Women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our county in countless recorded and unrecorded ways, including by constituting a significant portion of the labor force, working inside and outside of the home, providing the majority of the volunteer labor force of the county and establishing early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions including YWCA Lancaster in 1889.  Women have served as leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement here; they have served courageously in the military and been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and other movements to create a more fair and just society for all. This event recognizes and honors women who have demonstrated qualities of leadership and excellence in their professional endeavors while supporting YWCA Lancaster’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Women of Achievement Honorees

These women—honored as Women of Achievement—come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. But each share a deep commitment to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women in Lancaster County. Today, many are still actively doing just that: acting as leaders in their workplaces and communities.