YWCA Greater Harrisburg

Tribute to Women of Excellence Class of 2025! Stefanie Pitcavage Mekilo is an associate attorney at Babst Calland and a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and equal opportunities for women in law. She's the current president of the YWCA Greater Harrisburg's Junior Board, helping to advance our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. She coordinates and volunteers for YWCA events, generating crucial support for our programs. Stefanie is also involved with the PA Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, the Gun Sense Action Network and VoPro Pros, supporting gun safety and voting rights. She's the president-elect of the Federal Bar Association's Middle District of PA Chapter and helped organize the 2024 Bench/Bar conference. Thank you, Babst Calland for being a sponsor of this year's TWE event. To honor Stepfanie and the other members of the TWE Class of 2025, join us March 26 at the Hershey Lodge. Tickets are on sale now at TWE2025.givesmart.com. #TWE2025 #WomenofExcellence

The next member of the Tribute to Women of Excellence Class of 2025 is Angeles Piceno-Garcia. Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, Angeles moved to Harrisburg in 2015 with her family to chase the American Dream. After graduating from Harrisburg High School, she balanced work, motherhood, and education, earning her degree from Harrisburg Area Community College. Now, she's working toward a bachelor's in business administration at Penn State Harrisburg. In May 2021, Angeles joined the American Literacy Corporation as the program coordinator for Leyendo en Vivo 365, a Spanish reading initiative. A 2020 graduate of the LATINO HISPANIC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CENTER's Leadership Institute Star Training Opportunities, she also worked at the LHACC where she supported families in Harrisburg's South Allison Hill section. She currently works for Gloria's Tax Services and has coordinated events like the Latino Reading and Hispanic Heritage Festivals. To honor Angeles and the other members of the Tribute to Women of Excellence Class of 2025, join us March 26 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center at 5:30. Tickets are on sale now at TWE2025.givesmart.com #TWE2025 #WomenofExcellence

Since 1894, the YWCA Greater Harrisburg has been a force for change in the Capital Region, committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This #WomensHistoryMonth, we honor the generations of women who built our legacy - and we continue to fight for equity every day. #ONEYWCA

?? Meet Erin Sunday, a member of the Tribute to Women of Excellence Class of 2025! ?? With over 25 years of experience, Erin has dedicated her career to serving high-net-worth clients and families with special needs loved ones. Since joining F&M Trust in 2020, she has brought compassion and expertise to her role, earning a promotion to VP & Regional Wealth Manager in 2023. She is committed to using compassion, consideration and communication when helping her clients. Beyond her professional achievements, Erin is a devoted community leader—actively serving on multiple boards, championing causes like breast cancer research, mental health awareness, and food assistance programs. Her impact is felt far and wide, from volunteering with the Red Cross to supporting the Salvation Army. Join us in recognizing Erin for her incredible work and unwavering commitment to making a difference! ?? We'd also like thank F&M Trust for their sponsorship of this year's TWE. To learn more about our event, visit the Events page at ywcahbg.org. #TWE2025 #WomenOfExcellence

As Black History Month comes to a close, let’s continue the work of learning, growing, and striving for a more equitable and just world. We invite you to take the next step in your journey by joining our 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, happening from March 31 to April 28. This challenge is an opportunity to deepen your understanding, engage with thought-provoking content, and take actionable steps toward racial equity and social justice in our communities. Let’s keep the momentum going beyond February—together, we can make a difference. Sign up today and get ready to engage, reflect, and take meaningful action! Visit https://lnkd.in/eTMbhhmd for more information and to register. #RacialEquity #SocialJustice #21DayChallenge #BlackHistoryMonth #EquityInAction

??Meet the next member of the Tribute to Women of Excellence Class of 2025. ?? Kendra McGuire of McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC is a highly respected fiduciary litigation attorney with more than 35 years of experience. Kendra is known for her meticulous approach to resolving complex legal issues related to trusts, estates, powers of attorney, and guardianships. She's successfully represented fiduciaries, from individuals to professional entities like banks and trust companies. Her deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s legal system makes her a sought-after advisor in this field. Beyond her legal expertise, Kendra is the Chair of the State Orphans’ Court Rules Committee, shaping estate administration laws, and serves on key advisory councils focusing on elder justice. She's passionate about community impact, actively working with organizations like the Economic Development Corporation of Lancaster, and advocating for social justice, especially for vulnerable populations. Kendra also stands out as a mentor, guiding future attorneys with compassion and dedication. Her leadership and contributions to the legal community have earned her recognition by Best Lawyers? and Super Lawyer?. She was named Best Lawyers? Lawyer of the Year - Fiduciary Litigation in 2017 and 2023. A true leader, Kendra is committed to making a difference in both law and her community. #TWE2025 #WomenofExcellence #womeninlaw Thank you to McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC for their sponsorship of this year's Tribute to Women of Excellence. Join McNees in celebrating Kendra and the rest of this year's class at our event on March 26 (just ONE MONTH from today!). Tickets are $125/per person and can be purchased at TWE2025.givesmart.com.

??Tribute to Women of Excellence Class of 2025?? Ashley Walkowiak's lifelong dedication to community service and advocacy is truly inspiring. From volunteering at the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg to serving as a sexual assault and domestic violence counselor, her passion for supporting vulnerable communities has only grown stronger. She has played a crucial role in advancing victims' rights, restorative justice, and anti-discrimination policies across Pennsylvania. As Executive Policy Director at the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, she championed trauma-informed policies that made a real difference. In February 2025, she joined the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women as its new executive director advising Governor Shapiro on policies and programs affecting the women of the Commonwealth. Beyond her professional impact, Ashley is a mother, wife, published author, and Chair of the Cumberland County Commission for Women, leading efforts on critical issues like the child care crisis. Her resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice make her truly deserving member of the Class of 2025. #TWE2025 #WomenOfExcellence Join us for the Tribute to Women of Excellence on March 26 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. For more information, and tickets, visit the events page of our website at www.ywcahbg.org.

??Celebrating the Tribute to Women of Excellence Class of 2025 ?? Some people don’t just do great things—they are great people. Jane Gurt is one of them. From shaping young minds as a video communications teacher at Milton Hershey School (MHS) to mentoring students and families, Jane has always led with character, conviction, and a heart for service. Even after stepping down from teaching, she remained deeply involved, ensuring students had the support and opportunities they needed to thrive. Her passion led her to honor the often-overlooked legacy of Catherine Hershey, co-founder of MHS. She created Hugs and Kisses from Catherine—a program that instills confidence, kindness, and service in students while celebrating the contributions of female staff. Thanks to her dedication, Catherine Hershey’s impact is remembered, and her legacy continues to inspire. Jane’s commitment to MHS and the community is truly remarkable. Her leadership, advocacy, and generosity embody the very values she works to instill in others. Milton and Catherine Hershey would undoubtedly be proud! #TWE2024 #WomenOfExcellence Celebrate Jane and the other members of the Class of 2025 at our Tribute to Women of Excellence event on March 26, 2025. Tickets are on sale now at TWE2025.givesmart.com. Thank you, Milton Hershey School for your sponsorship of this year's event.

??Tribute to Women of Excellence Class of 2025 Darla Rieg is a leader, innovator, and community advocate, making a difference both at work and beyond! As Director of Commercial Planning at The GIANT Company, she leads initiatives that enhance customer experiences while inspiring healthier lifestyles. Her passion extends far beyond the office—Darla is dedicated to giving back. From expanding the Global Flavors Marketplace to volunteering at food banks and supporting school donation drives, she embodies The GIANT Company’s mission of connecting families for a better future. Her leadership has earned her recognition, including Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery and The Females in Food Spotlight Award. She also champions sustainability, serving on the Planet Bee Foundation board to promote bee health and STEM education. A devoted wife and mother, Darla’s impact is felt in every space she touches—from mentoring teams to coaching youth sports and conserving wetlands. Join us in celebrating Darla’s incredible contributions at the Tribute to Women of Excellence on March 26, 2025. For more information, visit the events page at www.ywcahbg.org. And thank you, The GIANT Company for your sponsorship of our event! ???? #TWE2025 #WomenOfExcellence

??Tribute to Women of Excellence Class of 2025 Meet Erin Moore – a passionate community leader and health equity advocate dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, especially Black women and girls. As Senior Community Engagement Specialist at Highmark Wholecare, she builds strong partnerships with local organizations, churches, and policymakers to improve healthcare access and address social determinants of health. From launching mobile health units during COVID to organizing senior wellness programs, health fairs, and advocacy initiatives, Erin is committed to bridging gaps in healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. She also leads community conversations on health issues affecting Black and Brown communities, ensuring people have the knowledge and resources to take charge of their well-being. Beyond her professional work, Erin mentors youth, coaches girls’ basketball, and serves on multiple boards, working tirelessly to uplift the next generation of leaders. She is a true community connector, always finding ways to make a difference. #TWE2025 #WomenOfExcellence #CommunityLeadership Thank you, Highmark Inc. for your Visionary Sponsorship of the Tribute to Women of Excellence, taking place Wednesday, March 26 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the events page at ywcahbg.org.