2025 Women of Achievement Awards

Making a Lasting Impact

We all know someone whose dedication leaves a mark—someone who creates lasting change through their leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to justice. Whether it's a passionate volunteer, a pioneering professional, or a fearless advocate for equity, their impact resonates beyond the moment—it helps shape the future.

YWCA Lancaster is proud to honor these changemakers through the 2025 Women of Achievement Awards, a celebration of women who are making a lasting impact in Lancaster County and beyond.

Now in its eighth year, Women of Achievement highlights leaders across industries—business, education, healthcare, public service, the arts, and more—whose work and values reflect YWCA Lancaster’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

All proceeds from the 2025 event will benefit YWCA Lancaster’s Kepler Hall Residence Program, supporting community members on their journey to safe, stable housing and renewed opportunity.

Join us as we celebrate those whose legacies of impact continue to inspire.

Join us for Justice Now—a free, monthly education series designed to build awareness, challenge systems of oppression, and inspire community action. These sessions offer opportunities to deepen your understanding of equity, identity, and justice with expert facilitators leading timely, relevant conversations.

All sessions are FREE and open to the public

Wednesday, October 22 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM

YWCA Lancaster | 110 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA

Facilitated by Hannah Short & Heidi Freeland-Trail
Discover how hidden habits and biases can cause harm—even with good intentions. Through real-life scenarios, reflection, and dialogue, learn to recognize micro and macroaggressions, dismantle oppression, and apply equity tools in everyday interactions.

Two Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are available for each Justice Now session.

Childcare is available for participants. Please contact Hannah Short for more information, hshort@ywcalancaster.org.

Supporting Our Neighbors: Protecting Immigrant Rights in Pennsylvania

A community webinar with attorney David Bennion of the Free Migration Project.

Immigrants are vital to Lancaster, and many are navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape. Join YWCA Lancaster for a timely virtual webinar with immigration attorney David Bennion of Free Migration Project to understand the immigration system, get updates on ICE enforcement, and learn practical ways our community can stand in solidarity with immigrant neighbors.

Event details:

• Date & time: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET

• Location: Virtual (Zoom webinar)

• Cost: No cost to attend; registration required

What you’ll learn:

• How the U.S. immigration legal system is structured and what community members should know

• Current ICE enforcement policies and practices

• How rapid response networks counter ICE raids

• Pro-immigrant local/state policy actions you can support in PA

• Organizations & legal resources available to immigrants and allies

Speaker:

David Bennion, immigration attorney with Free Migration Project. David has worked alongside immigrant communities across Pennsylvania to expand access to legal support, strengthen rapid response networks, and advance policies that protect families and due process.

Who should attend:
Neighbors, students, faith and civic leaders, educators, social service providers, and anyone committed to dignity and justice for immigrant communities.

Accessibility & language:
If you need accommodations (e.g., ASL, CART, translation), please email icastillo@ywcalancaster.org by Friday, October 3, and our team will follow up.

Code of conduct:
YWCA Lancaster fosters a respectful, harassment-free learning space. We reserve the right to remove disruptive participants to ensure safety for all.

FAQ:

• Will there be a recording? Registrants will receive a link to the recording and resources after the event.

• Is there a cost? No—this webinar is free to attend.

• How do I join? After registering, Zoom will email your unique join link and reminders.

About Our Speaker

David Bennion is a practicing immigration attorney and the executive director of Free Migration Project. Prior to founding Free Migration Project in 2016, David worked as a staff attorney at nonprofit legal services organizations in Brooklyn and Philadelphia and later managed a solo immigration law practice. David graduated from New York University School of Law in 2004.

5 Years Forward: Celebrating the Center for Racial and Gender Equity

Thursday, September 25, 2025
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Evermore Events | 945 N Plum St, Lancaster, PA 17602

Please RSVP by Monday, September 15th

About the Event

Join YWCA Lancaster as we celebrate five years of the Center for Racial and Gender Equity (CRGE)! Since its founding, CRGE has served as a hub for education, advocacy, and action, working alongside our community to eliminate racism, empower women, and create a more just Lancaster County.

5 Years Forward is an evening to reflect on the progress we’ve made, celebrate the impact of equity-driven work, and recommit ourselves to the journey ahead.

Evening Highlights

• Celebrate community impact with friends, neighbors, and local changemakers

• Meet & Greet the newest voices of our Black Art Across Lancaster initiative

• Experience artwork from past Black Artist Waystation Fellows

• Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar cocktail hour

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025

• Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

• Location: Evermore Events, 945 N Plum St, Lancaster, PA 17602

• Parking: On-site parking available, but limited—please consider carpooling

Food & Beverage

• Heavy hors d’oeuvres provided

• Cash bar cocktail hour

Register Below

Please RSVP by Monday, September 15th

Power in Purpose: YWCA PA’s Path to Equity

A Statewide Webinar Series Presented by YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, YWCA Lancaster, and YWCA Westmoreland County

We’re excited to announce the launch of Power in Purpose: YWCA PA’s Path to Equity, a multi-part webinar series exploring the policies, leadership, and lived experiences shaping racial and gender justice in our communities. Together, we’ll learn from community voices, policy experts, and justice-driven leaders as we build connections across the state and chart a shared path toward collective liberation.

Save the Date for Our First Session:

Care Can’t Wait: Why Pennsylvania Needs Paid Family Leave Now

Thursday, September 25, 2025
12:00 PM  – 1:00 PM | Virtual via Zoom

No one should have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a loved one. Yet across Pennsylvania, thousands of workers, especially women, people of color, single parents, and survivors of sexual violence, are forced to make impossible decisions every day. This session will explore how the Family Care Act can create a more just Pennsylvania. 

We’re honored to be joined by leaders and advocates from across Pennsylvania who bring deep expertise and lived experience to this critical conversation:

Join us and leaders from the Women and Girls Foundation, Lily’s Hope Foundation, Philadelphia Community Action Network (CAN), Organized Voices for Action (OVA), Maternity Care Coalition, and representatives from Pennsylvania’s State Legislature.

Our panel will explore how the Family Care Act can transform the lives of working families across the Commonwealth.

Together, let’s move with purpose and build power for equity across Pennsylvania.

Dorothy Height Social Justice Club presents:

Read, Rest, Reflect

Book & Yoga Group

Featuring Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey

“Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy.” — Tricia Hersey

Join us as we pause, stretch, and reflect in community. This four-part book and yoga group will center on Tricia Hersey’s transformative work, Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto. Each session includes:

• Gentle yoga to settle the body

• Guided discussion of the book

• Deep relaxation to close

Whether you're new to yoga, social justice reading groups, or both—you are welcome here.

Monthly Sessions | 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Location: James Street Mennonite Church
323 W James St, Lancaster, PA 17603

• Session 1 – June 25: Introduction & Part 1

• Session 2 – July 23: Part 2

• Session 3 – August 13: Part 3

• Session 4 – September 24: Part 4

What to Bring:

• A yoga mat or towel (chairs provided for seated stretching)

• Comfortable attire

• Journal or notebook

Book Access:

We encourage participants to purchase their copy of Rest is Resistance from Pocket Books, where you’ll receive a 10% discount.

If the cost of the book is a barrier, please reach out for a book scholarship.

Childcare:

Free childcare is available—please let us know at least one week in advance. Please email Isabel Castillo at icastillo@ywcalancaster.org.

Register Here

Hosted by YWCA Lancaster’s Center for Racial and Gender Equity
Honoring the return of our Dorothy Height Social Justice Club book discussion series.

Join us for Justice Now—a free, monthly education series designed to build awareness, challenge systems of oppression, and inspire community action. These sessions offer opportunities to deepen your understanding of equity, identity, and justice with expert facilitators leading timely, relevant conversations.

All sessions are FREE and open to the public

Wednesday, September 24 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM

YWCA Lancaster | 110 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA

Facilitated by Hannah Short & Anne Marie Torres
What does equity look like at the local level? Using highlights from Lancaster County’s Racial Equity Profile, this session explores actionable change through policy, community engagement, and racial healing.

Two Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are available for each Justice Now session.

Childcare is available for participants. Please contact Hannah Short for more information, hshort@ywcalancaster.org.

Join us for Justice Now—a free, monthly education series designed to build awareness, challenge systems of oppression, and inspire community action. These sessions offer opportunities to deepen your understanding of equity, identity, and justice with expert facilitators leading timely, relevant conversations.

All sessions are FREE and open to the public

Wednesday, August 20 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM

YWCA Lancaster | 110 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA

Facilitated by Hannah Short & Jennifer Van Buskirk Eaton
Move beyond basic DEI concepts to deepen your understanding of justice work. Learn key terms like intersectionality, internalized racism, privilege, and colorism. This session also introduces characteristics of white supremacy culture and how language plays a vital role in shaping equity conversations.

Two Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are available for each Justice Now session.

Childcare is available for participants. Please contact Hannah Short for more information, hshort@ywcalancaster.org.

Dorothy Height Social Justice Club presents:

Read, Rest, Reflect

Book & Yoga Group

Featuring Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey

“Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy.” — Tricia Hersey

Join us as we pause, stretch, and reflect in community. This four-part book and yoga group will center on Tricia Hersey’s transformative work, Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto. Each session includes:

• Gentle yoga to settle the body

• Guided discussion of the book

• Deep relaxation to close

Whether you're new to yoga, social justice reading groups, or both—you are welcome here.

Monthly Sessions | 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Location: James Street Mennonite Church
323 W James St, Lancaster, PA 17603

• Session 1 – June 25: Introduction & Part 1

• Session 2 – July 23: Part 2

• Session 3 – August 13: Part 3

• Session 4 – September 24: Part 4

What to Bring:

• A yoga mat or towel (chairs provided for seated stretching)

• Comfortable attire

• Journal or notebook

Book Access:

We encourage participants to purchase their copy of Rest is Resistance from Pocket Books, where you’ll receive a 10% discount.

If the cost of the book is a barrier, please reach out for a book scholarship.

Childcare:

Free childcare is available—please let us know at least one week in advance. Please email Isabel Castillo at icastillo@ywcalancaster.org.

Register Here

Hosted by YWCA Lancaster’s Center for Racial and Gender Equity
Honoring the return of our Dorothy Height Social Justice Club book discussion series.

Dorothy Height Social Justice Club presents:

Read, Rest, Reflect

Book & Yoga Group

Featuring Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey

“Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy.” — Tricia Hersey

Join us as we pause, stretch, and reflect in community. This four-part book and yoga group will center on Tricia Hersey’s transformative work, Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto. Each session includes:

• Gentle yoga to settle the body

• Guided discussion of the book

• Deep relaxation to close

Whether you're new to yoga, social justice reading groups, or both—you are welcome here.

Monthly Sessions | 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Location: James Street Mennonite Church
323 W James St, Lancaster, PA 17603

• Session 1 – June 25: Introduction & Part 1

• Session 2 – July 23: Part 2

• Session 3 – August 13: Part 3

• Session 4 – September 24: Part 4

What to Bring:

• A yoga mat or towel (chairs provided for seated stretching)

• Comfortable attire

• Journal or notebook

Book Access:

We encourage participants to purchase their copy of Rest is Resistance from Pocket Books, where you’ll receive a 10% discount.

If the cost of the book is a barrier, please reach out for a book scholarship.

Childcare:

Free childcare is available—please let us know at least one week in advance. Please email Isabel Castillo at icastillo@ywcalancaster.org.

Register Here

Hosted by YWCA Lancaster’s Center for Racial and Gender Equity
Honoring the return of our Dorothy Height Social Justice Club book discussion series.

Event Dates:

Wednesday, July 16 & Wednesday, July 23
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: YWCA Lancaster, 110 N. Lime St., Lancaster
2nd Floor – Childcare Lobby

Programs Offered:

• Pre-K Counts (Ages 3–5, must meet eligibility)

Our Child Enrichment Center provides a safe, inclusive space for children to learn, grow, and thrive—led by experienced educators and guided by our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

What to Bring

To determine eligibility for Pre-K Counts, please bring proof of income for your household:

• One month’s worth of recent paystubs, OR

• A copy of your 2024 income tax return

Don't miss your chance to secure a spot—spaces fill quickly!
For more information, contact us at kbaugus@ywcalancaster.org.

Join us for Justice Now—a free, monthly education series designed to build awareness, challenge systems of oppression, and inspire community action. These sessions offer opportunities to deepen your understanding of equity, identity, and justice with expert facilitators leading timely, relevant conversations.

All sessions are FREE and open to the public

Tuesday, July 22 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM

YWCA Lancaster | 110 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA

Facilitated by Hannah Short & Jill Heine
Explore identity through interactive mapping, socialization, and personal reflection. This session will examine racial identity development, social determinants of health, internalized biases, and the influence of historical narratives. Understand how we notice differences, form comparisons, and develop our sense of self within systems of power.

Two Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are available for attending Justice Now sessions.

Event Dates:

Wednesday, July 16 & Wednesday, July 23
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: YWCA Lancaster, 110 N. Lime St., Lancaster
2nd Floor – Childcare Lobby

Programs Offered:

• Pre-K Counts (Ages 3–5, must meet eligibility)

Our Child Enrichment Center provides a safe, inclusive space for children to learn, grow, and thrive—led by experienced educators and guided by our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

What to Bring

To determine eligibility for Pre-K Counts, please bring proof of income for your household:

• One month’s worth of recent paystubs, OR

• A copy of your 2024 income tax return

Don't miss your chance to secure a spot—spaces fill quickly!
For more information, contact us at kbaugus@ywcalancaster.org.

Empowerment Camp Registration is at capacity.

Thank you for the overwhelming interest! We are no longer accepting new registrations at this time.

Get ready for a day filled with fun, creativity, and confidence-building! 

YWCA Lancaster invites female-identifying children ages 9-14 to join us for Empowerment Day Camp-a supportive space designed to inspire self-expression and connection.  

Campers will dive into interactive sessions focused on: 

• Boosting self-esteem and body positivity 

• Building healthy relationships and communication skills 

• Understanding drug and alcohol prevention 

This no-cost day camp is a great way to explore empowerment through art, games, and movement activities.  

Spots are limited so don’t wait!  Please register today to ensure a fun-filled day for your camper.   

NO FEE TO ATTEND | Campers must provide their own lunch.

Monday, June 30th | 9AM - 5PM

Dorothy Height Social Justice Club presents:

Read, Rest, Reflect

Book & Yoga Group

Featuring Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey

“Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy.” — Tricia Hersey

At this time, all spots for our monthly book and yoga club are filled! Stay tuned for more book and yoga offerings coming soon!

Join the waitlist

Join us as we pause, stretch, and reflect in community. This four-part book and yoga group will center on Tricia Hersey’s transformative work, Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto. Each session includes:

• Gentle yoga to settle the body

• Guided discussion of the book

• Deep relaxation to close

Whether you're new to yoga, social justice reading groups, or both—you are welcome here.

Monthly Sessions | 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Location: James Street Mennonite Church
323 W James St, Lancaster, PA 17603

• Session 1 – June 25: Introduction & Part 1

• Session 2 – July 23: Part 2

• Session 3 – August 13: Part 3

• Session 4 – September 24: Part 4

What to Bring:

• A yoga mat or towel (chairs provided for seated stretching)

• Comfortable attire

• Journal or notebook

Book Access:

We encourage participants to purchase their copy of Rest is Resistance from Pocket Books, where you’ll receive a 10% discount.

If the cost of the book is a barrier, please reach out for a book scholarship.

Childcare:

Free childcare is available—must register one week in advance.

Limited to 15 participants.

Hosted by YWCA Lancaster’s Center for Racial and Gender Equity
Honoring the return of our Dorothy Height Social Justice Club book discussion series.

Join us for Justice Now—a free, monthly education series designed to build awareness, challenge systems of oppression, and inspire community action. These sessions offer opportunities to deepen your understanding of equity, identity, and justice with expert facilitators leading timely, relevant conversations.

All sessions are FREE and open to the public

Tuesday, June 24 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM

YWCA Lancaster | 110 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA

Facilitated by Hannah Short & Veronica Willig
Learn key LGBTQ+ terminology, explore gender identity, and examine what it means to break the gender binary. This session includes discussions on pronouns, inclusive language, and leaders paving the way for gender justice. You’ll leave with concrete ways to take action and share your pronouns with confidence.

Two Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are available for each Justice Now session.

“Breathing Makes It Better” and “Same Love, Different Hug” will be read at the following libraries:

• April 10th - Elizabethtown Public Library - 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

• April 14th - Ephrata Public Library - 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

• April 16th - Moores Memorial Library - 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

• April 17th - Lititz Public Library - 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

• May 7th - Lancaster Public Library - 1:00PM - 2:00PM

• May 21st - Manheim Community Library - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

“I Am Okay to Feel” will be read at:

• April 26th - Nooks Bookstore - 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

“Breathing Makes It Better” and “Same Love, Different Hug” will be read at the following libraries:

• April 6th - Lancaster Public Library - 1:00PM - 2:00PM

• April 10th - Elizabethtown Public Library - 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

• April 14th - Ephrata Public Library - 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

• April 16th - Moores Memorial Library - 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

• April 17th - Lititz Public Library - 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

• April 23rd - Manheim Community Library - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

“I Am Okay to Feel” will be read at:

• April 26th - Nooks Bookstore - 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM