On October 7, Governor Tom Wolf announced the appointment of 26 new members to the Pennsylvania Commission for Women.

“I know that this passionate group of leaders and professionals will act as tireless advocates on behalf of Pennsylvania’s women and girls. Each of these individuals will be a tremendous asset to the Commission, and people across the Commonwealth will be well-served by their commitment to improving the lives of our women and girls,” said Wolf.

The Commission for Women, which was created by Executive Order and consists of volunteer members, is responsible for advising the Governor on policies and legislation that impact women; supporting economic and civic opportunities for women; encouraging mentoring programs for girls and young women; identifying programs and opportunities for the benefit and advancement of women; and serving as a resource center for Pennsylvania women. The Commission also acts as an advocate for policies and legislation it feels serves the best interest of women and girls in Pennsylvania.

“In Pennsylvania today, women earn just 76 cents for every dollar a man earns, they make up 75 percent of our minimum wage workforce, and they are two times less likely to work in STEM occupations than men in the Commonwealth,” said Wolf. “These are just a few of the issues that I hope this Commission will look at improving over the course of their work.“

Soon after being appointed, the women were sworn in by Secretary of State Pedro Cortez and then preceded to convene the Commission’s first meeting at the Governor’s residence.

“Having devoted my career to meeting the needs of women and families in my own community, I am humbled and excited by this opportunity to lead an extraordinary group of women in this endeavor statewide,” said Commission Chair Randi Teplitz. “I am grateful for the confidence that Governor Wolf has placed in me, and I look forward to working with him, First Lady Frances Wolf, and stakeholders in the public and private sectors on this important effort.”

The list of new appointees is included below:

Susan Jacobson, Southeast Regional Coordinator, Philadelphia County

Nancy Mills, Southwest Regional Coordinator, Allegheny County  

Anne Ard, Centre County

Donna Barbetti, Lackawanna County

Dana Brown, Allegheny County

Jessica Brubaker, York County

ImJa Choi, Philadelphia County

Representative Madeleine Dean, Montgomery County

Lucy Delabar, Lehigh County

Carolina Digiorgio, Chester County

Denise Johnson, Crawford County

Jazelle Jones, Philadelphia County

Susan Kefover, Potter County

Mellanie Lassiter, Philadelphia County

Evie McNulty, Lackawanna County

Leslie Anne Miller, Delaware County

Deborah Minkoff, Montgomery County

Tina Nixon, Dauphin County

Lori Nocito, Luzerne County

Lesley Ridge, Erie County

Kathy Rooney, Lehigh County

Jessica Rothchild, Lackawanna County

Patti Stirk, York County

Rosa Stroh, Dauphin County

Michelle Zmijanac, Allegheny County