Victoria Hurwitz, director of physical therapist assistant at Pennsylvania College of Technology, was among the "Women of Excellence" honored in YWCA Northcentral PA's 15th annual tribute to strong, creative and caring changemakers who uplift their communities.
Penn College had nominees in all but one of the seven award categories at Thursday's event, held at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport. Hurwitz, chosen in Health & Wellness, has been program director since 2020.
"She is never one to jump to conclusions or take a situation at face value. She listens without judging; she asks questions without accusing," her nominator wrote. "She is able to manage delicate student situations and turn them into learning opportunities. She shows students, both by words and actions, the importance of respect, compassion and integrity – undoubtedly critical in life and to the PTA profession."
Each year, the YWCA honors a select group of women and teenage girls who "lead by example, embrace civic responsibility and demonstrate exceptional leadership."
The other Penn College nominees, along with their respective categories and representative comments from nominators:
Advocacy
Dawn M. Dickey, director of disability and access resources
"Dawn's remarkable contributions have been most evident in her proactive approach to removing barriers. She has championed initiatives that have led to physical and digital environments becoming more inclusive and welcoming. Her innovative solutions and emphasis on universal design have paved the way for everyone in the Penn College community to navigate campus life with ease and confidence."
Education
Joanna K. Flynn, interim vice president for academic affairs/provost
"Joanna shares the mission of the YWCA in her work each and every day. She believes that Penn College and the surrounding community should always strive to be environments where all individuals can thrive and be empowered. Her contributions to the Penn College community have certainly moved the needle here on campus, and undoubtedly in the community through her work and example."
Rising Star
Caila Flanagan, coordinator of Rose Street Commons
"Caila's dedication to student success, her deep commitment to diversity, her remarkable ability to foster belonging and her exceptional talent for guiding students on their individual journeys make her a standout candidate. Her impact early in her career is a testament to her passion, drive and vision, and as a rising star, her potential is still evolving and this community will be better for having her here."
Sports
Meridith Boucher, Wildcat athletic trainer
"Meridith always strives to be the best, no matter what she is doing. She is a very personable individual – engaging, outgoing and an excellent communicator – which makes it easy for our student-athletes to approach her with an issue. Meridith is very dedicated, with a tireless work ethic. She has earned the trust of all of our student-athletes. Hands-down, one of the top Certified Athletic Trainers around!"
STEM
Shannon M. Munro, vice president for workforce development
"With over 2 million manufacturing jobs projected to go unfilled by 2030 and women making up only 29% of the field's workforce, there's undeniable potential in the world of manufacturing. Shannon is a proponent of breaking down the stigmas of manufacturing sectors, and opening eyes to a world of highly sustainable careers for women and all individuals interested in applied, hands-on fields."
If you cannot offer support and encouragement, leave the room. There are plenty of people challenging and creating obstacles; women cannot and should not do that for each other.
Davie Jane Gilmour
President emeritus of Penn College
Chosen as the keynoter for the evening – accepting an ask from the YWCA, the first place she volunteered after her 1977 arrival in Williamsport – was Davie Jane Gilmour, president emeritus of Penn College.
"Legacy is defined as creating something enduring that can be passed on," the June 2022 retiree said, focusing her remarks on the celebration of talent, power and passion seated before her. "The 36 women nominees this evening have already created incredible legacies. Regardless of their age or category, all have made their mark."
Each, she added, has contributed to what makes a community a desirable place to live.
"Look around the room: young women blazing new trails, breaking down doors, opening our eyes and perspectives. Look carefully at the women nominated across all disciplines: leaders in business, health and wellness, sports, education, advocates in their chosen fields."
But is legacy strategic or coincidental?
"I will suggest for this evening they are both," said Gilmour, who was selected as the YWCA's Wise Woman of the Year in 1999. "Planning with purpose is needed, but positioning yourself for the coincidental happening is where the unexpected, the rewarding and the challenging can occur."
While a planner, she also plans for the unknown. Throughout her decades of public service, Gilmour said, she has learned to leave space for the unexpected. Coincidence and circumstance are "beautiful moments in time" that should be embraced.
"But do not be mistaken," she told the honorees. "You are not here by chance." Rather, she said, all of them landed there through hard work, occasional loneliness, dedication to purpose and often putting cause above self.
Noting the transformative power of women working together for the common good, Gilmour urged her audience not to succumb to stereotypes, not to tear one another down as quickly as they could build one another up.
"If you cannot offer support and encouragement, leave the room. There are plenty of people challenging and creating obstacles; women cannot and should not do that for each other."
In closing, she looped back to her introduction, which highlighted some of the milestones in her groundbreaking tenure.
"While I was honored to be the first woman chairman of the Little League Board of Directors and the first woman president of Penn College, some woman had to be first," Gilmour said. "My real goal was to be good at what I did and, most importantly, to not be the last woman to hold those places.
"Being first is nice, but my challenge to the women honored this evening: Be sure those of us who went before you are not the last."