WEST CHESTER, PA (December 4, 2018) – The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls (CCFWG) hosted its second annual Champions of Change Breakfast on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at The Farmhouse Bistro at People’s Light in Malvern, PA.
Champions of Change Breakfast Chair & CCFWG Board Member Lisa Passante (right) presents Roberta Torian with the Gladys Black Woman of Distinction Award.
The event honored Roberta Torian and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. for their breakthroughs in shattering the glass ceiling. “Roberta and West operate with the understanding that when women succeed, business succeeds, the community succeeds- everyone succeeds,” said Tricia Lefkof, CCFWG Board Chair and of WSFS Bank.
Sandy Keller, Vice President of Human Resources and head of West’s diversity efforts, accepted the Corporate Champions of Change award on behalf of the company.
“We are proud that West’s support of CCFWG has helped this organization make numerous grants to non-profits across our region to support girls and young women, including the Girls Advisory Board. Through this innovative program, CCFWG is developing the next generation of community leaders. At West, we are also committed to developing our team members, and to creating a culture rich with diverse people, talent and ideas, in order to deliver the best products and services to our customers. We are proud and grateful that our Company was recognized by CCFWG for the work we specifically do to support and develop the women of West.”
Employees at West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., pose with the company’s Corporate Champion of Change Award.
As an advocate for its female employees, West encourages women to pursue leadership roles. It offers employees regular workshops and internal and external development opportunities, including a nine-month coaching cohort for high potential female employees. To assist with work-life balance, West provides all employees with options for flexible hours, the ability to work remotely, and a reduced schedule for those returning from a leave of absence. As a further testament to its support of women, over 20% of West’s Executive Team and Board seats are held by women. The company was even named as a 2020 Women on Boards Winning ‘W’ Company in 2017.
Attendees at CCFWG’s 2nd Annual Champions of Change Breakfast.
Roberta Torian, Partner at Reed Smith LLP, accepted the Gladys Black Woman of Distinction Award for her longstanding commitment to mentorship and support of fellow women in the legal profession. Roberta shared pieces of her journey to becoming such a key champion and mentor for women in the field of law. She recalled times where she was undermined and unsupported by her superiors, but also reflected on the pivotal role of both male and female mentors in helping propel her forward in her career. “Everyone needs support and someone to believe in them. Just as we all want that, we can all give that to others,” said Roberta.
Even with her many accomplishments in a male-dominated field, Roberta’s compassion and drive to pay it forward are at the heart of her professional and personal success: “I knew that I had to do my part to help advance other women. Times were changing but they still were not and are not a level playing field for women in law.”
Thank you to our many sponsors for making this event a success: Reed Smith LLP | West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. | WSFS Bank | Bradford White | Cate and Tom Sennett | Citadel | DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc. | Fox Rothchild LLP | Meridian Bank | Northwestern Mutual | Lisa Passante and Mike Kaplan | Connie Fogarty | Mary Lou Sterge | Melvinia Robinson | Yolanda Turman