November 1, 2019

It is time that we come together and celebrate the accomplishments and positive impact the women of Lancaster are making in our community. Too often, those who shine among us go unrecognized. With your help, YWCA Lancaster intends to pay tribute to six deserving women of Lancaster County at the Women of Achievement Luncheon. These extraordinary women selflessly give of their time and energy to make our community a better place. This event recognizes and honors women who have demonstrated qualities of leadership and excellence in their personal and professional endeavors while supporting, embodying, and complementing YWCA Lancaster’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Our keynote speaker Dr. Tererai Trent is one of the most internationally acclaimed voices for women’s empowerment and quality education. Distinguished as Oprah Winfrey’s “All-Time Favorite Guest,” Dr. Trent is an inspiring scholar, educator, humanitarian, motivational speaker, author and the founder of Tererai Trent International.

Today, Dr. Trent is celebrating the release of her book, The Awakened Woman – Remembering & Reigniting Our Sacred Dreams (Atria/Enliven Books), foreword by Oprah Winfrey. Through the lens of her amazing life’s journey and ancient African wisdom, she created this powerful guidebook that is accessible to women to awaken and ignite their sacred reams. She is honored to have received the NAACP 2018 Award for Outstanding Literary Work.

Rooted in humble beginnings, Tererai grew up in a cattle-herding family in rural Zimbabwe, in a country known as Rhodesia under colonial rule, where cultural practices and a war that liberated her country charted the course of her life. Despite facing many obstacles, she never lost sight of her dreams for an education. Dr. Trent could not have imagined that her steadfast determination, hard work and belief in her dreams would eventually earn her multiple degrees, and a prominent global platform with world leaders and International businesses and audiences where she advocates for universal access to quality education. Dr. Trent continues to lead the global charge in the fight for quality education for all children and women’s rights, and she has become a symbol of hope, and living proof that anything is possible. Her favorite motto is “Tinogona,” meaning, “It is achievable!”

UPDATE:

Dr. Tererai Trent is among 10 women who have been named most inspiring women in the world.  All 10 women will have life-size bronze figures unveiled by Statues for Equality  in the United States on Women’s Equality Day on August 26. Learn more.

Timbrel Adidala, Creator and Owner of Lush Bazaar, Lancaster

Milzy Carrasco, Director of Neighborhood Engagement, City of Lancaster

Falesha A. Martin, Owner of Turn N/Headz Hair Studio, Lancaster and Founder of Breathe Again, The Sheena Martin Foundation

Fran Rodriguez, Senior Program Officer for Lancaster County Community Foundation

Dr. Kesha Morant Williams, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication Arts & Sciences, Penn State Berks

Kate Zimmerman, Executive Director of Leadership Lancaster

We are able to host the Women Achievement Awards Luncheon with the great contributions from our community partners! Thank you for recognizing the achievements of extraordinary women in our communities.

Our thanks go to our partner for their support: