Editorial | Tribute to Women 'helps to lessen the gap'

The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·3 min read

We’ll let the women who will be honored Thursday at the YWCA Greater Johnstown’s 37th annual Tribute to Women awards speak more eloquently than we could about the value of recognizing women for their professional and community accomplishments.

Lyn Garbarino, co-founder of Westmont Family Counseling Ministries and recipient of the Community Service Volunteer Award, said: “It is too easy to lose sight of all of our accomplishments, and women have a strong role in the growth and development of many categories.

“If we don’t acknowledge women, we lose a sense of history in our area.”

Cathy Seymour, retired director of Cresson Lake Playhouse and recipient of the Arts & Letters Award, said: “I’m at the tail end of the baby boomers, and I was raised at a time when men were far ahead of women in the workplace, and men still are ahead of women, but we’ve made strides.

“This award helps to lessen the gap, and that’s wonderful, because there aren’t that many programs around that specifically honor women and the work they’ve done.”

Marilyn Roseman, professor emeritus at Mount Aloysius College and winner of the Education Award, said: “It’s really wonderful that the YWCA does this because we definitely need women in the limelight more frequently, and not just for people my age who have done things, but for young people and girls coming up to see how important it is to be something in your community or profession.

“If they can see that you get recognition and appreciation for what you’ve done, I think that can be something for them to aspire to as well.”

And Tara Bosserman, president and CEO of the Cambria County Association of the Blind and Handicapped and recipient of the Yellow Rose Award, said: “Most women are humble about the work that we do, and I think the award gives the opportunity for women to stand up and shine in a very special and unique way.”

Also to be honored by the YWCA are:

• Camillya Taylor, recipient of the Business Award and owner of Camille’s House of Styles Salon and Boutique;

• Francine Glass, recipient of the Nonprofit Award and clinical nursing coordinator at the Highlands Health medical clinic;

• Elizabeth Bolton Penna, winner of the Professions Award, member of the Pennsylvania Parole Board and former Cambria County assistant district attorney;

• and Karlice Makuchan, recipient of the STEM Award, retired science teacher and key member of the Garden Club of Johnstown.

While we’re on the topic, we’ll also salute the nine Johnstown-area women who have just been named by Pennsylvania Business Central to its list of Top 2024 Nonprofit Female Leaders.

They are:

• Rosalie Danchanko, executive director of Highlands Health;

• Susan Mann, president of the 1889 Foundation;

• Debbi Prosser, director of business development at the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission;

• Natalie Kauffman, executive director of the Cambria County Drug Coalition;

• Jeannine McMillan, executive director of the Center for Population Health;

• Andrea Schurr, marketing and public relations manager for Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries;

• Leah Spangler, founder and CEO of The Learning Lamp and Ignite Education Solutions;

• Angela R. Godin, executive director of the Community Arts Center of Cambria County;

• and Bosserman.

Congratulations to all.