16 minute read
Women2Know
In the W2W Magazine issue for 2023, we want to recognize the women from across the community who lend their experience, ideas and time to the Women2Women/De Mujer a Mujer organization as volunteers.
These women serve on a variety of committees who guide the direction of the organizations, provide content for W2W Magazine and bring relevant, topical programming to our community. Together, these women work to lift up the women of Berks County and beyond. Together, these women are the Winter 2023 Women2Know!
We asked the women of the W2W/De Mujer a Mujer committees a few questions to find out more about their “why”:
• How long have you been involved with W2W/
De Mujer a Mujer? • How long have you served on a W2W Council and/or committee?
• What called you/inspired you to serve? • Why do you feel W2W/De Mujer a Mujer is important to the community? • Is there anything else W2W Magazine readers should know about you? We hope you enjoy getting to know these incredible women who provide inspiration and support to the W2W and De Mujer a Mujer!
AURIA BRADLEY, Associate Vice President of Workforce & Continuing Education at Reading Area Community College, De Mujer a Mujer Committee
I recently joined the committee. I felt that this network of women in our community have a lot to offer others and together can continue to model hard work and commitment to our fields and offer hope to the young women and each other. W2W/De Mujer a Mujer is important to the community because it offers a place for women to uplift, mentor and educate. I am truly dedicated to joining other women in the quest for empowerment and networking. My commitment to the community of Reading-Berks County includes serving on various boards such as the Workforce Development Board of Berks County, Safe Berks Board, the board for the Salvation Army of Reading, and the South of Penn Task Force. Recently I have joined a community initiative to move Reading Forward along with about 30 or more organizations in a quest to produce change for Reading. I am dedicated to being a contributor to the community in which I live.
TAMMY DAHMS, Director of Corporate Partnerships at Santander Arena/Reading Royals, W2W R&D Committee
I’ve been on the R&D Committee since January 2021 but have been attending W2W events faithfully for many years before that. I’m a firm believer in the power of female companionship and mentorship. I’ve learned more about myself as a professional, leader, mother, friend, daughter and so much more just by my engagement with W2W and the women I’ve met through the organization. Empowered women empower women! As the mom of two girls, I am incredibly invested in the growth of women in our community. My “why” is so that I can be the confident, powerful, compassionate, and fearless female role model these girls will need in their lives.
VICKI EBNER, Senior Counsel at East Penn Manufacturing, W2W Governance Committee
I have been involved with W2W for almost 10 years. Most recently I am a participant in the wonderful events, however, for over six years I was an active advisory group member, two years as the chair, and a member of the Governance Committee. Karen Marsdale and Robin Costenbader Jacobson each had a part in convincing me that this was a group that I would enjoy being part of. I must say that they were absolutely correct. As we so often say in W2W, our goal is to meet women where they are. We try to present opportunities and programming that address the many needs of a women across her career. Each stage of our careers can present a different set of challenges. The W2W objective is to provide tools and opportunities across the spectrum. I don’t want to overlook the opportunities that women can have at W2W to meet others, discuss challenges and simply breathe in a judgement-free space. I encourage your readers to give the group a try, attend an event, sign up for the newsletter. I also encourage businesses to support their employees by providing them the opportunity to actively participate. We will all be stronger for it.
SARA FRASSINELLI, Director of Marketing at Spherion Staffing, W2W Magazine Editorial Committee
I became involved when I started working at the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) in 2017. I also attend W2W events whenever possible. I’ve been on the W2W Magazine Editorial Committee since December 2017. At first it was part of my job responsibilities, but I have stayed on as a committee member even after changing jobs. I very much enjoy the editorial process behind the magazine. The pandemic disproportionately affected women and the plans they had for their lives and careers. Now more than ever, women need all the help and support they can possibly get. One of my greatest friends, Rachael Romig, also started at GRCA around the same time as I did. She grew to lead W2W for a time and was an inspiration. Additionally, we all know it takes a village and we don’t have villages anymore!
ALNEASA JORDAN, HR Manager at KeHE & owner of Alneasa Jordan Consulting Services, LLC, De Mujer a Mujer Committee
I have been involved for about eight years and I served on the committee many years ago. But as far as this go-around, I have been on for about two months. I love networking and people. This provides me with an opportunity to use my voice and help educate many on my culture: the Latino culture. In addition to meeting and sharing ideas with some amazing women in my community, it’s a platform for women like no other. It gives us the opportunity to connect and make each other better. I have been a big supporter for many years. And in return W2W has helped me grow by providing workshops and community events. I am not only proud to be on the board but that we have this amazing resource in our community.
AMY KLATT, Chief Marketing Officer at Herbein + Company, Inc., W2W R&D Committee
I served on the magazine editorial committee for a long time, and rolled off when a colleague expressed interest. Rachael knew my passion for W2W and reached out about the possibility of joining the R&D committee, and I have not looked back! Each committee experience has been engaging and rewarding. Engaging with W2W was one of my best personal and professional decisions. W2W leverages the power of the Chamber network to help women influencers, entrepreneurs, and business and community leaders support women in the workforce. The W2W experience has helped me grow by expanding my horizons, and I know our Herbein team has benefited from the initiative’s wide-ranging programming, particularly as we recently implemented our women’s initiative.
KAREN KLEIN, Owner at Fulcrum Information Resources, W2W Magazine Editorial Committee
I am a business researcher, project manager and technical writing consultant. I founded my business Fulcrum Information Resources in 2005. I have served on the W2W Editorial Committee and been a contributing writer since 2016. I was looking for an opportunity to become more connected with local businesswomen. My clients are all around the United States and I felt I wasn’t as familiar as I could be with my own “backyard.” A professional and colleague who was serving on the W2W Editorial Committee planned to step off and asked me if I was interested in joining. Yes! W2W shines a light on women and organizations who otherwise fly under the radar. I love writing features on women from various backgrounds and always find their stories inspiring.
SARAH MCDANIEL, COO at EthoSource Office Furniture, W2W Council
My first event was Evening of Empowerment with Strother Gaines in 2021 and 2022 has been my first year of involvement. As professional women, we need a village. Success is such a subjective term, but we are absolutely able to achieve it more and better with a squad of empowered, passionate women championing for one another and generations to come. There is passion in the mission, and it very much aligns with my own; which is to provide space, support and opportunity for anyone who seeks to break through barriers (real or perceived). Women2Women/De Mujer a Mujer is like the community sorority, where we all exercise our commitment to a common goal. Having a safe and welcoming space to learn, share and connect keeps us all aware of what happens beyond the walls of our own organizations. Imagine an entire community of silos. Women2Women/De Mujer a Mujer breaks them down, one connection at a time. I think we get to a certain point in our careers, maybe our lives, where we begin to get more by giving. I’m learning to do my part on a (community) macro level, and every week I see examples of how it is paying off for our company, our teams and even for me as a person. I’m a better person for having met Rachael, and getting involved.
MARY JEAN NOON, Senior Vice President Commercial Banking Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo, W2W R&D Committee
I’ve been involved with W2W since 2011 when my youngest daughter left for college and I officially became an empty nester! As the mother of three professional adult daughters, it seemed like the perfect volunteer opportunity. Over the years I have served on W2W Council and am a past Council President as well as former co-chair of the Programming Committee. Currently I am on the Research & Development Committee and am an enthusiastic supporter of all W2W initiatives. It is an organization which promotes the positive empowerment of women from diverse backgrounds and professions. The organization is committed to supporting and connecting women in a safe environment inspiring them to grow and achieve their individual definition of success. It still amazes me how many people raise their hand at an event showing that it is their very first time attending a W2W program. I feel that this is an affirmation of the relevancy of our mission!
TRACY PARMER, Consultant PA Regulatory Affairs at FirstEnergy, W2W Council & Governance Committee
I first heard about W2W in 2017 when I attended Lobster Fest on behalf of a friend who had purchased a ticket but was unable to go. The energy in that room was so uplifting and powerful, and I wanted more of W2W in my life! I was honored to join Council in 2018. From my very first Council meeting, I felt at home and in a place where I could have open and honest conversations around challenges that women face in our workplaces and our communities. But as well, I marvel at how this group of powerful, smart, compassionate women use their knowledge, leadership skills and influence to make the lives of those around them better every day. W2W led by the amazing Rachael Romig works tirelessly to stay abreast of topics and issues that are front of mind and offers programming that opens the door to conversation and change. I leave every meeting and every event with a list of “ah ha” moments and new friends and feel so grateful to be a part of W2W. I’m proud of the focus that W2W has placed on ensuring that all members of our community are represented in the W2W family. We embrace inclusion as a core value and have been intentional at looking for opportunities to partner with folks from the Latinx community; LGBTQ+, those that are differently abled, to name just a few. W2W continues to impact our communities in immeasurable ways, and I look forward to a fantastic year of empowering programming ahead in 2023!
ROSA JULIA PARRA, CEO/Editor/Founder at Palo Magazine, De Mujer a Mujer Committee
I’m the founder & editor of Palo Magazine, Berks County’s bilingual publication for 12 years now. I have been involved off and on for the last 10 years. I have always been inspired to work with anything that deals with the growth of women. We were kept quiet for way too long. I want my female ancestors to be proud of me for continuing this battle to fight to have a voice and to be heard but also to be an inspiration to the future women which includes my 23-year-old daughter Bri. I know she will be a leader and I owe her this continued fight. I think we need organizations that highlight what we have already accomplished but to also remind us that there is work that still needs to be done. Readers should know that I have double duty not only as a woman but also as a Latina. I need to fight harder to be heard but I’m up for the challenge. I think society in general is starting to finally embrace diversity and that allows women like myself that are Latina, & a small business owner, more opportunities to be seen and to grow our companies.
JESSICA PRUTZMAN, Communications & Marketing at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center and Owner at JPrutzman Enterprises, W2W Council
I have been attending W2W events for more than 14 years as a member of GRCA. This is my first year serving on the W2W Council. I feel very honored and grateful to be a part of the W2W Council and serve next to local empowering successful female leaders. My inspiration to serve on the W2W Council comes from the passion I have to aid the younger generation of female entrepreneurs and business leaders in their growth. I want to help them flourish and thrive through positive mentoring and the W2W program. W2W is important to the community as it provides a direct resource for females in the business community to learn and access to tools to prosper both professionally and personally throughout their careers. Mentors play an important role to all professionals and are not only for future leaders. The mentor relationship is one that can take on many different roles during your professional career. W2W is an excellent resource and provides the perfect environment to facilitate connecting with your mentor or finding another mentor.
ALYSSA REDDING, Vice President Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries at JPMorgan Chase, W2W Council
I have been involved since I moved to Berks County in 2016. I attended as many events as possible to network and meet new people. I attended my first W2W Council meeting in November 2021. A former coworker was rolling off of the Council and asked if I would be open to joining and filling her spot. I agreed for a few reasons: Expanding my network and working with women from different companies and industries; Further supporting an amazing organization focused on a cause I am passionate about – developing women leaders and connecting women from diverse backgrounds to learn, share ideas, and mentor each other; Influencing the choice of speakers, topics and events that may be interesting to all who support women. Personally, W2W was a safe space for me when I moved to Berks County in 2016. I have learned so much from the various speakers and activities over the years, and more importantly, I have made connections and friendships through W2W. It is an incredible organization that makes everyone feel welcome and feel inspired to grow personally and professionally. I also serve on the board of The Junior League of Reading, PA, and Girls on the Run of Berks County – as you can see there is a pattern here of supporting women and girls!
BRENDA ROSADO, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at East Penn Manufacturing, W2W Council, R&D Committee and De Mujer a Mujer
I have been involved since 2015. I have had the privilege to be a committee member for De Mujer a Mujer since 2018 and shortly after that I became the chair of De Mujer a Mujer. I was inspired when attending an event and saw these amazing strong leaders that inspired other women to elevate, open the door for other females; making space and inviting women to the room/table. So, when asked to serve on the committee I was honored; this aligned with what is important to me as an individual: Creating a space where women can come together and share experiences and make amazing connections as well as offering opportunities to women in our community and highlighting their achievements, as well as seeing them succeed is my passion. It offers a safe space for women of diverse backgrounds to come together to be a powerhouse for the community. Readers should know about all the women in our community; the seen and unseen; those are the women that move our community that connect the resources, that power the minds of our young people to do better, to dream big and those women are the steps, and the foundation that our community stands on today. Readers need to look around and recognize the small business owners that strive to grow their businesses by giving opportunity to women in our community, the sponsors that give so these programs are possible for women of diverse backgrounds. Readers need to see that a strong community empowers young leaders for tomorrow. Together we can do this.
RUTHANN WOLL, Tax Services Group Partner at RKL LLP, W2W R&D Committee
I have been a member of W2W since the inception of the program. I actually wrote an article for the first W2W magazine that was published. I have also participated in Lean In Circles and have been a speaker at W2W events. I have been on the W2W programming committee for at least seven years now. One of W2W’s founding members, Paula Barrett, is a mentor of mine and she got me involved in the programming committee. It was a natural fit for me as I really enjoy education and bringing inspiring speakers to our community. W2W is a wonderful networking group of women that continues to grow ever year. Besides providing a networking outlet for women in our community, it also offers educational programming, mentorship and professional development. I want to use this opportunity to encourage everyone to come out to W2W events. It is a safe environment to meet other women and to experience all the great things that are happening in our community. 2
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