The Fund for Women and Girls' Champions of Change Breakfast Celebrates Empowerment and Progress

West Chester, PA – November 1, 2023: The Fund for Women and Girls is pleased to announce the success of its 7th Annual Champions of Change Breakfast, held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at The Farmhouse at People’s Light. This inspiring event celebrated individuals and organizations who are dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in the workplace and leading the way toward a brighter future for all.

The morning began with an air of excitement as attendees gathered at The Farmhouse at People’s Light in Malvern, and featured a warm welcome and opening remarks, setting the stage for an event filled with recognition, inspiration, and advocacy for gender equity. 

 

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Champions of Change Awards to this year’s outstanding awardees (above in photo: Susan Fiorentino, J.D., Joyce Chester, Louise Schorn Smith) :

 

  • Corporate Champion of Change Award: Louise Schorn Smith, Founder and President of Countryside Consulting, leads by example in passion and advocacy, intentionally recruiting women returning to the workforce and helping women remain active by designing and supporting a better, more flexible workplace. The firm provides accounting services to nonprofit organizations with an eye on measurable results.
  •  WSFS Nonprofit Workforce Development Award: Joyce Chester, President and CEO of Chester County OIC accepted this inaugural award and weaved a meaningful story about a single mother for whom CC-OIC provided childcare and other support. Her child recently received multiple Ivy League college offers. CC-OIC provides supportive services like childcare, access to workforce clothing, expungement services and coaching to break down barriers to financial independence.
  • Gladys Black Woman of Distinction Award: Susan Fiorentino, J.D., was honored with this award, named for long-time Fund supporter Gladys Black, for her groundbreaking research on legal issues pertaining to women in the workplace, including pay equity and sexual harassment. Her work as a lawyer, professor, researcher, speaker, volunteer, and dedication to the safely and education of women and girls speaks volumes. She spoke about her new advocacy work around teens and sexual harassment in the workplace.

 These stories and accomplishments highlighted the importance of gender equity and the continued work required to address pay disparities and promote a more inclusive workplace.

 

The Fund for Women and Girls recognizes the importance of uplifting changemakers whose work mitigates the challenges highlighted in The Fund’s Fourth Edition Blueprint Report. By coming together at the 7th Annual Champions of Change Breakfast, attendees expressed their commitment to addressing these disparities and ensuring that women and girls have every opportunity to succeed and thrive.

 

The event ended with a renewed sense of purpose and unity, as attendees were inspired to act in their workplaces, communities, and beyond. The Fund for Women and Girls is deeply grateful to all who attended and supported this important initiative.

 

To learn more about the Champions of Change Awardees and The Fund for Women and Girls’ mission, please visit www.thefundcc.org/champions-of-change/.