms, the YWCA Tri-County Area will link guests/followers to our mission, our sponsors and their messages through dynamic & engaging content.
AWARD NOMINATIONS
The public will participate in nominating women and girls of excellence who will be chosen from across the SE PA region for their vision, courage, compassion, dedication, and success in 9 separate categories. Sponsors who act quickly can access naming and recognition opportunities. Expected audience: 1,700
PROGRAM
The program book is distributed to all guests at the event. This book includes event details, sponsor recognition, YWCA Tri-County Area information, paid advertisements, and auction item descriptions. Expected audience: 200-300
ANNUAL REPORT
Donors, sponsors, and contributors are recognized in YWCA Tri-County Area’s annual impact report. Expected audience: 2,300
After completing this form, return to:
YWCA Tri-County Area | 315 King Street | Pottstown, PA 19464
Attention: Advancement Department
or Advancement@ywcatricountyarea.org
***Important Dates***
Response requested by April 29, 2022 for optimal placement & recognition
Logos: High Resolution PNG to Marketing@ywcatricountyarea.org
Payment requested on or before May 16, 2022
Ticket sales end June 2, 2022
Tribute to Exceptional Women & Girls June 16, 2022 | 5-8 pm
Your support drives change!
501c3 FEIN: 23-1360867
For additional information contact: Advancement@ywcatricountyarea.org
Elise Chesson, Chief Advancement Officer | Email: elise.chesson@ywcatricountyarea.org
Sharon Soper, Development Manager | Email: sharon.soper@ywcatricountyarea.org
Keynote Speakers
Transformational Opportunities:
Inspiring the next generation of change makers
These women are fearless leaders whose impact on women and girls is undeniable. They have the proven ability to inspire others to reach their full potential and understand the value of community. Each person reflects a new unique perspective, passion, drive, and determination that is in alignment with our mission and we are honored to have them as a part of this annual event.
Exceptional Woman Speaker: Keisha Hudson
Keisha Hudson spent nearly eighteen years as a public defender, first with the Defender Association of Philadelphia and then as a capital appellate defender with the Federal Defender-Eastern District of Pennsylvania (Capital Habeas Unit) representing people on death row in their state post-conviction and federal habeas appeals. As a seasoned trial and appellate defender, Ms. Hudson has an in-depth understanding of what it means to be a public defender. At the Capital Habeas Unit, Ms. Hudson was the Director of Training.
In 2016, Ms. Hudson left the Federal Defender and joined the Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender Officer to become the Deputy Chief Defender. Ms. Hudson joined the Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender with the goal of building and strengthening advocacy in the courtroom. Along with former Chief Defender Dean Beer, Ms. Hudson addressed systemic issues regarding policing, pretrial detention, sentencing, and probation in the county. In four years, Chief Defender Dean Beer and Ms. Hudson built one of the best public defender offices in the state. In 2020, Ms. Hudson worked with The Justice Collaborative and The Appeal, developing and leading advocacy and media campaigns on criminal justice issues- specifically campaigns aimed at looking at creative and successful community alternatives that truly create public safety. From 2020 to 2021 Ms. Hudson was a visiting professor at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.
Exceptional Girl Speaker: Arlene Cadogan
Arlene Cadogan is a 14-year-old entrepreneur who has big ideas for her future. She is the co-owner of Melanin Is Beauty LLC, a cosmetic business she started with her best friend in the summer of 2020 to inspire and empower melanated people. Melanin Is Beauty develops and sells a variety of products including lip gloss, lotion, and body scrubs. They also offer weekly affirmations on their Instagram page to inspire and boost the confidence of their followers.
In addition to being an entrepreneur, Arlene cares deeply about her community. She is a member of The National Charity League which is a mother-daughter organization that supports young girls as they develop confidence and competence through leadership, philanthropy, and cultural experiences. Arlene is an active member of the Black Student Union at her high school. Lastly, Arlene has been dancing for 12 years and currently studies lyrical, jazz, ballet, and hip hop at Macrina Academy of Dance.
Arlene is completing her freshman year at Methacton High School. She resides in Audubon, PA with her parents, sister Audrey, and brother Steven. She loves to swim, travel, and bake.
Exceptional Woman Speaker: Jenna Armato
Jenna became a certified coach and trainer in 2018 with the mission to facilitate growth in the lives of others.
She works with individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations in Leadership Development, Growth & Resilience, and Effective Communications.
Jenna works with clients virtually and in person to equip them with tools, training and strategies to uncover and identify opportunities for growth and to create new results in their lives in their organizations, and in their communities.
Certified in both DISC and EQ, Jenna helps people leverage behavioral and emotional awareness of themselves and others to increase effectiveness and strengthen connection, collaboration, and communication at home, at work and in the community.
Prior to becoming a coach and trainer, Jenna spent 20 years working in the advertising and marketing industries developing strategies in customer experience, relationship development, content, commerce, and engagement both online and offline.
She combines her passion and expertise in growth facilitation with her extensive marketing background and often works with entrepreneurs helping them develop strategies, processes, and systems to expand their businesses and their impact.
Jenna is a John Maxwell certified Coach, Speaker and Trainer, a DISC and EQ certified Consultant, a Faculty Member of the Empowered Living Teaching Team, and one of 4 Executive Coaches selected by Paul Martinelli, Co-Founder of the John Maxwell Team, to serve his Results and Elite Mastermind Communities.
Jenna serves as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia American Marketing Association, serves on the Board of TriCounty Community Network and on the President’s Advisory Council for the John Maxwell Team. She is a member of the Pottstown Rotary Club and serves as the Director of Leadership Development for the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce.