YWCA Lancaster

YWCA Lancaster YWCA Lancaster is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women to create a just future for all.

YWCA Lancaster’s main office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Wishing ever...
09/04/2026

YWCA Lancaster’s main office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend!

The 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards celebrates five exceptional honorees in the Lancaster County community, incl...
09/04/2026

The 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards celebrates five exceptional honorees in the Lancaster County community, including the honoree for this year’s Young Woman of Achievement Award – Andrea Fox Lewis.

Andrea is a motivated student, emerging business leader, and advocate for empowering others through education, leadership, and community engagement. As a Dean's List student in the Business Administration program at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Andrea remains committed to lifelong learning and servant leadership. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she has demonstrated a commitment to creating opportunities for growth, fostering inclusive environments, and encouraging women to pursue leadership roles in traditionally underrepresented fields.

At Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Andrea has served as Vice President of the Women in Technology and Trades Club (WITT) and now serves as President in the academic year starting in fall 2026. Andrea served as Master of Ceremonies for Lydia Hamilton Smith Day at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, helping to celebrate the legacy of Lydia Hamilton Smith, a pioneering African American businesswoman and community leader in Lancaster history.

Professionally, Andrea has held leadership positions in business operations, marketing, and team development, where she has mentored employees, supported organizational growth, and cultivated positive workplace cultures.

Andrea believes that true achievement is measured not only by personal success, but by the ability to empower others, strengthen communities, and open doors for future generations of women leaders.

Purchase a ticket and join us for the 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards on Thursday, October 29 – or make a meaningful impact with a donation.

Tickets and donations support YWCA Lancaster programs and the Kepler Hall Residence.

Date / Time: Thursday, October 29 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Lancaster County Convention Center

Learn more and purchase your ticket online at: ywcalancaster.org/woa

09/04/2026

For decades, Gloria Steinem stood at the forefront of the movement for women's rights, helping transform public consciousness and expand opportunities for generations of women and girls. Her connection to the YWCA was both profound and enduring, rooted in a shared commitment to equity, justice, safety, and opportunity for all. Read our full statement here: https://bit.ly/4gLnoNZ

We are proud to celebrate five exceptional honorees at the 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards, recognizing their im...
09/03/2026

We are proud to celebrate five exceptional honorees at the 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards, recognizing their impressive journeys of success!

Dr. Ada Emuwa is a physician and healthcare leader whose commitment to compassionate care and community service is advancing health and well-being in Lancaster County and around the world.

Currently, she works at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health as a family physician and as co-chair of the Advisory Council established to advise Lancaster General Health on ensuring equitable principles and a culture of belonging are optimized for their patients, staff and the communities in which they serve. Dr. Emuwa is a founding Board member and co-leads The Wheel of Hope Initiative that provides programs in education, health and economic empowerment to women and children in underserved communities, improving the quality of life locally in the United States and globally in Nigeria. Dr. Emuwa is the founder of Emuwada Health and Wellness: Lifestyle Medicine coaching for individuals from diverse backgrounds to optimize their health and treat disease without relying on medication alone.

Dr. Emuwa pursued a career in medicine at Yale University and with an interest in disease prevention and community health, she obtained a master’s degree in Public Health at Harvard University . She completed her residency training in Family Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, and is also board certified in Lifestyle Medicine. With an interest in caring for patients in underserved areas, she has been honored as a Fellow with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and recently received the Pennsylvania Medical Society Community Voluntary Service Award.

Join us for the 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards on Thursday, October 29.

Tickets and donations support YWCA Lancaster programs and the Kepler Hall Residence.

Date / Time: Thursday, October 29 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Lancaster County Convention Center

Learn more and purchase your ticket online at: ywcalancaster.org/woa

The 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards celebrates five exemplary honorees in the Lancaster County community and the...
09/02/2026

The 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards celebrates five exemplary honorees in the Lancaster County community and their outstanding journeys of success!

Patricia Espinosa-Vargas is a dedicated community leader whose 26-year career at United Way of Lancaster County, PA reflects a deep commitment to connecting people with the resources and support they need to navigate hardships and challenging life circumstances. Patricia is the Director of PA 211 East at United Way of Lancaster County.

Through the 211 Contact Center, Patricia supports the needs of individuals and families throughout Lancaster and Berks Counties, helping thousands access vital services. She is a trusted leader and source of inspiration who embodies the power of compassion, connection, and hope during times of crisis. Prior to her assuming the Director role at United Way of Lancaster County in 2021, Patricia served as the Quality Assurance and Training Coordinator.

Early in her career, Patricia worked at YWCA Lancaster for more than a decade. As a community volunteer, Patricia served on the board for SHOUT (Student Health OUTreach), formerly known as the Lancaster County Coalition to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, for nearly 15 years.

A life-long City of Lancaster resident, Patricia believes connecting people to community resources is as important as the resource itself. Patricia is a trusted advocate, mentor, and source of hope who inspires others through her unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Purchase a ticket and join us for the 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards on Thursday, October 29 – or make a meaningful impact with a donation.

Tickets and donations support YWCA Lancaster programs and the Kepler Hall Residence.

Date / Time: Thursday, October 29 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Lancaster County Convention Center

Learn more and purchase your ticket online at: ywcalancaster.org/woa

Join YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center’s (SAPCC) monthly hybrid support group for adult v...
09/01/2026

Join YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center’s (SAPCC) monthly hybrid support group for adult victim-survivors of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment to connect with peers of similar experiences.

Date: Tuesday, September 8th, 6 - 7PM

Location:
In Person | 110 N Lime St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Enter at Orange St: Lower Ramp Entrance

Virtual | Join us via Zoom at: https://zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 824 3905 7568
Enter your name and click join

Games and art supplies provided.

Gather with survivors and advocates from SAPCC and join us for connection, sense of community, support and solidarity.

We are honored to celebrate five exceptional leaders in our community at the 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards! He...
09/01/2026

We are honored to celebrate five exceptional leaders in our community at the 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards!

Heather Valudes is the President & CEO of the Lancaster Chamber, a role she has held since 2022. Prior to that, she spent 11 years with the Chamber, most recently as Vice President, following earlier work as the Community Impact & Advocacy Director.

Since assuming the role, she has led the development and implementation of the Chamber’s long-term strategic vision while championing initiatives that strengthen the region’s workforce, support business growth, and enhance quality of life.

A graduate of West Chester University of PA, Heather earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2007 and her Master of Public Administration in 2010. She achieved the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation in 2021, the highest professional credential in the chamber industry, and has been recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Central Penn Business Journal and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. She is also a proud 2010 graduate of Leadership Lancaster. Beyond her professional role, Heather serves on several community boards, including as Board President of Prima Theatre, and is deeply committed to strengthening Lancaster County through civic leadership and collaboration. A lifelong Lancaster County resident, she lives in West Lampeter Township with her husband, Kevin, and their twin daughters.

Purchase a ticket and join us for the 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards on Thursday, October 29 – or make a valuable difference with a donation.

Tickets and donations support YWCA Lancaster programs and the Kepler Hall Residence.

Date / Time: Thursday, October 29 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Lancaster County Convention Center

Learn more and purchase your ticket online at: ywcalancaster.org/woa

This Thursday, September 3 -- Join us for a FREE Get Out The Vote Postcard Party hosted by YWCA Lancaster, the League of...
09/01/2026

This Thursday, September 3 -- Join us for a FREE Get Out The Vote Postcard Party hosted by YWCA Lancaster, the League of Women Voters Lancaster County PA and the Women's Civic Collective – to encourage our neighbors to get to the voting booth this November.

Have something to say to your legislators? Want to encourage your neighbors to get out and vote this election season?

We will supply the postcards, sample messages (if you need them), stamps and refreshments. Bring your favorite pen, any flair you want to add to your postcards and a friend!

Last year we wrote 350 postcards in less than 2 hours. Help us reach this year’s goal of 500.

The location at YWCA Lancaster is fully accessible. Street parking is available and free after 6:00 pm.

Event Details: Get Out The Vote Postcard Party
Date / Time: Thursday, September 3 | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: YWCA Lancaster | 110 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA

Learn more online at: ywcalancaster.org/events/postcard-party

Register at the Event Registration webpage at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-out-the-vote-postcard-party-tickets-1992058233802?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join YWCA Lancaster for an inspiring evening celebrating emerging Black filmmakers and the power of visual storytelling....
08/31/2026

Join YWCA Lancaster for an inspiring evening celebrating emerging Black filmmakers and the power of visual storytelling.

Register to attend online:
https://ywcalancaster.org/events/baal-film-photography

Black Art Across Lancaster | Filmmakers Showcase features Black Artist Waystation mentees Amir Lynch and Maliyah Gregg as they premiere their original short films, First Friday and Her Closet.

Guests will experience an immersive showcase of both films, followed by an engaging Q&A with the artists.

Wednesday, September 23rd | 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Franklin and Marshall College | Susan and Benjamin Winter Visual Arts Center
825 Buchanan Avenue, Lancaster, PA

Featured Artists:
Amir Lynch | Mentee
Maliyah Gregg | Mentee
Jordan Wormley | Mentor
Shelby Wormley | Mentor

Learn more about Black Art Across Lancaster at:
https://ywcalancaster.org/blackartistwaystation

This year’s 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards includes five exceptional leaders – and we are honored to highlight ...
08/31/2026

This year’s 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards includes five exceptional leaders – and we are honored to highlight their outstanding journeys of success!

Lakeesha M. Bair-Myers, MSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience serving children, families, and communities across education, healthcare, juvenile justice, and behavioral health systems, making a transformative positive impact.

She currently serves as a School Social Worker at Reynolds Middle School in the School District of Lancaster, providing clinical services, crisis intervention, case management, and social-emotional support, as well as providing master’s level supervision to graduate social work students as a Field Instructor.

Lakeesha earned a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University, with a clinical emphasis on children and families, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a Criminal Justice concentration from Millersville University.

Lakeesha was named Millersville University’s Social Work Field Instructor of the Year in 2023 and was selected as a Distinguished McCaskey High School Alumni for 2026 and currently serves on the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Equity Community Advisory Board and the Penn Medicine - Abramson Cancer Center Community Advisory Board at the University of Pennsylvania. She is an active mentor, union leader, and advocate for educational equity, serving as Representative Secretary of the Lancaster Education Foundation and Ethnic Minority Representative to the PSEA - PA State Education Association Board of Directors.

Experience the 10th Annual Women of Achievement Awards on Thursday, October 29.

Tickets and donations support YWCA Lancaster programs and the Kepler Hall Residence.

Purchase a ticket and join us, or make a valuable difference with a donation!

Date / Time: Thursday, October 29 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Lancaster County Convention Center

Learn more and purchase your ticket online at: ywcalancaster.org/woa

Address

110 N Lime Street
Lancaster, PA
17602

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17173931735

Website

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