“It is truly such a rewarding experience to help someone find their way, or give them support, or sometimes just to lend an ear to listen and to let them know that they will succeed and find the right role,” said Darcie. 

Her dedication to PA Women Work’s mission has since expanded. Now, Darcie also supports events and fundraising. She is a member of the Volunteer Ambassador Council, and she generously donates monthly through The Coffee Club.

“PA Women Work strives to find meaningful employment for women looking to return to or gain access to the workplace,” said Darcie. “That’s a mission that I am proud to  support!”

Thank you, Darcie, for joining our team as a donor and volunteer. Your connection and commitment to our organization make a life-long impact. 

After Vanessa’s husband passed away in 2012, she needed to support herself and her four daughters. She put herself through college, earning a B.A in Government Affairs, while working full-time and caring for her children. 

As Vanessa was about to graduate, she came across an ad for PA Women Work’s 3 Cups of Coffee program, and decided to enroll. “My mentor helped me focus on where I wanted to go and helped me work through the issues I was having applying for jobs,” Vanessa shared. 

During her mentorship, Vanessa landed a job as a city manager and was able to provide for her family. However, in 2022 she was laid off and again found herself uncertain about her next steps. 

Vanessa came back to PA Women Work, this time enrolling in New Choices. With the help of her class facilitator, Vanessa explored the many career possibilities her degree and experience afforded her. “New Choices helped me evaluate who I was. The class gave me the confidence to apply for a job that I previously would have thought was out of reach,” she said.

Vanessa is now employed at Olympus Energy in a job she loves. Her experience with PA Women Work has come full circle. Vanessa recently represented her company at our Power Up Connections networking event, and she gives back to help others as a monthly giver through our Coffee Club. “I am where I am today because of PA Women Work. I’m so happy to be able to give back.” 

PA Women Work’s Board of Directors is instrumental to the success of our organization. Not only do board members attend our events and bring in family, friends, and colleagues to expand our impact and reach, they advise us on our most important decisions, provide critical strategic oversight, and offer their expertise in countless ways.

As this fiscal year comes to an end, we say goodbye to four of our board members, all of whom served on committees, donated generously and made a difference here at PA Women Work. We want to extend a special thank you to Amanda Cole, Dawna Fisher, Marcia Oglan, and Julie Wiles for your time and dedication.

Julianna (Anna) Rohac, an Integrated Campaign Coordinator at BNY Mellon, has been an invaluable asset to PA Women Work since September 2023. She participated in December’s PowerUp Connections networking event and actively serves on the PA Women Work Volunteer and Ambassador  Council.

Introduced to PA Women Work through the 3 Cups of Coffee mentoring program as a mentee, Julianna has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the organization’s mission. Having the support of mentorship during her career transition, she is now enthusiastic about contributing to the community that played a pivotal role in her professional journey.

Julianna encourages others to join PA Women Work, praising its mission and the various avenues available for involvement. Whether as a mentor, a member of the volunteer and ambassador council, or a donor, she believes there’s a role for everyone. 

“I’m a big believer in investing in the community you’re in, and having the opportunity to support the community I live in is really important and fulfilling to me,” said Julianna.

Julianna’s dedication and multifaceted contributions exemplify the spirit of volunteerism that fuels PA Women Work’s mission. As a beacon of support and inspiration, her journey showcases the transformative power of giving back to the community.

A Pittsburgh native, Maple Chen, Manager of Omni Business Strategies at Aerie, was eager to give back to the city that she loves. After graduating from college in 2017, she went to work for American Eagle Outfitters (AEO).

Last year, Maple learned that AEO was a strong supporter of PA Women Work through volunteerism and grant funding. She was inspired to get involved after learning more about the organization. “This is an organization I want to be a part of,” she thought. Shortly after, Maple signed up as a volunteer mentor through the 3 Cups of Coffee program. “My involvement in the program helps me strengthen the community I am trying to build in the city.”

Maple recognizes the importance of support and mentorship during all phases of a professional career, and feels she can offer mentees information based on her experiences and cheer them on as they move ahead with their career goals. “It’s nice to get other’s perspectives at different stages in your life and career,” said Maple. “With my most recent mentee, we learned a lot from each other. ”

Additionally, she sees her participation in 3 Cups of Coffee as an opportunity to meet more working women and grow as a professional, herself. “Give 3 Cups of Coffee a try, it’s nice to expand your professional network,” said Maple.

Thank you to Maple for her continued volunteerism, and a special thank you to the AEO Foundation for their support of our 3 Cups of Coffee GRAD program.