PROGRAMS

2020

100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage – Throughout 2020
During 2020, CCFWG will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. For updates, visit ccwomenandgirls.org/centennial/.
Community Night at Brandywine River Museum – February 6
CCFWG welcomed supporters and donors to a Community Night at Brandywine River Museum to highlight its ‘Votes for Women’ exhibit on the visual history of women’s suffrage.
Virtual Girls in Action Summit – May 18
Over 50 high school girls from all corners of the county tuned in to hear from inspiring star athlete and keynote speaker Mo’ne Davis, learn from local non-profit leaders and peers about how COVID-19 is impacting women and girls in our communities, and finally use their collective voice to award two $500 grants to Chester County OIC and Domestic Violence Center of Chester County for their support of local women and girls dealing with both immediate and far-reaching impacts of COVID-19. View a recording of the Summit and our comprehensive Resource Guide at ccwomenandgirls.org/girls-programming/.
Virtual 15th Annual Making a Difference Luncheon – June 6
CCFWG hosted a gathering of 150 supporters around the virtual kitchen table to honor Pat Yoder with our Kitchen Table Award, hear from Keynote Speaker Janet Dewart Bell on the connections between the Civil Rights movement, Suffrage movement, and now, and celebrate the Centennial anniversary of women’s right to vote with a little help from our local and state female elected officials. View the full recording or program segments at ccwomenandgirls.org/luncheon/.
Overlooked and Undercounted – August 18
CCFWG and PathWays PA hosted a virtual dive into the latest Self-Sufficiency Standard for Pennsylvania, a report that includes data on Chester County households overlooked and undercounted in the federal poverty level. The presentation also covered how COVID-19 has made the climb toward economic advancement even more difficult for local families. Community members, elected officials and their staff, and representatives from local non-profit organizations, foundations, and other organizations attended to listen, learn, and join in on the conversation of the implications and potential actions we can take based on these findings.
Toast to Tenacity – August 26
CCFWG and the Chester County Women’s Commission hosted a virtual Toast to Tenacity honoring the suffragists who fought for women’s right to vote, and urging women to shape the future by exercising their right to vote. The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — women’s right to vote — became law on August 26, 1920, a date now recognized as Women’s Equality Day. Check out the toolkit here!
4th Annual Champions of Change Event – October 28
CCFWG hosted our virtual Fourth Annual Champions of Change Event in October. We were humbled to recognize the contributions of Charmaine Spence Rochester, SVP and CFO of Penn Medicine at Chester County Hospital, and SEI, as they work to shatter the glass ceiling for women in the workplace. These Champions are paving the way for growth and success for all women, and thus, our community. Click to learn more about the event or download our program book. To watch the video tributes to our honorees, or a recording of the full program, check out our YouTube channel.
Advocating for Systemic Change Workshop – November 13
We hosted a virtual presentation and panel discussion on how nonprofits can advocate for systemic change. Over 80 local nonprofit and community leaders joined to hear from presenting speaker Leslie Barnes of Bolder Advocacy on the building blocks and foundations of advocacy for nonprofits, followed by Zoom breakout room sessions and a panel discussion with elected officials and advocates. The panel discussion featured Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, AccessMatters’ Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Daisy Romero Chavarria, and Constituent Advocate Rebecca Aguilera from U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan’s office. Our panelists answered audience questions and shared resources and practical tips about how nonprofits can best partner with elected officials to bring about lasting change. Click here for advocacy resources.

2019

Girls in Action Summit – March 2
Inspired by our award-winning Girls Advisory Board (GAB) girls’ grantmaking and leadership program, the Girls in Action Summit brought together high school girls throughout Chester County for an empowering day of action. Participants had the chance to meet leaders of local non-profits that serve women and girls, hear from a panel of peers about ways to foster change, help award two $500 grants to local non-profits, and give back to her community alongside her peers.
Mentor It Forward – March 18
TogetHER, CCFWG’s millennial young women’s initiative, hosted an insightful discussion on finding the right mentor and maintaining a positive, supportive relationship for years to come. Attendees enjoyed drinks and hors d’ouvres at Victory Brewing in Downingtown while getting real-life tips from an expert panel of mentor/mentee pairs.
Making a Difference Luncheon – May 3
This year, we celebrated with 300 friends and community supporters at our 14th Annual Making a Difference Luncheon. We presented community advocate Cheryl Miles with our Kitchen Table Award, and heard inspiring remarks from keynote speaker Morgan Berman of MilkCrate Tech. Check out this video tribute to Cheryl from her dearest friends and colleagues.
TogetHER Service Project at Parkesburg Point – June 5
Members of our TogetHER young women’s initiative had a great time cooking and serving pizza to students at Parkesburg Point. CCFWG supports our grantee partner The Point’s ongoing girls’ programming initiatives.
Grants Celebration – June 18
CCFWG recognized the vital work of our 2019 grantees at The General Warren Inn in Malvern. This year, we partnered with 27 organizations working to further our shared mission of empowering and enriching the lives of women and girls in our communities. A special thank you to our Girls Advisory Board, GAB Planning Committee, Grants Allocation Committee, Grants Policy Committee and Board for their vision, passion and support. Click here for a full list of our grantees.
Girls Meet with Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan – August 14
Representative Chrissy Houlahan spent the morning with high school members of our Girls Advisory Board and GirlGov Chester County programs to speak about her journey from US Air Force veteran to executive of two startup companies to chemistry teacher in Philadelphia – which culminated in her election to Congress in 2018.
#ChescoKnows Summit – September 24
CCFWG partnered with the Chester County Women’s Commission to host the #ChescoKnows Summit, which shared county-wide workplace sexual harassment data from our #ChescoKnows Survey and explored ways to create healthy and safe workplace environments for all women and men in Chester County. Click to read the full report.
Third Annual Champions of Change Breakfast – October 30
CCFWG hosted our third annual Champions of Change Breakfast at The Farmhouse Bistro at People’s Light in Malvern to honor Dr. Lorraine (Laurie) Bernotsky, Executive VP and Provost of West Chester University, and First Resource Bank, for their breakthroughs to shatter the glass ceiling.
Using Your Voice – November 6
CCFWG partnered with West Chester University and West Chester Area Senior Center to chat with women of all ages about ways their lifelong experiences with voting, community involvement, or advocacy have impacted them.

2018

WomenTalk – Women on the Rise: Stories from a Movement – January 24
Our panelists led a powerful discussion on the cultural and political shifts happening in Chester County, with women at the helm of the movement. Conversation focused on reaching out to friends, colleagues and neighbors – despite party affiliation – to find common ground. We were also encouraged to support female candidates whose beliefs resonate with us or even run for office ourselves! Thank you to panelists She Can Win founder Jasmine Sessoms, Chesco Treasurer Patricia Maisano, citizen and activist Kate Young and moderator Nia Meeks – communications consultant and political analyst – for leading a thoughtful discussion. The full video is available on our Facebook page and presentation notes can be found here.
Inaugural Champions of Change Breakfast – March 1
CCFWG hosted our first annual Champions of Change Breakfast on March 1, 2018 at The Farmhouse Bistro at People’s Light in Malvern, PA to honor Patricia Miller (center right), President of Nobel Learning Communities, for her longstanding dedication to the advancement of women in the workplace. Law firm Fox Rothschild was also honored for its firm-wide commitment to mentorship and career development for female attorneys.
The Hunting Ground Film Screening – April 18
We partnered with the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County (CVCCC) and Colonial Theatre on a free documentary film screening and panel discussion of The Hunting Ground in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The documentary explored sexual assault on college campuses, current lack of accountability for perpetrators and universities, and the need to provide resources and support for victims of sexual assault. We hosted a panel discussion after the screening with local experts who spoke about bystander training and intervention for community members, fellow students and college faculty, as well as the need to create “communities of protection rather than communities of risk.”
Making a Difference Luncheon – May 4
In 2018, we celebrated our 20th Anniversary with 300 friends and community supporters at our Annual Making a Difference Luncheon. We presented community advocate Susan Elko with our Kitchen Table Award, and heard inspiring remarks from keynote speaker Tynesha McHarris of the Novo Foundation. For a look at our legacy over the past 20 years, check out our anniversary video that premiered at the Luncheon.
Stories of Womanhood – August 28
We brought together a multigenerational group of women and girls to share stories and capture oral histories of our collective female experiences. The event took place in partnership with Surrey Services for Seniors. Listen to stories shared at the event here.
Second Annual Champions of Change Breakfast – November 28
CCFWG hosted our second annual Champions of Change Breakfast on November 28, 2018 at The Farmhouse Bistro at People’s Light in Malvern, PA to honor Roberta Torian, Former Partner at Reed Smith LLP, for her longstanding dedication to female mentorship. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., was also honored for its commitment to career development for female employees.

2017

Women Talk: Yes, All Women! – March 2, 2017
Educational consultant Juliana Mosley, WCU student Lilah Saber and former PA State Representative Barbara McIlvaine Smith led the group through a discussion about how women can leverage commonalities rather than stand divided because of differences.
We Can Do Better – April 24, 2017
Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, in partnership with Downingtown Mayor Josh Maxwell, invited local men to join a select group of local leaders to support ending gender-based violence in Chester County. The event took place at Victory Brewing Company in Downington from 4-5:30 PM.
Making a Difference Luncheon – May 5, 2017
Each year the Making a Difference Luncheon grows in size and popularity. Coming from across the Philadelphia region, generous corporate and individual sponsors, along with enthusiastic attendees, overwhelm CCFWG with their incredible passion and support for our mission.
Women Talk: Women’s Healthcare Panel – June 21, 2017
Seasoned local public health professionals and advocates convened at the CCFWG office for a timely discussion on women’s health, as well as steps we can all take to protect access to vital care and services in our communities. Click here for resources on how to stay updated and involved in local healthcare discussions. You can also access a recording of the panel discussion on our YouTube channel.
Community Fest: Fall Fun Celebrating the Fund – October 14, 2017
CCFWG hosted a community event in celebration of our 20th anniversary of improving the lives of women and girls in Chester County. The family event featured live music, craft vendors, activities for kids, food trucks and local nonprofits eager to share information with residents on how to get involved in their communities. Click here for photos from the day.
Women Talk: Yes, All Women! Part II – October 17, 2017
A follow up to our successful ‘Yes, All Women!’ event last March, this second multi-generational dialogue was led by returning facilitator Juliana Mosley. The event took place at the First Presbyterian Church in West Chester and discussion centered on how women from all generations can leverage commonalities rather than remain divided by differences. Around 45 women from a range of backgrounds and experiences united for conversation on current race and gender topics.

2015-2016

Making a Difference Luncheon – May 6
Business leaders, individuals, and community partners joined to raise needed resources for women and girls. T. Morgan Dixon inspired the audience and Moira Mumma was honored.
The State of Women in Chester County – May 12
This was a morning devoted to exploring women’s issues in our region in relation to business, social service and education. The 2016 Blueprint Report was launched, an in-depth community needs assessment looking at life in Chester County through a gender lens.
Grants Celebration – June 14
In 2016, we awarded $255,000 in grants to 23 Chester County agencies supporting women and girls. We gathered at the Gables at Chadds Ford to celebrate the essential work done by our grantee-partners, who work every day to better the lives of women and girls in our communities.
Pretty Old – April 24
Women and men from across Chester County gathered at the Downingtown Area Senior Center to view Pretty Old, which was “a profound and intimate look into what it truly means to age beautifully.” The film was directed by Walter Matteson, and has received numerous awards, including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Best Documentary Award.
Girl Talk – April 19, 2015
CCFWG joined forces with Minding Your Mind and invited Chester County teens to the Westtown School to learn how to manage stress and anxiety, build healthy relationships, identify the symptoms of depression, challenge perfectionism, and how to help friends. The girls both participated in discussion and heard the inspirational, real-life testimonies of four young women who overcame significant obstacles.
Women Talk
- Nell Rose Phillips from the Resilient Mind spoke to a group of women over lunch about her five keys to surviving stress in December, 2014.
- Chester County women gathered to celebrate Women’s History Month by learning about the women who have shaped our past through discussion and trivia, all while grabbing some lunch in March, 2015.
- Marissa Hammond, a Health and P.E. Instructor joined CCFWG to go inside the mind of a teenager in August, 2015. We discussed what teenage girls are asking about their bodies, sex, and health relationships.
- CCFWG partnered with the “Your Body, Your Rights” program at the ACLU to teach the community about teen’s rights to get healthcare and mental health services in October, 2015. To learn more visit their website.
- Michele Paiva, a wellness professional with over 25 years experience, licensed psychotherapist and yoga therapist, joined CCFWG in December, 2015 to explore how trauma or stress can be a superpower by transferring it to vitality and health. To learn more about Michele’s work visit her website.
- We had a non-partisan discussion of issues affecting women in 2016 and their impact on the upcoming presidential election in March, 2016.
- A nonpartisan panel discussion on key issues for women in this campaign season moderated by Barbara McIlvaine Smith, former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in October, 2016
- A panel discussion about “allyship” in response to heightened concerns of violence, hate and intimidation featuring Rev. Caroline Cupp, Lisa Fraser, Nina Guzman, Homa Tavanger, Aneesah Smith and Dolly Wideman-Scott. See the Action Items and Resources from this panel in December, 2016.
Connection Event
- Women gathered to discuss the concept of power in November, 2015. Colleen Bracken from Bracken Leadership helped us learn what types of power we have, and how we can use that power more effectively to lead and influence.
- We gathered at the Kennett Area Senior Center in March, 2016 for a lively discussion among women across five different generations. Dr. Michele Belliveau, Chair of West Chester University’s Social Work Department helped us explore how women can come together in order to build intergenterational relationships and to create opportunities for each woman to share her own HERstory.
No Woman, No Cry – February 25
Women from across Chester County gathered at West Chester University’s Sykes Theater for conversation and the showing of Christy Turlington Burns’ groundbreaking documentary, No Woman, No Cry. CCFWG Partnered with the Maternal and Child Health Consortium to show this documentary which “seeks to increase dialogue and action on issues of maternal and child health.” A panel followed the movie with representatives from La Comunidad Hispana, Maternal and Child Health Consortium, the Fund, and Chester County.