Whether they’re the executive director of a law firm, a biologist or the president of a foundation, women in Bucks County can do it all.
That’s why on Thursday, Oct. 28, 14 ladies of leadership hailing from all walks of life will be honored during the YWCA of Bucks County’s 29th annual Salute to Women Who Make a Difference Reception and Awards Dinner, to be held at Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road in Ivyland. The public is invited to attend the event, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
“This is the 29th consecutive year that the YWCA of Bucks County proudly honors female leaders who live or work in Bucks County,” said Karen Ann Ulmer, of Newtown, event chairperson. “Each year, we provide this special salute to honor them for making exceptional contributions to their businesses, organizations or their communities. Once again, it will be a very special evening.”
Being honored for advocacy and civic engagement are Kathy Boockvar, Esq., of Washington Crossing; Seema Z. Kazmi, PharmD, of Morrisville; and Kathryn Sherlock, of Yardley. Boockvar is vice president of election operations for the Center for Internet Security. Kazmi is a licensed pharmacist in six states and has worked in pharmacy management, managed care and the commercial pharmaceutical industry. Sherlock is the founder and president of Kaden’s Corner, working to affect change in judicial reform in the court system by enhancing child custody laws.
The honorees for community engagement are Deborah Camp-Frye, of Wyndmoor; Alisa Oglesby, of Langhorne; and Robin Robinson, of Jamison. Camp-Frye is the former Bucks County president of Links Inc., serving the Bucks County area for two decades. Oglesby works as a national therapeutic specialty representative consulting with micro startup businesses. Robinson is the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds.
Grace M. Deon, Esq., of Northampton, is the honoree for corporate social responsibility. She is president and chief executive officer of the Eastburn & Gray Law Firm.
Carrie Nork Minelli, of Southampton; and Kristen Smedley, of Ivyland, are the honorees in the category of media and journalism. Minelli is the director of advertising and public relations for Parx Casino in Bensalem. Smedley is the Pennsylvania ambassador for the National Organization of Rare Diseases and co-founder and president of the Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation.
The racial and social justice honorees are Melissa E. Bennett, MD, of Newtown; and Celia Sharp, of Doylestown. Bennett is a pediatrician at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Sharp is a research cell biologist and director of biology for the Chemistry Research Solution, LLC, of Bristol.
Those being honored for women’s empowerment are Stephanie Schwartzberg, Esq., of Newtown; and Denise Allen Williams, also of Newtown. Schwartzberg is an attorney for Penn Community Bank, while Allen Williams leads United States strategy and commercial operations for Merck & Company.
Victoria Sullivan, of Morrisville, a junior at the Princeton Day School in Princeton, New Jersey, is the girl power honoree.
Sponsors for the event include Parx Casino, Penn Community Bank, Johnson & Johnson, NJM Insurance Group, Bucks County Commissioners, Professional Communications & Digital Marketing Services, Eastburn & Gray Law Firm and Mr. and Mrs. William Tobia.
In addition to chairperson Ulmer, committee members include Michele Light, board chair, and Susan Dardes, Liz Colussi, April Townsend, Corrine Broadnax, Daphne Lam, Kate Marcopul, Clarice Taylor, Karen Madotto and Jennifer BeVier.
Tickets are $85 per person and tables of 10 cost $800. For more information, sponsorships and tickets, contact Rose McMenamin, event coordinator, at 215-953-7793, Ext. 104 or email [email protected].
For more information on the YWCA of Bucks County, which was established in 1858 as a voice for women’s issues, call 215-953-7793, visit ywcabucks.org or email [email protected].
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
