YWCA Ranks Second in Highmark Walk

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Ranks Second in Pittsburgh Highmark Walk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

CONTACT:      
Amie Hackimer
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1261
ahackimer@ywcapgh.org

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Ranks Second

Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community Helps Pittsburgh Nonprofits Raise $500,000

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 7, 2014):  YWCA Greater Pittsburgh raised $24,324 in its first year as a Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community participant. The YW’s efforts ranked as the second top fundraising nonprofit for the Pittsburgh Walk and fifth in all of Pennsylvania. Over 160 staff and board members, as well as friends and family, formed the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh team to raise money for the YW’s programs and services.

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh CEO Magdeline Jensen said, “I am so pleased with the impressive accomplishments of our staff, board and volunteers during our first year participating in the walk. They all rose to the occasion and demonstrated support for the organization they care about.”

The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community in Pittsburgh provided an opportunity for the community to support 69 local nonprofits on May 17th, 2014. The primary goal of the walk, which includes both a 5K route and a one-mile fun walk option, is to help charitable health and human service organizations raise money for their individual missions. Highmark underwrites all of the costs associated with the walks, so 100 percent of funds raised by community members are donated to the charity they select. The Pittsburgh walk raised approximately $501,700 through the participation of 8,500 walkers.

View YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s album of photos from the 2014 Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community.

View Highmark release with coverage of all five Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community locations.

For more information, contact the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh at 412-255-1261.
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About YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
Since its proud beginnings in 1869, the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh has worked to empower women and their families, advocate for fair and equitable conditions, and challenge social and racial injustice. As society has changed, so have the challenges we face. But women’s underlying need for support and encouragement that empowers them to take command of their lives and their families remains. For more information, visit www.ywcapgh.org.

About Highmark Inc.
Highmark Inc. is among the largest health insurers in the United States and the fourth-largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated company. Highmark and its diversified businesses and affiliates operate health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia that serve 5.2 million members. Its diversified health businesses serve group customer and individual health needs across the United States through dental insurance, vision care and other related health businesses. Highmark is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

YWCA Racial Justice Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      

CONTACT:    
Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279

YWCA Announces the 2013 Racial Justice Award Recipients
Awards presented on Wednesday, November 13

PITTSBURGH, PA (November 7, 2013):  The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the 2013 Racial Justice Award recipients.  The seven awardees will be recognized at the 22nd Annual Racial Justice Awards Dinner on Wednesday, November 13.   Award recipients include:

• ARTS: janera solomon, Executive Director, Kelly Strayhorn Theater
• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Melanie R. Brown, Education Program Officer, The Heinz Endowments
• EDUCATION: Marcus Rediker, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Atlantic History, University of Pittsburgh
• GOVERNMENT: The Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness
• FAITH: East Liberty Presbyterian Church
• LEGAL: Education Law Center, Western Pennsylvania Office
• YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT: Alexis K. Marie Payne, Writer/Literary Arts Student, Pittsburgh CAPA Class of 2015

“We are delighted to present the YWCA Racial Justice Award to these recipients in recognition of their efforts to promote equality and justice,” said Magdeline E. Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh.  “Their outstanding initiative, dedication to eliminating racism, and the impact they’ve had on the community clearly stood out for the 2013 award.”

The 22nd Annual Racial Justice Awards Dinner takes place on Wednesday, November 13, at the Westin Hotel, 1000 Penn Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the dinner and award program follow at 6:30 p.m. Robert Hill is this year’s Honorary Chair, and WPXI-TV’s Vince Sims will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. To attend the 2013 Racial Justice Awards Dinner, call 412-255-1261 or go to www.ywcapgh.org.

The annual Racial Justice Awards is a signature event of the YWCA Center for Race and Gender Equity. Through its Racial Justice Awards, the Center seeks to promote a society in which all people receive equal treatment and have equal access in the workplace, public services, justice system, classroom, and throughout the Greater Pittsburgh community. Over the past two decades, the YWCA has recognized more than 100 community leaders that have made a substantial commitment to racial equality.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh strengthens our community by creating and advancing opportunities for all women to seek equality and self-sufficiency.  For more information about the YWCA’s programs and services, visit www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100. To learn about the YWCA Center for Race and Gender Equity, call 412-255-1270.

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Laura Harwin
Director of Development and Marketing
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
305 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-1279 (phone)
412-391-5109 (fax)

lharwin@ywcapgh.org
www.ywcapgh.org

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

YWCA Women Leadership Award Winners Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  

CONTACT:    
Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Announces the 2013 Tribute to Women Leadership Awards
Awards Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, May 30

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 28, 2013):  The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh will recognize seven extraordinary women for their demonstrated excellence and leadership in the workplace and in the community as part of the 31st annual Tribute to Women Leadership Awards Luncheon to be held on Thursday, May 30, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Westin Hotel, 1000 Penn Avenue.

Awardees for 2013 include:
•         Allerton Lifetime Achievement Award: Peggy B. Harris, President & CEO, Three Rivers Youth
•         Business & Professional Services: Justice Debra Todd, Justice, Pennsylvania Supreme Court
•         Civic & Community Service: Cathy Raphael, Chair, Board of Directors, Ms. Foundation for Women
•         Communications: Betsy Benson, Publisher & Vice President, Pittsburgh Magazine
•         Education: Linda S. Lane, Ed.D., Superintendent, Pittsburgh Public Schools
•         Health & Human Services: Candi Castleberry-Singleton, Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer, UPMC Center for Inclusion
•         Young Leader: Alka A. Patel, Esq., Managing Director & Senior Counsel, BNY Mellon

“I am truly impressed and inspired by the contributions these seven women have made to their professions and to the Pittsburgh community,” said Magdeline E. Jensen, CEO, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh.  “We are fortunate to have such remarkable women as role models for other women and girls. The honorees are all deserving of the YWCA’s Tribute to Women Leadership Award and exemplify what the award truly represents.”

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh launched the Tribute to Women Leadership Awards in 1983 to affirm its mission to empower women and girls to reach their personal and professional goals. Since then, the YWCA has honored the accomplishments of more than 200 exceptional women, saluting them for helping to shape the direction of our region and improve the lives of others.

The Allerton Award, named after the first president of the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, Mrs. O.H. Allerton, was created to honor a woman for lifetime achievement.  Mrs. Allerton served as president of the YWCA’s board on three separate terms; from 1878 to 1881, 1895 to 1896, and 1915 to 1916.  This special award is given, at the discretion of the Selection Committee and with approval of the YWCA Board of Directors, to a woman who epitomizes the philosophies and concepts of the YWCA.  This year’s Allerton Award recipient, Peggy B. Harris, is only the 12th such recipient of this honor since the inception of Tribute to Women.

Jennifer Abney, News Anchor, WPXI – Channel 11, is serving as Mistress of Ceremonies during the luncheon.  Proceeds from the event benefit the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s programs and services.  For more information about Tribute to Women, call 412-255-1261 or email ttw@ywcapgh.org.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh strengthens our community by creating and advancing opportunities for all women to seek equality and self-sufficiency.  For more information about the YWCA’s programs and services, visit

www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100.

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Laura Harwin
Director of Development and Marketing
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
305 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-1279 (phone)
412-391-5109 (fax)

lharwin@ywcapgh.org
www.ywcapgh.org

…for every woman

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

YWCA Announces Alliance with Cornell University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                          

CONTACT:        

Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279

YWCA Announces NEW Cornell University Diversity and Inclusion Training in Pittsburgh

Classes begin in February 2013

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 30, 2013):  Pittsburgh professionals will now be able to take Cornell University Diversity and Inclusion classes in their own back yard. The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Center for Race and Gender Equity and Cornell University’s ILR School are collaborating to offer Cornell’s Diversity and Inclusion Certificate and its Advanced Practitioner Certification (CCDP/AP) in Pittsburgh, beginning in February 2013.

“We are delighted to join forces with Cornell University to offer their prestigious certification program here in Pittsburgh,” said Magdeline E. Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. “The YWCA encourages local professionals to enroll in the certification program, or consider taking individual classes to update their knowledge.”

Participants will work with and learn from colleagues while participating in lectures, thoughtful discussions and group exercises. The curriculum and professional exchange of experiences help D&I professionals, as well as HR professionals and managers tasked with diversity responsibilities to:

• Enable teams to function effectively and engage well in a diverse workplace and create metrics to evaluate success in doing so.
• Assist your organization with strategic diversity recruiting and retention strategies.
• Establish and utilize effective employee resource groups, supplier diversity programs, and diversity councils.
• Develop and implement powerful diversity and inclusion training for your workplace.

Spring/summer semester 2013 classes will be conducted from February-July, and registration is now open. Participants may take one or more individual classes of interest, or enroll in the certificate or certification programs. Fall classes will be available for registration in mid-spring. To find out more about certification or to enroll in classes, go to http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/hcd/certificates/dm/.

The YWCA Center for Race and Gender Equity seeks to promote a society in which all people receive equal treatment and have equal access in the workplace, public services, justice system, classroom, and throughout the Greater Pittsburgh community.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh strengthens our community by creating and advancing opportunities for all women to seek equality and self-sufficiency.  For more information about the YWCA’s programs and services, visit www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100. To learn about the YWCA Center for Race and Gender Equity, call 412-255-1270.
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Laura Harwin
Director of Development and Marketing
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
305 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-1279 (phone)
412-391-5109 (fax)
lharwin@ywcapgh.org

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

YWCA and Pirates Team Up Against Domestic Violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

CONTACT:
Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279

YWCA and Pittsburgh Pirates Team Up to Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence Prevention

Seeking donations of hygiene/personal care items for domestic violence shelters

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 23, 2012):  The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Pirates are teaming up on August 29 to raise awareness around domestic violence prevention – by creating emergency kits for area domestic violence shelters. Special guests will include a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates team, to assist volunteers in preparing the kits, and the Pirate Parrot, to interact with and excite volunteers and visitors.  The Pirates will also donate tickets for a September game for the shelters to distribute to families.

The organizations are asking for the general public’s help with the donation of new/unopened hygiene and personal care items. People can drop off the donations today through noon on August 29 at any YWCA location:
•         Headquarters – 305 Wood St., Downtown Pittsburgh
•         Homewood-Brushton Community Center – 6907 Frankstown Ave.
•         North Office – Two Allegheny Center, Building Two, 4th floor, Northside Pittsburgh
•         South Office – Keystone Commons, 635 Braddock Ave, 2nd floor, East Pittsburgh

For the list of items needed by the shelters, go to www.ywcapgh.org.

“The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is pleased to partner with the Pittsburgh Pirates for a third year to raise awareness around domestic violence prevention,” said Magdeline E. Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. “One of the YWCA’s national priorities is educating the community about the existence and elimination of violence against women and children.”

Domestic violence impacts countless women and children in southwestern Pennsylvania; educating the public and providing community resources are critical steps in eliminating abuse.  The organizations welcome all those interested in learning more about the impact of domestic violence, and invite the community to join this educational event and work to end all forms of violence against women.

For the past three years, this community partnership has served as a kick-off event for the national YWCA Week Without Violence campaign, held this year on October 21-27, 2012. For more information or questions, contact Mell Steven Cosnek at 412-255-1466 ormstevencosnek@ywcapgh.org.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is a women’s membership movement committed to the elimination of racism and the economic empowerment of women and girls.  To learn more about the YWCA’s programs and services, visit www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100.

###

Laura Harwin
Director of Development and Marketing
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
305 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 255-1279 (phone)
(412) 391-5109 (fax)

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

YWCA Recognizes 8 Women at Leadership Awards Luncheon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              

CONTACT:  
Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Announces the 2012 Tribute to Women Leadership Awards
Awards Luncheon scheduled for Wednesday, May 16

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 10, 2012):  The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh will recognize eight extraordinary women for their demonstrated excellence and leadership in the workplace and in the community as part of the 30th annual Tribute to Women Leadership Awards Luncheon to be held on Wednesday, May 16, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Westin Hotel, 1000 Penn Avenue.

Awardees for 2012 include:
• Arts & Culture: Jane Werner, Executive Director, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
• Business & Industry:  Heidi K. Bartholomew, Vice President  & Controller, FedEx Ground
• Civic & Community Service:  Missy Unkovic, President of the Board, FISA Foundation
• Education:  Donna L. Imhoff, Ph.D., Campus President, North Campus & West Hills Center,
Community College of Allegheny County
• Entrepreneur: Helen A. Davis, M.D., CEO and Medical Director, Davis Eye and Wellness Center
• Health & Human Services:  Jeannette E. South-Paul, M.D., Andrew W. Mathieson UPMC Professor & Chair, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine
• Professional Services: Susan Frietsche, Senior Staff Attorney, Women’s Law Project
• Young Leader: Christy Uffelman, BCC, Vice President, Employee & Organization Development, Mascaro Construction Company

“I am so impressed and inspired by the contributions these eight women have made to their professions and to the Pittsburgh community,” said Magdeline E. Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh.  “We are fortunate to have such remarkable women as role models for other women and girls. The honorees are all deserving of the YWCA’s Tribute to Women Leadership Award and exemplify what the award truly represents.”

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh launched the Tribute to Women Leadership Awards in 1983 to affirm its mission to empower women and girls to reach their personal and professional goals. Since then, the YWCA has honored the accomplishments of more than 200 exceptional women, saluting them for helping to shape the direction of our region and improve the lives of others.


Jennifer Abney, News Anchor, WPXI – Channel 11, is serving as Mistress of Ceremonies during the luncheon.  Proceeds from the event benefit the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s programs and services.  For more information about Tribute to Women, call 412-255-1261 or e-mail ttw@ywcapgh.org.


The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is a women’s membership movement committed to the elimination of racism and the economic empowerment of women and girls.  To learn more about the YWCA’s programs and services, visit www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100.

###

Laura Harwin
Director of Development and Marketing
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
305 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 255-1279 (phone)
(412) 391-5109 (fax)

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

YWCA Announces 2011 Racial Justice Award Recipients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CONTACT:
Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279

YWCA Announces 2011 Racial Justice Award Recipients

Awards presented on Wednesday, November 16

PITTSBURGH, PA  
(November 10, 2011):   The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the 2011 Racial Justice Award Recipients. The nine awardees will be recognized at the 20th Annual Racial Justice Awards Dinner on Wednesday, November 16.


Award recipients include:


· Arts: Hip-Hop on L.O.C.K.

· Community Engagement: New Voices Pittsburgh: Women of Color for Reproductive Justice

· Community Engagement: Cecile M. Springer, President, Springer Associates

· Education: Rex L. Crawley, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, School of Communication and Information Systems, Robert Morris University

· Faith: Pittsburgh Area Jewish Committee

· Faith: Rev. B. DeNeice Welch, Pastor, Bidwell Street United Presbyterian Church

· Government: Knight Sor, Conciliation Specialist, U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Service

· Public Safety: Diane S. Richard, Public Information Officer/Spokesperson, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police

· Youth Achievement: Frank DiNardo, Shaler Senior High School


“We are delighted to mark the 20th anniversary of the Racial Justice Awards this year by honoring such a dynamic and dedicated group of individuals and organizations,” said Magdeline E. Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. “They join the ranks of other local heroes before them who have made an impact on racial and social injustices in our community.”

The 20th Annual Racial Justice Awards Dinner will be held on Wednesday, November 16, at the Westin Hotel, 1000 Penn Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh. The general reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the dinner and award program follow at 6:30 p.m. Velma Monteiro-Tribble is this year’s Honorary Chair, and WPXI-TV’s Vince Sims will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. To attend the 2011 Racial Justice Awards, call 412-255-1261 or go to www.ywcapgh.org.

The annual Racial Justice Awards is a signature event of the YWCA Center for Race and Gender Equity. Through its Racial Justice Awards, the Center seeks to promote a society in which all people receive equal treatment and have equal access in the workplace, public services, justice system, classroom, and throughout the Greater Pittsburgh community. Over the past two decades, the YWCA has recognized over 100 community leaders that have made a substantial commitment to racial equality.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is a women’s membership movement committed to the elimination of racism and the economic empowerment of women and girls. For more information about the YWCA’s programs and services, visit www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100. To learn about the YWCA Center for Race and Gender Equity, call 412-255-1270.
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